TORRANCE, California — Expect a hefty price increase on the 2010 Lexus GX 460 over the model it replaces, the outgoing 2009 Lexus GX 470. The 2010 GX 460 will start at $52,845, including a $875 destination charge, a $4,345 increase over the GX 470. The GX 460 arrives in dealerships in late December.

The new GX 460 was unveiled on Monday at the 2009 Guangzhou Auto Show in China. It will make its North American premiere at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

Lexus said that, for the first time, the GX will be offered in two grades. The uplevel Premium model starts at $57,640, including destination.

In comparison, the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 starts at $49,650, including a $750 destination charge. The Touareg 2 is equipped with a 350-horsepower 4.2-liter V8. The 2009 Acura MDX with a technology package starts at $45,850, including an $810 destination charge. The MDX gets the 300-hp 3.7-liter V6.

The redesigned GX 460 gets a raft of upgrades, including a 38-hp boost. The GX 460 is equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 — hence the name change — that produces 301 hp and 329 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The outgoing 2009 GX 470 is equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 that delivers 263 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. It is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The GX 460 also gets a new standard power fold-flat third row seat and 10 airbags, Lexus said. Other standard features include heated and ventilated front seats, 10 airbags, a rear back-up camera and full-time four-wheel drive. Luxury options include a heated steering wheel and heated outer second-row seats.

Inside Line says: A price increase goes along with the improvements to Lexus's top-tier SUV. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent