After a series of teasers, Lexus has finally taken the covers off the all-new third-gen GX SUV that replaces the second-gen model that was revealed back in 2010. The new Lexus GX SUV is a grounds-up fresh vehicle with new underpinnings, body shell, interior, powertrains and off-road gear.
- New GX 550 to go on sale in North America first
- Shares platform with Toyota LC 300, LX SUVs
- Gets new Overtrail off-road variants
Lexus GX SUV now sits on TNGA-F platform
The new Lexus GX continues with the traditional body-on-frame set-up and sits on the latest TNGA-F modular ladder frame architecture that underpins the LX and the Land Cruiser. A derivative of the same TNGA-F platform underpins the recently unveiled Toyota Tacoma pickup, and will also form the basis of the next-gen Toyota Hilux and Fortuner SUV.
Lexus GX SUV looks meaner and rugged
The new Lexus GX 550's styling is more squarish and butch than the outgoing car, and it also looks more chiselled. The exterior styling includes a lot of cuts and creases on all sides that have been blended well with the trademark Lexus spindle grille. The windshield is less angular and more upright, but the overall glasshouse is quite angular at the sides.
Lexus GX SUV new Overtrail line-up introduced
The new GX, apart from its regular chrome-laden trims, will also get two off-road focused variants – Overtrail and Overtrail+. These come with black accents on the fenders and grille, and an aluminum skid plate. 18-inch wheels are standard and tyre package includes 33 inchers. These variants come with crawl control, downhill assist control, 3D multi-terrain monitor and Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension, which provides additional wheel articulation for better off-road performance. The top-spec Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ gets better seating with massage function and a power-extending cushion.
Lexus GX SUV interior and features
Contrary to its rugged and butch exterior, the new GX's cabin is loaded with luxury and tech. It gets an all-new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a massive 14-inch touchscreen infotainment that sits bang in the centre of the dashboard. Lexus has provided dials to control HVAC and audio, and buttons to operate 4WD gear. Customers can also opt for a heads-up display in some variants.
Two seating configurations are on offer, a six passenger setup that gets captain's chairs for the second row and a seven passenger layout that has a bench seat for the second row.
Lexus GX SUV: powertrain, off-road gear
The new GX will go on sale in North America first and gets a twin-turbocharged 349hp, 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to a ten-speed automatic gearbox.
The GX gets full-time four-wheel drive and a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential as standard. The electronically controlled transfer case shifts between 4WD High and 4WD Low, with the Overtrail range also getting a locking rear differential.
Lexus GX SUV will be sold in more markets than before
The new GX, for the first time, will go on sale in markets like Australia and Japan, which means it will get a right-hand drive version too. There are talks of more engine options, including a diesel variant that could be introduced in the future. While it is not confirmed yet, we expect Lexus to bring the new GX to India as well.
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