Lexus South Africa recently launched the all-new GX 550 in South Africa, setting a benchmark in the premium off-road SUV segment.
With a perfect blend of power, sophistication, and cutting-edge technology, the new GX is designed to meet the needs of both urban explorers and off-road adventurers alike.
Although there is no official Lexus dealership in Zimbabwe but the local market can import directly from South Africa which takes about three weeks for the customer to take possession of the car if it is already in stock.
This remarkable vehicle encapsulates Lexus’ commitment to innovation and luxury, offering an unrivalled balance of rugged capability and refined comfort.
The Lexus GX was built based on the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J250) but with numerous design differences that suits those who seek the extraordinary in the finishes, the GX invites drivers to explore new horizons with confidence.
This clearly confirms the fact that Lexus is the luxury version of Toyota.
The Lexus GX has been a staple in luxury off-road SUVs for over two decades in North America and Eurasian markets, though it's only now debuting in South Africa which will feed the rest of Africa markets.
The first-generation GX 470 launched in 2002, blending Toyota Land Cruiser Prado toughness with premium comfort and was powered by a 4.7L V8 and full-time 4WD.
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The second-generation GX 460 (2009) introduced a more efficient 4.6L V8 and advanced Crawl Control for superior off-road handling.
A 2013 facelift refined its design, safety, and tech, keeping it competitive. In 2019, a bold redesign brought sharper styling, an Off-Road Package with terrain management features, and Lexus Safety System+ as standard, cementing the GX’s reputation for capability and luxury.
Built on the robust GA-F global architecture platform, the new GX retains its traditional body-on-frame construction while incorporating modern advancements that improve stability, handling, and overall performance. Its bold, sculpted design makes a powerful statement, with a commanding presence that stands out on any terrain.
The vehicle’s distinctive thick, squared-off bonnet and pulled-back front pillars reinforce its off-road prowess, while its wider stance and lower height enhance both visual impact and off-road stability.
The signature spindle grille and sleek LED headlamps provide a sophisticated, dynamic look, while the high-positioned headlights and radiator cooling ducts are designed to prevent damage on rough terrains.
According to vice president of marketing at Lexus South Africa, Glenn Crompton, the all-new GX is perfect for adventure-focused Lexus customers seeking a luxurious and tough SUV that can take them deep into the outdoors.
“The GX combines the best of both worlds, offering the luxury and craftsmanship Lexus is renowned for, ensuring comfort and refinement.
“Its strong design, V6 performance, and improved 4x4 features – especially in the Overtrail grade – give it the credentials to tackle almost any terrain in South Africa.
“The inclusion of a third row of seats in the SE grade adds seven-seat flexibility, offering an ideal solution for families seeking additional space,” says Crompton.
Inside, the new GX offers an environment that is as luxurious as it is functional.
The Tazuna cockpit places the driver at the centre of the experience, providing commanding visibility and intuitive access to controls.
The fully digital instrument cluster and a generous 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system add to the advanced technology and convenience.
The interior atmosphere is open and calming, designed with high-quality materials that emphasise comfort and style.
The GX is available in both five- and seven-seat configurations, providing ample space for both passengers and gear.
The Overtrail variant offers unique interior enhancements, including durable yet refined materials, distinctive trim accents, and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring both comfort and durability for off-road adventurers.
At the heart of the new GX is a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 260kW and a remarkable 650Nm of torque.
This enhanced powertrain ensures dynamic acceleration and exceptional performance on challenging terrain.
Paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, the GX delivers smooth acceleration and robust towing performance.
The Lexus GX SE is a refined and versatile seven-seater luxury SUV, delivering both performance and comfort.
Convenience features include a power back door with a kick sensor, auto-retractable side-step rails for ease of entry and exit, and a solid roof rail for added cargo versatility.
The cabin is finished in luxurious semi-aniline leather with massaging front seats, ensuring comfort on long journeys.
The Mark Levinson 14-inch display and 21-speaker premium sound system deliver a superior in-cabin entertainment experience, while the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) assists with tight manoeuvres.
For those seeking ultimate off-road performance, the GX Overtrail variant is tailored for extreme exploration.
With exclusive design elements, including 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tyres, a 20mm wider tread, and reinforced under protector, the Overtrail is built for the most challenging environments.
Advanced systems such as the Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) and Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) provide unmatched traction and stability on any terrain.
With six modes – Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock – drivers can adapt the GX Overtrail to a wide range of conditions.
Additionally, the GX Overtrail features a central structure designed to support accessories, ensuring maximum personalisation for outdoor enthusiasts.
Safety remains a priority for Lexus, with the new GX equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System.
This intelligent suite includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), offering enhanced protection for both the driver and passengers.
All of these features combine to ensure the driver’s peace of mind no matter where they go on the road.
The all-new Lexus GX is not just an SUV — it’s a statement of innovation, luxury, and adventure.
Designed for those who seek to explore extraordinary places, the GX sets a new standard in the premium SUV segment.
Whether conquering remote landscapes or navigating city streets, the GX is built to inspire and elevate every journey.
With its superior capability, refined design, and relentless pursuit of perfection, the GX invites you to explore wherever the road leads.
The GX (both SE and Overtrail) is offered in a refined palette of exterior colours, including White Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black, and Titanium Carbide Grey.
The SE Grade boasts an exclusive Mercury Grey finish, while the Overtrail Bi-Tone showcases distinctive options such Titanium Sonic (Bi-Tone), Titanium Carbide (Bi-Tone), and Desert Moonlight (Bi-Tone).
For Bi-Tone models, a striking contrast is achieved with a sleek Black finish on the roof and exterior mirrors, enhancing their bold and sophisticated presence.
Although the Lexus has a smaller market in Zimbabwe because of its premium status and the corresponding price tag but l believe that its low resale value is not a problem because it is designed for the market does worry about that.
Currently there are very few units available in South Africa and the indicative prices which excludes the export documentation, transportation costs and taxes in Zimbabwe are below;
This warranty can only be accessed from the South African dealership where the vehicle was purchased from. But with Zimbabwe being neighbors to South Africa one can join both servicing the car and shopping once a year since the service intervals are 10 000kms.
- Stanley Makombe has 25 years of experience in the Motor Industry, currently handling vehicle imports from Japan, Thailand, the UK and South Africa into African countries. He is writing in his own capacity and can be contacted on +254 743 900 590, on X @stan_Carsales, email: stanley@stanleymakombe.com, www.stanleymakombe.com
