Lexus GX550 (2025) First Drive Review
Based on the popular LandCrusier Prado, the new GX550 takes Lexus into new territory by introducing the Overtrail variation into its well-known luxury lineup. We spent a few days with Lexus piloting the new GX on the East Coast, sampling the delicious capabilities of the latest luxury offroader.
Luxury offroad with the GX550
Lexus is a brand traditionally associated with luxury and premium features. The brand has recently begun trying into more lifestyle-oriented products with the likes of the LX Overtrail. The Overtrail badge now finds its way a little further down the lineup and is now available in a new model from the Japanese firm. The GX550 takes everything they learned from the Toyota Landcruiser Prado and steps it up a notch.
Related: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R (2025) Review
We jetted off to the Eastern Cape for a rugged jaunt with the new Lexus GX550, a vehicle that, although very similar to the Land Cruiser Prado, couldn't be any more different. The GX550 may be built on the same platform as the Prado and LC300 Toyotas, but what Lexus has done to separate itself is quite astounding. The GX550 is launched with two derivatives that aim at two very different sides of the luxury offroad SUV market.
Styling
There is a very definite focus on luxury styling inside and out. Blocky squared-off styling is the in-design language at the moment as can be seen in popular segment competitors. Consumers can't get enough of the boxy lines and rugged looks. There is no plastic cladding here; it is just beautiful metalwork with interesting creases. Lexus offers the GX in a range of eye-catching colours such as Mercury Grey, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black, White Quartz and the colour sure to garner the most attention, Desert Moonlight.
Interior
The interior of the GX550 is very plush. It is not only spacious but also has a very premium touch and feel, with controls that are intuitive and easily accessible. The SE has 171 litres of boo,t space while the Overtrail can swallow 1063 litres. The DSE models offer 3 trim packages with different leather options, such as Black, Dark Grey and Saddle Tan, while the Overtrail has Chateau and Black options. Our test unit on the day had the Chateau option fitted.
Engine and Drivetrain
The GX550 is powered by a 3.5l twin turbo V6 petrol engine mated to a 10-speed auto transmission. The package churns out 260kW and 650Nm, which will see the GX rocket to its limited top speed of 170km/h. The GX rides on a 4-link E-EKDSS suspension that offers soft cushioning to alleviate the worst that uneven roads can throw at it but can also be firmed up with the various Road Drive modes such as Comfort, Custom, Sport S and Sport S+. The drive may be a tad wallowy on dynamic driving roads, but it cannot be beaten when the vehicle hits gravel. The car is also very much geared toward offroad activity with many offroad-ready features such as centre and rear diff locks, low range, controlled crawl and offroad modes for surfaces such as snow, sand, mud and gravel.
GX550 SE
The SE model is the more luxurious option, equipped with 22-inch diamond-cut all wheels and road tyres; it has folding side steps, smaller solid roof rails and a full panoramic sunroof. Interior-wise, it gets a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and massaging front seats.
GX550 Overtrail
The Overtrail model seats 5 adults and is equipped with offroad tyres and some under-chassis protection. It also has 18-inch offroad-spec wheels, solid steel side steps, bridge roof rails, and a moonroof.
GX550 Offroad
The Offroad model derivative is an Overtrail with significant off-road features added. The model is still under development but will be available as an option soon. It will have additional features such as rock sliders, a roof rack, side boxes, and under-chassis protection for those seeking a more rugged experience.
Models and Pricing
| Lexus GX550 3.5T SE | R 1 829 000 |
| Lexus GX550 3.5T Overtrail | R 1 766 000 |
| Lexus GX550 3.5T Overtrail Bi Tone | R 1 776 200 |
| Lexus GX550 3.5T Offroad | To be confirmed when the model is released later this year |
The Lexus GX550 is sold with a 7-year / 100 000 warranty and a 7-year / 100 000 maintenance plan.
Verdict
The Lexus GX550 has only just gone on sale but is already proving to be a resounding success for the brand; they have thus far sold more of this particular model than all of the previous months' Lexus cars. If the success of the Prado thus far is anything to go by, the Lexus is going to follow suit, Consumers just cant get enough of the styling and the case of the Lexus the outright performance! Lexus is squarely aiming for the Land Rover Defender crowd, offering the same luxury and power but with the Lexus/Toyota famed reliability.
