The new Lexus GX550 was unveiled to the world in June 2023, and in Japan, a lottery sale began in April 2024 for the first 100 units of the limited edition GX550 “OVERTRAIL+”. Deliveries of this limited edition model are expected to begin around December of the same year.
The standard GX550 model was originally scheduled for release around autumn 2024, but was postponed due to the impact of Toyota’s certification fraud scandal, and has now been rescheduled to April 3, 2025. Starting with this model, a seven-seater version L will be available for the domestic market, offering high-quality travel for all passengers.
The new GX is a full-fledged off-road vehicle that will be positioned next to the flagship LX model in Lexus’ SUV lineup. Developed based on the Land Cruiser 250, the successor to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, it combines high off-road capability with the refined feel of a premium SUV.
This time, we’ll be taking a thorough look at the appeal of the new Lexus GX, whose arrival in Japan is eagerly awaited, based on the latest information. We’ll be providing detailed information on the exterior and interior design, powertrain, driving performance, fuel economy, safety features, price, release date, and more, so be sure to read to the end.
Summary of the GX550 full model change
Overview of the new Lexus GX
- Lexus’ full-fledged off-road SUV is based on the Land Cruiser 250, the successor to the Land Cruiser Prado.
- It will be unveiled to the world for the first time in June 2023, and in Japan the first 100-unit limited edition model, the GX550 “OVERTRAIL+”, will be announced in April 2024.
- Due to Toyota Motor Corporation’s certification fraud scandal, the release of the standard model in Japan has been postponed to January 2025.
- Developed under the concept of “The Premium Off-Roader,” it offers an exciting driving experience in any situation, whether on-road or off-road.
- The vehicle’s basic performance has been dramatically improved by adopting the newly developed “GA-F platform,” the same as the Lexus “LX.”
- It comes with a V6 twin-turbo engine and a hybrid system, a first for a Lexus body-on-frame vehicle.
Exterior design
- A powerful and striking style.
- A bold front face with a large spindle grille and sharp headlights.
- The body sides are characterized by simple horizontal lines and powerful fender arches.
- High ground clearance designed for off-road driving.
- The rear has been changed to feature the “LEXUS” logo, and a design that connects the left and right taillights has been adopted.
interior
- Spacious interior space.
- A Lexus-like interior that combines high-quality materials and advanced equipment.
- The infotainment system features a large 14-inch touch display and a 12.3-inch full LCD meter.
- Two seating layouts are available: two-row and three-row.
- The three-row seating configuration allows you to choose between captain seats and bench seats for the second row.
- The third row seats are electrically retractable.
Powertrain
- 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine (GX550): Maximum output 353 PS, maximum torque 650 Nm. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- 2.4L inline 4-cylinder turbo hybrid system (GX550h): Maximum system output 371 PS. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Driving performance
- All vehicles are 4WD.
- It is packed with features to support off-road driving, including a center differential with Torsen LSD and a transfer case that speeds up switching between 4H and 4L.
- The GX “OVERTRAIL” specification is the first Lexus to feature the E-KDSS (Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System).
fuel economy
- GX550 (gasoline): 8.1km/L
- GX550h (Hybrid): 13.5km/L
safety equipment
- The latest preventive safety package, “Lexus Safety System +,” is standard equipment.
price
- Standard model: 11,950,000 yen to 12,700,000 yen
- First 100 units limited edition model “GX550 “OVERTRAIL+”” (5-seater): 12,350,000 yen
release date
- First 100 units limited edition model “GX550 “OVERTRAIL+””: Scheduled for January 2025
- Standard model: Released on April 3, 2025
When will the new Lexus GX be released in Japan?
The release dates for the new Lexus GX are as follows:
- First 100 units limited edition model “GX550 “OVERTRAIL+””: Delivery starts from December 2024
- Standard model: Released on April 3, 2025
The regular model was originally scheduled to be released in the fall of 2024, but was postponed due to the impact of the certification fraud issue.
What is the new Lexus GX?
The Lexus GX is a premium SUV whose first model was released in 2002. Sold mainly in North America, it combines high-performance off-road capability with a high-quality interior, and has sold a total of approximately 540,000 units in approximately 30 countries and regions around the world (as of the end of March 2023).
The new GX, now in its third generation with this full model change, is a sister vehicle to the Land Cruiser 250 , and was developed with the concept of “The Premium Off-Roader” in mind, with the aim of providing an exciting driving experience in any situation, both on-road and off-road.
The new GX uses the newly developed “GA-F platform,” the same as the Lexus “LX.” This has resulted in a dramatic improvement in the vehicle’s basic performance compared to the previous model. This platform offers various benefits, such as improved body rigidity, lighter weight, and a lower center of gravity, and has significantly improved the driving quality of the new GX.
The powertrain is available with a V6 twin-turbo engine and a hybrid system, a first for a Lexus body-on-frame vehicle, delivering powerful driving performance while also being environmentally friendly.
New Lexus GX: Powerful exterior design
The exterior of the new GX has evolved into a powerful, imposing style based on Lexus’ latest design language. The front face, with its large spindle grille and sharp headlights, gives a bold impression.
The body sides feature simple horizontal lines and powerful fender arches. The high ground clearance, designed with off-road driving in mind, also emphasizes the tough image of the new GX.
The rear has been changed from the previous “L” logo to the “LEXUS” logo, and a design has been adopted that connects the left and right taillights. This emphasizes the sense of width while maintaining commonality with the higher-end model “LX.”
The new GX OVERTRAIL+ body size is 4,970mm long, 1,980mm wide, and 1,925mm high, which is larger than the previous model. The wheelbase is also longer at 2,850mm, ensuring a spacious interior. The body size of the Version L, which will be released as a standard model, is 4,960mm long, 1980mm wide, 1920mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,850mm.
Lexus new GX body color
- Moon Desert & Black〈M08〉
- Mercury Gray Mica〈1H9〉
- Sonic Titanium〈1J7〉
- Titanium Carbide Gray〈1L8〉
- Terrain Khaki Mica Metallic (6×4)
- Deep Blue Mica〈8X5〉
- Sonic Quartz〈085〉
- Graphite Black Glass Flake〈223〉
- Sonic Titanium & Black〈M06〉
- Titanium Carbide Gray & Black〈M07〉
- Terrain Khaki Mica Metallic & Black (M09)
About the interior of the new Lexus “GX550”
The interior combines the quality and functionality you expect from Lexus. It offers a modern, comfortable interior space that provides peace of mind in any environment, with a variety of user-friendly features, while also taking into consideration functionality such as all-round visibility when driving off-road. It is designed based on the unique “Tazuna Concept” cockpit design, which further evolves the “human-centered” philosophy. Furthermore, Lexus offers 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 climate control and audio are still present, but a dedicated button for the vehicle’s off-road capabilities is now located near the gear selector.
Two seating layouts are available: two-row and three-row. The Version L three-row model offers a choice of captain seats or bench seats for the second row. The third row seats are electrically retractable, which also contributes to increased luggage capacity.
The latest safety equipment
The new GX comes standard with the latest preventive safety package, “Lexus Safety System +.” It is equipped with various functions such as pre-crash safety, lane keeping assist, and radar cruise control to support safe driving.
Powertrain and 4WD system for high off-road performance
The new GX is available in two powertrains for overseas models: the Japanese model uses a 3.5L V6 with intercooler and twin turbocharger;
- 3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo Engine (GX550) : This powerful gasoline engine delivers a maximum output of 353 PS and a maximum torque of 650 Nm. Combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth acceleration on-road and powerful off-road performance.
- 2.4L inline 4-cylinder turbo hybrid system (GX550h) : This is Lexus’ first hybrid system for a body-on-frame vehicle, delivering a maximum system output of 371 PS. Combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers both powerful acceleration and excellent fuel economy.
All vehicles are fitted with 4WD, and are equipped with a full range of features to support off-road driving, including a center differential with a Torsen limited-slip differential and a transfer case that speeds up the switch between 4H and 4L.
Furthermore, the GX “OVERTRAIL” specification is a first for Lexus, adopting the E-KDSS (Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), a system that electronically controls the front and rear stabilizers to achieve both high levels of on-road stability and off-road capability.
Specifications for the new Lexus GX550 “OVERTRAIL”
The 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo “V35A-FTS” engine delivers 349 hp (353 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 transition between four-wheel drive and four-liter drivetrains.
| Specifications | GX550 “OVERTRAIL” |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,970mm |
| Overall width | 1,980mm |
| Overall height | 1,925mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850mm |
| Approach angle |
26 degrees |
| Ramp breakover angle |
23 degrees |
| Departure Angle |
23 degrees |
| engine | 3.5 L V6 twin-turbo “V35A-FTS” |
| Maximum power | 260kW (353PS) / 4800~5,200rpm |
| Maximum torque | 650Nm (66.3kgm) / 2000~3,600rpm |
transmission |
10-speed AT (Direct Shift-10AT) |
| Drive system | 4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 8.1km/L |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
fuel efficiency
The WLTC mode fuel economy of the new GX is as follows:
- GX550 (gasoline): 8.1km/L
- GX550h (Hybrid): 13.5km/L
This is a significant improvement over the previous model’s 4.6L V8 gasoline engine (approximately 6.8km/L in US terms). The hybrid model in particular achieves excellent fuel economy.
Japanese price of the new Lexus GX
The prices for the new GX are as follows:
- Standard model: 11,950,000 yen to 12,700,000 yen
- First 100 units limited edition model “GX550 “OVERTRAIL+”” (5-seater): 12,350,000 yen
Considering that the US price of the previous model was around 6.5 million yen, the price of the new GX has increased, but considering the introduction of the latest technology and the extensive equipment, it can be said to be a reasonable price.
| grade | Drive | Number of passengers | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GX550 “OVERTRAIL+” | AWD | 5 people | 12,350,000 yen |
| grade | Drive | Number of passengers | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GX550 “version L” | AWD | 7 people | 12,700,000 yen |
| GX550 “OVERTRAIL+” |
5 people | 11,950,000 yen |
A word from the editorial department
The postponement of the start of production and release of the GX550 “OVERTRAIL+” is extremely disappointing for those who won the lottery, but it is also likely to come as a huge shock to those who are looking forward to the regular release.
The new Lexus GX is an attractive premium SUV that combines a powerful exterior design, a high-quality interior, the latest technology, and excellent off-road performance. Its introduction in Japan is expected to attract new users.
The latest information on the eagerly awaited new GX will be updated regularly on the Lexus official website and in news releases, so be sure to check back for the latest information.
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For more details, please see the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOFD244Y30U4A620C2000000/
