I'm very interested in the new GX and I have a question regarding the press releases that Lexus has out on the new GX. They clearly mark their images with a note "prototype vehicle shown." That said, historically speaking, how much has changed from their previous prototype releases as compared to the actual production model released to the market? I ask because while I do like the vehicle, there is some room for luxury enhancements with the interior that looks fairly bare bones for a $70K+ vehicle.

 

We are unlikely to see major changes to the interior. By this point, the designs are nearly complete and the vendors are creating tooling, fixtures & jigs.

That language is just so Lexus can have an "out" if they do happen to change anything.

What could they change? I think the most likely would be changes to what features are in which trim levels.
For example: If they decide to remove the 3rd row seat in the base model, they would use the plastic trim pieces from the Overland to cover up the mounting holes, remove the seat folding switches and insert plastic blanks, and update the software so the computer doesn't think it has one anymore (probably just setting a flag since the Overland doesn't have it). This is much easier than adding anything new.

If they do decide to do something like offer an Executive package, it probably wouldn't happen until the mid-model refresh in about 3-4 years.

Chip H.