All-new Lexus GX Makes World Premiere

Bennett  Oghifo

Lexus continues to introduce pioneering driving and technology advances to its diverse portfolio of luxury vehicles with the reveal of the new-generation GX premium off-road SUV.

Sparking the spirit of outdoor adventure, the all-new seven-seat GX is positioned between the RX and LX in the Lexus SUV line-up and offers a broad mix of performance and occupant carrying flexibility.

GX Chief Engineer Koji Tsukasaki said the all-new GX allows urban families the opportunity to expand their active outdoor lifestyles more than ever before.

“The aim of the new GX is to create a Lexus off-roader that symbolises the central core of authentic Lexus off-roading. It is not just a model change, but a game changer that turns a new page for Lexus.

“It has been thoroughly developed for driving on all kinds of terrains, from winding roads to rocky, dirt roads all over the world. However, you don’t have to push the limits all the time with this vehicle,” Mr. Tsukasaki said.

First introduced to the North American market in 2002, the GX exudes visual toughness worthy of an adventure-focused SUV, with ideal off-roading proportions and a refined yet rugged design.

From the front, a subtle, frameless iteration of the signature Lexus spindle body is expressed, with a black grille and an upturned lower bumper section.

The LED head lamp design closely resembles its larger LX sibling, framed by L-shaped daytime running lights. Below the headlamps sit grille openings extending downwards to accommodate the sub-radiator required for improved cooling.

The commanding bonnet is designed with a concave center that not only accentuates the Lexus spindle body but also improves forward visibility.

From the side, the GX’s off-roading intent is clear, with a high bonnet line, A-pillars pulled more upright, a vertically oriented tailgate and a 2,850mm wheelbase, matching the LX1.

Like other Lexus SUVs, a single LED light strip runs across the width of the tailgate, accompanied by ‘LEXUS’ lettering and compact combination tail lamps. The tailgate also features an opening for the upper glass compartment, allowing easy access to the cargo area.

The GX interior offers a modern and comfortable cabin based on the Lexus Tazuna concept of human-centered design; with steering wheel switches seamlessly paired with the head-up display, and a clean, horizontal/vertical dashboard layout enhancing the driver’s perception of vehicle posture off road.

The 14-inch center display uses a combination of touchscreen and buttons for the multimedia system, with particular emphasis given to the size, shape, layout and display information of the switches for an intuitive user experience.2

The GX’s center console is designed with off-roading in mind, with driving and drivetrain switches placed on the driver’s side.

The flexible second-row seat configuration allows customers to choose between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, while the third row brings seven-seat flexibility and when not required can be stowed neatly into the floor with an electric folding mechanism.

The all-new GX is underpinned by the same GA-F ladder-frame architecture underpinning the larger LX; providing rugged strength, improved on-and off-road driving and compatibility with the latest safety and off-road technologies.

The new GX suspension system uses a high-mount double-wishbone arrangement at the front, with engineers fine-tuning the coil spring rate while increasing the caster trail and minimising the king pin offset to promote excellent stability during straight-line driving, cornering and braking.

At the rear, a four-link rigid axle with lateral control arms is used, developed to offer greater wheel articulation off road.

Adaptive variable suspension improves on-road ride comfort and handling stability, with both front and rear suspension using shock absorbers featuring independent telescopic valves and friction control modules.

Thanks to its packaging, the 26-degree approach angle has been increased by five degrees compared to the previous GX while reducing front overhang by 20mm.

To complement the adventure-focused lifestyles of GX customers, Lexus offers a special five-seat Overtrail variant which adopts exclusive functional and design features essential for a rugged off-road vehicle.

More than just a series of visual upgrades, the Overtrail introduces the E-KDSS suspension system for the first time on a Lexus, offering independent control of the front and rear electric stabilisers to further improve wheel articulation and grip in off-road conditions.

Multi-Terrain Select controls the system’s drive control and suspension to offer six drive modes (Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock) for improved performance on all surfaces.

Crawl control offers five low-speed settings allowing drivers to traverse uneven terrain without operating the accelerator or brakes, while Downhill Assist Control automatically and independently adjusts the hydraulic pressure of each wheel brake when descending steep slopes.

A multi-terrain monitor uses cameras mounted on the front, sides and rear to display high-definition images of the vehicle’s surroundings including underneath the vehicle floor, helping the driver accurately position the wheels and avoid unforeseen obstacles.

A full suite of Lexus Safety System + active safety technologies is included on the GX, which can help provide maximum protection for occupants and other road users.

Globally, the new GX will be available with the choice of two powertrains, starting with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing strong towing ability and performance that furthers the Lexus Driving Signature.

The first ever hybrid powertrain for a body-on-frame Lexus vehicle will also be offered in the form of a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol hybrid and newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

Both powertrains employ a full-time all-wheel drive set-up with a low-range transfer case and locking centre differential.

Lexus Australia continues to assess models that may be suitable for the needs of local customers, with the GX no exception. A decision on GX will be made at a later stage.