It may be best-known for building value-packed rivals to challenge the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, but it seems Lexus has its eyes on some new competition.
The all-new Lexus GX550 is the Japanese brand’s rugged new addition that takes aim at the likes of the Land Rover Defender, Ineos Grenadier and the like, giving buyers looking for both a luxury SUV and an off-roader the option to have both elements in one vehicle.
While on the surface it’s all Lexus, with a bold and dramatic appearance that gives it real presence even when standing still, it’s what’s underneath that really makes the GX so appealing. Unlike so many European luxury SUVs that look tough but lack substance, the GX is based on the same TNGA-F ladder frame chassis that underpins some of the toughest and most capable off-roaders on the market; namely the latest Toyota LandCruiser 250 Series (aka Prado), LandCruiser 300 Series and Tundra.
These underpinnings endow the GX with genuine off-road ability, despite its 20-inch alloy wheels and LED lights.
But dismissing the GX as a Prado in a suit would be foolish. Every element you see and touch is all-Lexus. The interior is a cut-above what the Prado offers, rather than the utilitarian Toyota, the Lexus is a genuine luxury vehicle inside.
For starters there’s a darker, more premium design, highlighted by the huge central infotainment screen. The interior is trimmed in Nulux, a synthetic leather, which may not be the genuine article but looks and feels soft and durable.
We drove the ‘entry-grade’ model, the GX550 Luxury, and it was hard to notice anything it obviously lacked. Alloy wheels, moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats and more all make it feel like you were in something special.
But while the GX550 shares its chassis with the Prado, under the bonnet it’s a very different story. The GX range is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, rather than the 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel. This V6 petrol engine offers up 260kW of power and 650Nm of torque, which provides smooth and easy performance despite the GX being a sizeable beast.
The only downside of this potent engine is the fuel economy is rated at 12.3L/100km, which is thirsty. And the issue is compounded by the 80-litre fuel tank, meaning the range is limited to 650km, which isn’t ideal if you’re planning a long road trip into regional areas.
In the urban jungle, though, the GX550 feels right at home. You have a commanding view of the road and the off-road tuned suspension means it soaks up speed bumps and any potholes without missing a beat.
Just as importantly as the comfortable ride, the GX handles with surprising precision for such a big, off-road capable SUV. It never feels ponderous or floaty, instead it has a poise to it and offers well-behaved manners to the driver.
There’s one final party trick the GX offers to make its arrival in the Lexus range a significant event. With the similar-sized, but on-road focused RX SUV no longer available with a seven-seat layout, the GX steps up to fill that role.
The option to have seven-seats, albeit with a relatively tight third row, will make this an appealing proposition to family buyers with or without any off-road aspirations. It gives the GX a Swiss Army knife level of versatility, making it appealing to a broad variety of drivers with diverse interests.
All this bandwidth doesn’t comes ‘cheap’, but the $116,000 asking price for the GX550 Luxury looks pretty competitive against the $99,990 Prado Kakadu, $107,541 Land Rover Defender, $137,600 BMW X5 and $155,976 Lexus LX500.
Lexus took a slow and steady approach to take on the ‘big three’ German luxury brands but it has worked. The GX is just the latest in an expanded line-up of compelling luxury vehicles that compete on quality just as much as value with anything else in the premium market.
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