First Drive: Lexus 550 GX

First Drive: Lexus 550 GX

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An exceptional car is a rarity in the modern automotive world. Cars are becoming more advanced, but with this massive leap in automotive technology, care and precision appear to be taking a back seat for a few brands. Lexus, on the other hand, is returning from a brief hiatus with an impressive lineup of new vehicles, the most recent of which is the 550 GX.

On the surface, the GX looks striking and modern, but under its skin sits a seriously capable platform. It's not surprising that Lexus's newest off-road vehicle is based on the Prado platform, so we know it'll be a force to be reckoned with on the trails. Although it has the capability, it’s a Lexus, so there needs to be a luxury element, and the GX has found the perfect balance.

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V6 grunt

Before we begin to unpack the newest product from the private school department of Toyota, this car blew my expectations out of the water, and the first element which ignited my new and sudden obsession with Lexus was this new 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6. When a brand releases a car like the GX with only one engine option, one that is only available in petrol, they must provide a seriously impressive engine, which they did.

To achieve the 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds in a larger SUV, you need a wholesome supply of power. In this case, 260kW and 650Nm of torque provide an engaging and thrilling on-road driving experience, and the noise it produces under acceleration would put most modern sportscars to shame. It rips off the line and overtakes with ease, and that's before we get into the off-road obstacles this car was designed to overcome. Unfortunately, because it is petrol-powered, you must have a slightly heavier right foot to deliver the torque required to scale any obstacle, but believe me, there is more than enough power on tap to take on even the most difficult trail. It is a touch on the thirsty side with a claimed 12.3l/100km consumption. In practice, a very light foot can achieve those results, but for the average user, it will likely drink in the region of 14.5 litres for every 100km travelled.

A masterclass in hydraulic suspension

Due to the niche space this car resides in, you will notice a recurring comparison between the GX and the Land Rover Defender. Both are exceptional adventure vehicles, but I think the Defender might need to guard its crown, as the GX deviates from the norm, offering features that might appeal more to certain buyers. This comes from someone who's had somewhat of a love affair with the Defender last year. The first and more impressive topic of comparison is suspension.

My first impression of the GX's driving dynamics was, of course, how glorious the V6 was, but what became almost as immediately apparent was the ride quality. My first question was about the possibility of the GX sitting on air suspension. It is exceptionally smooth while challenging many of the appealing qualities that make the Defender a standout off-roader in its segment. However, the GX has hydraulic suspension, and I'm not sure how Lexus managed to pull off such a smooth ride both on and off the road, but I'm impressed.

Body-on-frame magic

The Prado donated its platform to the GX, and as a result, this SUV is more off-road focused than its suburban exterior suggests. With that comes its body-on-frame design, which would normally reveal a number of old-school 4x4 characteristics, but the engineering, which focuses on providing a premium driving experience combined with a ridiculously capable structure, provides a balance of everything you'll need in a daily off-roader.

Let's run through some numbers. At the front, the GX has an approach angle of 27 degrees and a breakover angle of 23 degrees, while at the rear, it boasts a departure angle of 22 degrees, plus a ground clearance of 250mm. It's definitely capable, but after putting it through the wringer, it became clear that the GX tackles obstacles with little regard for its luxury angle – obstacles that I wouldn’t dream of tackling in a number of 4x4-focused bakkies. Alongside the added benefit of all-terrain tyres on the Overtrail, the rear- and centre-locking diffs and crawl- and hill-descent control functions ensure you are in control at all times.

The crawl function is quite interesting, as it fulfils the role of an advanced hill-descent assistant for rock crawling and steep inclines. You simply stop, press the button, set the speed, and the car will take care of the rest. By simply turning the driving mode dial, you can adjust your speed with precision. Lastly, a sophisticated array of cameras gives you an in-depth look at the terrain you might otherwise not be able to see below. I'd seen a lot of these off-road cameras before, but none of them matched the GX's visual coverage.

City looks

The Lexus GX is a premium SUV, so naturally, its appearance is important. Fortunately, it doesn't disappoint in this regard. From a distance, its silhouette cuts familiar-looking British lines. However, closer inspection reveals its Prado backbone wrapped in a gorgeously modern look that is quintessentially Lexus.

Of course, the interior must match and even surpass the exterior appearance, which it does. It's a rather simple interior with a well-integrated screen that retains an older feel with an array of dials, buttons, and switches for off-road modes. The cabin is a roomy and comfortable space, with plenty of room for all occupants to stretch out whilst providing a pleasant aesthetic to all passengers. I personally think that the Defender's interior captures the adventurous look with greater emphasis, whilst the GX retains its Japanese minimalistic purity with robust technological advantages.

A premium price tag

It should come as little surprise that the GX isn’t a cheap investment in either of its two offerings. First up is the off-road-focused model called the 550 GX Overtrail, and it will set you back R1,766,000. Don't be fooled into thinking that the Overtrail is the stripped-down, rugged off-road option; it comes fully equipped as a base model, with smaller wheels for bigger and better all-terrain tyres, rock sliders, and a rear diff lock. It is, however, only a 5-seater.

The second option is the 550 GX SE, which is aimed at lifestyle buyers looking for a smooth and bold city run-around with incredible highway capability that can accommodate the entire family. This 7-seater option includes larger wheels, dark grey or tan interior colours, retractable side steps, massaging seats, and a 21-speaker system instead of the Overtrail's 10-speaker unit. This package will set you back R1,829,000. An off-road model is in the works and will be announced shortly.

Now let's chat about its competitor. The Defender, in its most basic 110 D250 S configuration, starts at R1,669,100, but considering power figures and spec level, the 550 GX would be more comparable to the 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE. This is a more plush offering in the Defender lineup, notably featuring a larger engine output similar to that of the 550 GX. It will set you back R1,904,600, which may make the GX seem more appealing due to its lower price.

The verdict

Few cars have impressed me to the extent of the GX. It’s a well-thought-out adventure SUV which ticks all the right boxes. It's capable off-road and will likely upset a number of Land Rover enthusiasts with its ability to cruise over obstacles. It's smooth on gravel, absorbing most shocks and vibrations with ease, and the ride quality on the open road is up to par for a Lexus, while the engine is glorious both in terms of sound and power.

But most of all, it's got Toyota DNA, so it's bound to outlive most, especially in its weight class. The only notable drawback I discovered was that this engine is thirsty, and there will be no diesel option. Even so, the GX is one of the more impressive vehicles to arrive in the last year, and it is ideal if you are looking for something plush and with confidence-inspiring longevity.

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