There was always the sense that the Lexus GX was overshadowed by its more popular sibling, the LX. It had similar power and luxury, albeit in a slightly smaller and more affordable package. But ever since Biggie rapped about the “LX four and a half” back in 1997, the LX has always been the premier Lexus SUV, and it has never been dethroned. Yet.
Idling in front of me is the all-new GX550, the first GX in 14 years. That’s a long time, even by automotive standards. Other models could have come out with two complete life cycles in that time period. The GX550 is related to the Toyota model that broke the internet a few weeks ago, the LC250. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, reportedly with 349hp and 649Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic.
In the metal the GX550 is tall and imposing. The high ground clearance gives it an impressive stance, a clear indication of its off-road capability. It has a blocky design that gives it a chunky, outdoorsy look. I thought the square profile would echo popular 4x4s like the classic Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class. But the GX doesn’t look like them. Lexus created a distinct look that sets this apart from its competitors. The GX doesn’t even look like its Lexus siblings.
Our test drive today has no on-road test, just off-road courses. That being the case the dress code called for all-terrain tires. The fat rubber matched the broad body of the GX, and I think you have to be a serious aftermarket guy to upgrade these tires.
Before getting behind the wheel, the instructor does a round to show what the course is like. The GX has myriad off-road controls, much more than the typical turbodiesel SUV. First the GX is set to L4 (four-wheel drive, low gear), then they show me the Multi-Terrain Selector (Sand, Snow, Mud, and Rock). Then it turns out you don’t have to worry about which terrain to select because there’s an Auto function that will allow the GX to understand road conditions automatically.
The GX also has a new E-KDSS system, or Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The E-KDSS can deactivate the stabilizer bars to give the GX better wheel articulation. And when they’re activated they supposedly give the GX a stable on-road ride. Nifty stuff.
I get behind the wheel and I face a path that looks like two massive ruts and a large mound in between. The mound is tall and will surely beach a crossover. I hear nothing graze the GX under chassis as I drive over them.
Then the interactive display on the main 14-inch infotainment screen shows the GX550’s front left and rear right tire glowing orange, indicating that the GX is braking them and transferring power so that we can still move forward. The GX tilts heavily to one side but still feels in control.
The 14-inch screen also gives a camera view of what’s in front and under the GX face. I can see an overlay of the two front tires, and a clear view of the ground ahead.
After a quick u-turn there is one more quick obstacle. This path is made up of big rocks, nothing else. I toggle the crawl mode, and on another knob I choose between 1-5kph. I let go of the brakes and inch forward. My foot is off the accelerator, and all I do is steer and aim for the two Lexus flags that serve as a guide. The flags are needed because when the car tilts up all you can see from the windshield is sky. The GX pitches dramatically left and right, but somehow the cabin is still comfortable. Either the off-road electronic nannies are working or it’s just the good suspension.
Years ago I was told by veteran off-roaders not to put my thumbs inside the steering wheel, because if the front wheels suddenly hit a rock, like the ones under us now, the rapid reactionary flick of the steering wheel could break your thumbs. But the GX mitigates that situation, and the instructor said it’s okay to put your thumbs in.
So at 1kph I crawl over a small mountain of rocks, looking at the terrain underneath through the 14-inch screen. And then it was over with the GX not breaking a sweat. Again I didn’t hear anything scrape underneath.
There are other 4x4 SUVs that can do this, but it’s the way the GX accomplishes it that sets it apart. I am driving a prototype unit, and I see some inconsistencies inside the cabin finish. But it still feels premium and, well, Lexus. I was not able to drive it on asphalt, but the GX promises the kind of versatility on and off the road that few vehicles can do well—even at this expected price range. I’m sure the previous GX was good off-road, but not this good.
And the looks, wow. I spent a couple of minutes just ogling this blocky beauty at first sight, walking slowly around it and soaking in the details.
What Lexus has managed to do is finally give the GX a truly distinct character from the LX. Because of its looks and capabilities, the GX can appeal to a different market than its bigger brother. But I wouldn’t be surprised if more customers lined up for the GX.
Gird your loins, Lexus Philippines. The line for this one is going to be legendary.
