The Lexus GX range has been launched in South Africa, a first for the local market. It is the luxury cousin of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado as it shares the same platform.

While South Africa did not receive previous generations of the Lexus GX, the new GX550 has an updated powertrain with modern touches and a more rugged appearance.

The GX has been available to the US, EU and Asian markets for more than two decades, with the original GX model making its debut in 2002.

Lexus GX models and prices

The GX line-up has two Overtrail models, and an SE, with an Off-Road version slated for later this year.

The Lexus GX550 launch line-up is as follows:

  • Overtrail 3.5T (5 seater): R1 766 000
  • Overtrail 3.5T bi-tone (5 seater): R1 776 200
  • SE 3.5T (7 seater): R1 829 000

The GX comes with a 7 year/100 000km warranty and full maintenance plan. The service window is every 10 000km or once a year.

I’m still fairly new to the Lexus brand and it is of interest due to its tech-forward approach and future NEV direction. Lexus plans to become a 100% NEV brand by 2030.

At the local GX launch, Lexus said it is not ruling out an NEV variant of the GX in future, which makes sense when you look at its NX line-up, where we attended the PHEV launch.

I found the profile of the GX customer, according to Lexus, interesting. They are targeting predominantly males between the 35-49 year age group, who are into luxury (naturally), high performance and of course, an interest in 4x4s and off-roading.

Basically, a Defender or X5 customer. But, as someone who is drawn to the likes of a Defender, I much prefer the 5-door version of the GX.

Under the hood

The GX 4-wheel drive is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine that has an output of 260kW and 650Nm of torque. It is mated to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. These petrol engines have a claimed fuel consumption of 12.3L per 100km.

Driving modes include Comfort, Custom, Sport S, Sport+ selections.

According to Lexus SA, the upcoming Off Road model with pricing TBC, will have a roof rack, side gear carrier, wall-weather floor mat, trunk liner, detachable tow-bar, tow hitch cover, rock rails and a bash plate.

Lexus GX Exterior

The GX has a body-on-frame construction with additions to improve its stability, handling and performance.

I quite like its bold look, and for context, it is a huge vehicle that you can’t exactly ignore on the roads.

Lexus GX

It features the Lexus signature spindle grille and LED headlamps with an intentionally higher positioned headlights to prevent damage on some of the more rugged terrains.

Lexus GX Interior

The GX on the inside combines luxury with functionality. There’s a large 14-inch infotainment display in the centre, positioned quite high, and a full digital instrument cluster.

The cabin layout is well thought of, with interesting touches, like covering up ports for a more seamless look. There’s plenty of buttons for those who prefer a tactile feel of a cabin, and lots of storage, including a mini fridge in the centre console by the arm rest.

Other tech finishes include USB-C ports, head-up display, Lexus Premium 10 speaker system on the Overtrail and Mark Levison 25 speaker setup on the SE; front seat heat heater/ventilation and massaging seats on the SE, rear ventilation controls and 12V front and 220V rear power.

As mentioned earlier, there is a 5-seater Overtrail option with a 1063L boot capacity; and 7-seater SE option with a 171L luggage space capacity with all seats up.

Lexus GX Overtrail vs. SE

In summary, the 5-seater Overtrail has 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tyres, a 20mm wider tread and reinforced under protector to push the vehicle to its limits.

It has an electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system (e-KDSS) and multi-terrain select (MTS) that includes six modes: auto, dirt, sand, mud, deep snow and rock.

Meanwhile, the SE model is a 7-seater that has a power back door with a kick sensor, auto-retractable side step rails that makes it easy to enter and exit the vehicle, and a solid roof rail.

The cabin is finished off with leather and massaging seats, and a Mark Levison premium sound system with a Panoramic View Monitor assists for tight spots.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The GX is equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System including its Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

First Impressions

My first impressions of the new GX was that it is a massive vehicle, but a luxurious one that is very capable. I found it to have an ergonomic cabin, with everything easily accessible despite being a large cabin.

The drive on the highways and dirt roads allowed for me test various driving modes, while appreciating the comfort and a quiet cabin. On the dirt roads, the car comfortably “cruised” at  between 70-90km/h without feeling the unevenness of the terrains.

The GX makes long road trips a very comfortable, welcoming one, even if you don’t like driving. And if you’re into proper 4×4-ing, the vehicle can handle it all.

We experienced a bit of if, rotating between 3 drivers on a stretch to put the 4×4 features to the test on the Overtrail and I felt confident in the car and its capabilities. While the launch drives are short and only offer a first impression, mine was a good one as it mixed a bit of luxury, off-roading and tech to make things comfortable.

Given the pricing, target market, and the fact that Lexus is a niche brand to begin with, Lexus SA also shared that it intends to sell a mere 380 units of the GX for 2025. Well, this is its target for the year, and based on demand, may increase capacity, subject to availability.

As a luxury vehicle, the Lexus GX has all the bells and whistles, there’s no ticking boxes with extras, here. You pay the price to get it all.