Lexus has rolled out its GX 550 in South Africa, marking a fresh chapter for the brand in the premium off-road SUV market. Combining robust engineering with refined elegance, the vehicle aims to cater to both city commuters and wilderness enthusiasts, promising versatility without compromising on sophistication.
Joining Lexus’s established SUV family — including the flagship LX, the RX, the electric RZ, the mid-size NX, and the compact UX — the GX 550 expands the lineup with its focus on rugged capability. Each model shares Lexus’s signature attention to detail, tailored to diverse driving preferences.
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While the GX has been a stalwart in markets like North America and Eurasia for over two decades, its South African debut signals a strategic expansion. The first-generation GX 470, launched in 2002, fused Toyota Land Cruiser Prado durability with upscale comfort. Its successor, the GX 460 (2009), introduced advanced off-road tech, while a 2019 redesign sharpened its aesthetics and safety credentials. The latest iteration builds on this heritage, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation.
Constructed on the GA-F platform, the GX 550 retains a body-on-frame architecture but adds modern tweaks for improved stability and handling. Its muscular silhouette features a squared bonnet, pulled-back front pillars, and a wider stance, enhancing both aesthetics and off-road agility. Practical touches include high-set LED headlights and radiator cooling ducts to shield against terrain damage, while the spindle grille adds a touch of Lexus’s signature flair.
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Lexus South Africa, notes the SUV’s dual appeal: “The GX merges Lexus’s luxury craftsmanship with serious off-road capability. The Overtrail variant, with its reinforced underbody and terrain management systems, is engineered for South Africa’s toughest landscapes. Meanwhile, the SE grade’s seven-seat flexibility caters to families needing space without sacrificing style.”
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Inside, the GX 550’s cabin balances luxury with functionality. The driver-centric Tazuna cockpit offers intuitive controls, a 14-inch touchscreen, and a digital instrument cluster. Premium materials and an airy layout create a calming atmosphere, with optional semi-aniline leather seats and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system elevating the experience. The Overtrail variant adds durable, weather-resistant finishes, ensuring practicality for adventurers.
Under the bonnet, a 3,5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine delivers 260kW and 650Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for seamless acceleration. The SUV’s suspension geometry and Electric Power Steering (EPS) have been fine-tuned for responsive handling, whether navigating rocky trails or motorways. Rigorous testing across extreme climates—from icy tundras to arid deserts—underpins its reliability.
The Overtrail variant stands out with 18-inch all-terrain tyres, a widened tread, and an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for optimal wheel articulation. Its Multi-Terrain Select system offers six driving modes, adapting to surfaces from mud to rock. For urban settings, noise-reduction tech and adaptive suspension ensure a serene ride.
Lexus’s latest safety suite includes a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. A Panoramic View Monitor aids tight manoeuvres, reflecting the brand’s commitment to driver confidence.
The Overtrail sub-brand, available locally on the GX and LX, bridges luxury and off-road grit. Inspired by a philosophy of sustainable exploration, it encourages owners to embrace the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Bi-tone paint options, such as Titanium Sonic or Desert Moonlight, accentuate its bold character.
The GX palette ranges from White Quartz to Graphite Black, with SE models featuring Mercury Grey. Overtrail’s bi-tone designs add contrasting black roofs and mirrors for a striking visual edge.
Chief Engineer Koji Tsukasaki emphasises the GX’s transformative ethos: “It’s crafted to excel off-road while retaining Lexus’s refined comfort.” Takumi experts Kazuyuki Ueno and Shuichi Ozaki highlight rigorous testing and dynamic tuning, ensuring prowess across all terrains.
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The GX 550 embodies Lexus’s vision of adventurous luxury, inviting drivers to explore beyond the ordinary. With its blend of rugged engineering, tech innovation, and opulent design, it challenges conventions in the premium SUV segment—proving that exploration and elegance need not be mutually exclusive.
As Lexus expands its Overtrail initiative, the focus remains on harmonising luxury with environmental stewardship, urging drivers to venture further while treading lightly. Whether traversing urban jungles or untamed wilderness, the GX 550 promises to turn every journey into an extraordinary narrative.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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