CARVERSAL

Who doesn't like big, bad and bulky SUV with Dinosaur like presence on the road. These SUVs clearly state that, your purchase is not gimmicky - your purchase is not fancy, your purchase has a purpose to serve. Lexus GX and even for the matter Land Cruiser Prado, these SUVs will never let you down or have you regret them standing in your garage. Our todays talk is about the Lexus GX though.  After a couple of teasers, Lexus has released its new third-generation GX SUV that replaces the previous-gen released in 2010. The new Lexus GX 500 is completely redesigned with a new platform, body, interior, and features.

The New Overtrail Offroad Package

The Lexus GX, apart from its regular trims, will also get two new off-road variants named- Overtrail and Overtrail+. These will come with black accents on the fenders and grille, with an aluminum skid plate at its side. 18-inch alloys and a tire package of 33-inch offroad thread come standard. These variants include crawl control, downhill assist, 3D multi-terrain monitor, and Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension. The top-spec Overtrail+ gets better seating with a massage function and power-extending cushion.

External Design Cues

The Lexus GX 550 is styled to look more bulky and chiseled, giving off a professional yet meaner look. The SUV's exterior includes many cuts and creases that blend well with Lexus’s signature spindle grille. The windshield of the SUV is less streamlined and is more uptight, giving off a non-performance-based offroad SUV vibe.

The GX’s side profile is more or less flatter and straighter compared to its previous generation, apart from the upward kink at the rear-passenger door window. These design details could also feature in the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

The car's rear profile features tail lamps placed horizontally and connected with an LED strip and get prominent Lexus lettering. The rear windshield and tailgate are also upright.

Interior and Features

On the Inside, the Lexus GX comes loaded with tech and features. It has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the dashboard. Lexus has also provided dials to control the HVAC, audio, and buttons to operate the 4WD gear. Customers can also opt for a heads-up display too.

The Lexus GX has a six-passenger seating configuration that gets captain chars for the second row and a seven-passenger seating configuration with a bench seat for its second row.

In terms of safety, all the variants of the Lexus GX will get the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 with Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).

Platform, Powertrain, and Off-Road Gear

The Lexus GX will sit on the body-on-frame setup on the latest TGNA-F modular ladder frame platform used on the LX and the Land Cruiser. The same platform with some modifications also sits in the newly unveiled Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.

Regarding powertrain, The new GX will go on sale in North America first and will be offered a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 engine that will produce around 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque mated with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. This engine puts up 48hp more than its previous 4.6L V8 in the 3rd generation GX.

The GX will get a full-time four-wheel-drive drivetrain system and lockable Torsen limited-slip differential available as standard. The transfer case is electronically controlled and shifts between 4WD High and 4WD Low modes, with the Overtrail range also getting a locking rear differential.

The dimensions of the Lexus GX include its wheelbase, which is 2.4 inches longer than the outgoing GX. The length has been increased by 2.75 inches, the width increased by at least 3.74 inches, and the front overhand has been cut by 0.78 inches to improve its approach angle to increase offroad capability. 

Conclusion

The Lexus GX will go on sale in markets like Australia and Japan for the first time, which means it will also be produced in right-hand drive versions. Also, there are talks about more engine options, including a diesel variant, in the future. So, we could expect Lexus to also bring the new GX to India sometime soon.

Well if asking me? then, I no doubt, want in India. It is just the reason for not leaning towards the overpriced Land Cruiser and the LX 500 form Toyota and Lexus respectively. It will also be a quite of nightmare for the Defender, which already can be seen setting up its craze in India. The Clash will be worth seeing.