Lexus announced the new cross-country SUV “GX550” in the US on Thursday , June 8, 2023 (local time), and will gradually roll it out to other regions from the end of 2023. It will be released in the first half of 2024. It will also be introduced in Japan for the first time, going on sale in March 2024, with assembly taking place at the Tahara plant in Japan. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch. We checked out the specifications at a dealership and have summarized them here.
About the price of the new Lexus GX550
Prices for the US model were announced on December 13, 2023, and the approximate price range has been revealed to be between $64,250 (approximately 9.3 million yen) and $81,250 (approximately 11.5 million yen).
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
US Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX550 Premium |
V35A-FTS | Direct Shift-10AT | 4WD | $64,250 (approximately 9.3 million yen) |
| GX550 Premium+ |
V35A-FTS | Direct Shift-10AT | 4WD | $69,250 (approximately 9.3 million yen) |
| GX550 Overtrail |
V35A-FTS | Direct Shift-10AT | 4WD | $69,250 (approximately 9.3 million yen) |
| GX550 Overtrail+ |
V35A-FTS | Direct Shift-10AT | 4WD | $77,250 (approximately 10.9 million yen) |
| GX550 Luxury |
V35A-FTS | Direct Shift-10AT | 4WD | $77,250 (approximately 10.9 million yen) |
| GX550 Luxury+ |
V35A-FTS | Direct Shift-10AT | 4WD | $81,250 (approximately 11.5 million yen) |
About the new Lexus “GX550”
The new Lexus is equipped with a 12.3-inch full LCD meter and a large 14-inch infotainment system .
The third-generation “Next Generation Lexus Safety System+” is standard on all vehicles .
The GX550 comes in a high-output, high-torque 3.5L V6 twin-turbo model , and the GX550h, the first Lexus body-on-frame vehicle, comes in a 2.4L turbo hybrid model.
Available specifications include a 5-seater with two rows of seats and a 7-seater with three rows of seats.
Adoption of the “GA-F Platform”
The Lexus is the first to adopt the E-KDSS (Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) to improve road-holding performance.
The new GX is a sister model to the Land Cruiser Prado. Developed under the concept of ” The Premium Off-Roader ,” the GX has evolved to deliver an exhilarating experience in a variety of situations, from the most challenging roads to paved city streets. The GX’s fundamental performance has been dramatically improved, including the adoption of the same new GA-F platform as the LX and a V6 twin-turbo engine that strikes a high level of balance between quietness, power output, and fuel economy. The GX’s traditional off-road capability has also been further enhanced through a package designed for enhanced off-road performance and the adoption of the Lexus-first E-KDSS (Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) to improve road-holding. In terms of on-road performance, the GX achieves a distinctive Lexus driving experience, thanks to linear steering response achieved through the use of high-rigidity components and an EPS.
About the new Lexus “GX550” exterior
The exterior design, which contributes to the vehicle’s high driving performance, expresses the vehicle’s unique design, which pursues proportions and unique characteristics rooted in functional essence and dynamic capability. Its exterior design offers superior off-road capability and an adventurous spirit, while also providing comfortable driving on any road. From the side, the 2024 GX is almost reminiscent of the 70-series Toyota Land Cruiser. The Lexus spindle grille is well-integrated, and the nose is upright, avoiding excessive curvature compared to the rest of the body. The hood features a reverse power bulge, with the outer edges of both sides projecting high to match the headlights. The lights feature Lexus family graphics, and the mirrors are large and boxy, reminiscent of a classic cruiser. The rear view maintains a simple design. A full-length light bar sits below the large rear window and can be opened independently of the new standard power tailgate. It is 70mm longer and 95mm wider than the current model, with a 60mm longer wheelbase. Overall length: 4,950mm, overall width: 1,980mm, overall height: 1,870mm, wheelbase: 2,850mm.
The 2024 Lexus GX will be offered in six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and, new for Lexus, OverTrail and OverTrail+. While the trim appears to emphasize two-tone exterior colors and “earth-toned” interiors, the main highlight is the standard 33-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. To accommodate the tires, the GX OverTrail model features overfenders and aluminum skid plates as standard. The OverTrail trim also features an electronic locking rear differential and improved wheel articulation thanks to Toyota’s Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which disengages the anti-roll bars when driving off-road. Off-road technology such as Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor are also standard.
About the interior of the new Lexus “GX550”
The interior is designed with functionality in mind, such as all-round visibility when driving off-road, and is equipped with a variety of user-friendly features to provide customers with a modern, comfortable interior space that gives them a sense of security in any environment. Furthermore, Lexus features a newly designed interior layout and seating for up to seven people.
The 12.3-inch full-screen instrument cluster and central HVAC vent have been moved significantly lower on the dashboard to accommodate a larger 14-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical controls for the climate and audio are still present, but a dedicated button for the vehicle’s off-road capabilities is now located near the gear selector.
There’s seating for seven inside, unless you opt for individual captain’s chairs for the second row. The third row is powerable, with one-touch access to the 60:40 split second row. Elsewhere inside, there are up to 12 cupholders, up to six charging ports, and a 120V inverter to power auxiliary devices.
About the new Lexus “GX550” powertrain
The 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo “V35A-FTS” engine delivers 349 hp (354 PS/260 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, 46 Nm more than the old V8. It’s mated to a direct-shift 10-speed automatic transmission, and towing capacity is rated at 3,629 kg (7,629 lb) with the standard tow hitch. Full-time four-wheel drive remains standard, as is a Torsen limited-slip center differential. Furthermore, an improved transfer case speeds up the shift between the four-wheel drive and the four-liter drivetrain.
The hybrid system combines a highly thermally efficient inline 4-cylinder 2.4L “T24A-FTS” engine with a newly developed direct shift 8-speed automatic transmission, and a front module that integrates a motor and wet clutch, resulting in a maximum system output of 243kW (330PS) and maximum torque of 630Nm.
Specifications for the new Lexus GX550 and GX550h
| Specifications | GX550 | GX550h |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,950mm | 4,950mm |
| Overall width | 1,980mm | 1,980mm |
| Overall height | 1,870mm | 1,870mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850mm | 2,850mm |
| engine | 3.5 L V6 twin-turbo “V35A-FTS” |
2.4L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine “T24A-FTS” + motor |
| Maximum power | 260kW (354PS) | 202kW (275PS) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) | 460Nm (46.9kgmf) / 2,000-3,000rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
– | 64kw (87ps) |
| Front motor maximum torque |
– | 292Nm (29.8kgm) |
| Rear motor maximum output |
– | 76kw (103ps) |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
– | 169Nm (17.2kgm) |
transmission |
10-speed AT (Direct Shift-10AT) |
8-speed AT (Direct Shift-8AT) |
| Drive system | 4WD | 4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | -km/L | -km/L |
| Passenger capacity | 5-7 people | 5-7 people |
Summary of the new Lexus “GX550”
The new GX550, Lexus’ most off-road-oriented model, will be introduced in Japan. The GX is a sister model to the Land Cruiser 250 and uses the same new GA-F platform as the LX , so it’s only natural that it resembles the Land Cruiser series. I thought this was a great new initiative for the Lexus brand, as it offers a lineup of models that are more outdoor-oriented than luxury. The GX is very attractive, especially considering the difference in engine lineup compared to the Land Cruiser 250 , but the hurdles to purchasing it are expected to be particularly high. Sales in Japan are quite small, and considering factors such as lotteries (past sales), the delivery time is unknown, and I was told to expect it to take more than a year.
LEXUS News Release
https://global.toyota/jp/newsroom/lexus/39263948.html
