The Australian off-road landscape will receive a potent mix of rugged capability, torque-rich turbocharged performance and practical luxury when Lexus introduces the all-new GX large 4×4 SUV expected around mid-year.
The new GX has been designed for global markets and is the first time the nameplate will be seen in Australia; offering customers seven-seat flexibility, a rugged yet refined exterior, welcoming luxury and genuine off-road and towing capability in three distinctive grades.
The range opens with the seven-seat GX 550 Luxury, with customers able to upgrade to the GX 550 Sports Luxury version which offers more luxury and omotenashi comfort features.
For those looking to take their GX into serious off-road environments, the GX 550 Overtrail – positioned in between Luxury and Sports Luxury – provides enhanced 4×4 capability with unique features.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the all-new GX is perfect for adventure-focused Lexus customers wanting a luxurious and tough SUV that can take the entire family deep into the outdoors.
“Lexus is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our customers, and the GX provides a seven-seat solution for families while offering fantastic turbocharged off-road performance,” Mr Pappas said.
“We are also delighted to offer the unique Overtrail grade for those wanting rugged off-road capability as the number one priority.”
The entry Luxury’s spacious and flexible cabin provides its seating for seven across three rows, with leather-accented seat upholstery available in either dark grey or black finish.
It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and has a full-size spare tyre, LED lighting including headlamps with dynamic auto-levelling, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler and flush roof rails.
Both front seats feature eight-way adjustment with lumbar and memory functions, along with a three-level (Low-Mid-High) heating temperature control and seat ventilation. The outboard seats of the 60:40 split-folding second row are also heated for extra comfort, with three-zone automatic climate control providing precise temperature adjustment for all occupants.
The third-row seats may be folded away at the push of a button, with a powered tailgate and fold-out glass hatch adding further convenience.
Connectivity on the GX 550 Luxury comes in the form of a 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, 10-speaker audio system, 12.3-inch digital multi-information display and colour head-up display.
Ample charging options include five USB-C ports, a 12V front and 220V rear socket and a Qi wireless charger.
A full suite of Lexus Safety Sense active safety technologies are included across the GX range for maximum occupant protection, along with a panoramic view monitor, tyre pressure monitor, and nine SRS airbags.
For customers requiring an even more luxurious experience, Lexus offers the GX 550 Sports Luxury grade with added specification and comfort highlights.
From the outside, Sports Luxury is distinguished by its 22-inch alloy wheels, high-grade headlamps with the Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS), auto-extending side steps and fixed panoramic roof.
Sports Luxury seats are upholstered in higher grade semi-aniline leather-accented trim, with a unique ornamentation and instrument panel finish, digital rearview mirror and multi-colour ambient interior illumination.
Drivers gain a 10-way adjustable seat with massage function given to both front occupants, as well as a refrigerated centre storage unit and heated steering ensuring ultimate driving comfort all year round.
The sophisticated Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system helps improve on-road handling for Sports Luxury while simultaneously enhancing ride comfort worthy of a luxury SUV, and expands drive modes from three to five for further personalisation.
The audio experience in the Sports Luxury is ened with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system for excellent sound reproduction.
The GX 550 Overtrail grade, meanwhile, offers inspired off-road performance with a number of mechanical and specification enhancements to help customers tackle the toughest Aussie terrain.
Overtrail includes AVS, a rear locking differential and the electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS) which allows for increased wheel articulation and improved tyre grip over uneven surfaces.
eKDSS is augmented with the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) off-road traction control system, a Multi-Terrain Monitor for complete vision around the vehicle, Downhill Assist Control and multi-stage Crawl Control. It also has a larger alternator to run ancillaries.
Overtrail is clearly differentiated by its rugged exterior styling, including black 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, extended wheelarch mouldings, unique bumpers, black trim elements and bridge-type roof rails.
Available in five-seat configuration only, Overtrail adds olive green Ultrasuede accents and stitching on the front seats, stiffer seat bases with softer side bolsters, unique door ornamentation, garnish and finish, an additional card-shaped smart key designed to fit neatly into the owner’s wallet and a refrigerated cool box.
All GX variants are powered by the same smooth and commanding 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing 260kW from 4800-5200rpm, and a strong 650Nm of torque from 2000-3600rpm.
Power is channelled through a 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and second start function, driving all four wheels though a full-time 4WD system with low-range gearing and a locking centre differential.
A full 3500kg braked towing capacity is offered on Luxury and Overtrail, and 3130kg on Sports Luxury.
Australian customers may select from seven exterior colours for the Luxury and Sports Luxury, while Overtrail is offered with two single-colour finishes and four two-tone colours featuring a black roof.
