2024 Lexus GX 550: Line-up, Price and Specification

The all-new 2024 Lexus GX has officially launched in Australia, marking the first time the rugged four-wheel drive is being sold Down Under. In terms of size and pricing, the GX slots comfortably between the RX and LX within Lexus’ SUV portfolio, expanding the luxury brand’s SUV offering to a comprehensive 6 models which include the recently launched LBX compact crossover, UX small SUV and NX mid-size SUV.

The GX 550 is available in 3 grade levels, including the debut of Overtrail, a more off-road focused model. The range opens from $116,000 plus on-road costs for the seven-seat Luxury grade which brings with it a high level of baseline specification, signature Lexus omotenashi touches and powerful performance from its 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine.

Overtrail is the middle grade and is priced from $122,250 plus on-roads, with off-road focused enhancements including unique exterior features, all-terrain tyres and – in a first for Lexus – Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS) for the optimum balance of off-road driveability and on-road handling stability.

Topping the GX range is the Sports Luxury grade from $128,200 plus on-roads, signified as the flagship variant with lavish appointments including 22-inch alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather accented upholstery and premium Mark Levinson surround sound system.

The GX is underpinned by Lexus’ GA-F ladder-frame architecture which is also shared with the Toyota LandCruiser Prado. The GX measures 5,015mm in length, with a width of 1,980 or 2,000mm and height of 1,925 or 1,935mm depending on the grade. All share the same 2,850mm wheelbase.

In a radical departure from previous generations of GX (not sold in Australia), the new exterior design is bold, muscular and unmistakeably Lexus with the spindle shape forming from the forward edge of the bonnet through to the grille and lower bumper.

Its upright proportions and squared off edges hint at its ruggedised off-road capabilities while retaining stylish Lexus luxury touches including the black, frameless grille, selection of stylish large alloy wheels and dynamic exterior LED lighting.

The rugged-yet-luxurious theme is replicated inside the cabin with with luxurious craftsmanship and comforting features.

From the outside, the range-opening Luxury is identified by its 20-inch alloys, all-round exterior LED lighting, flat-type roof rails, power-operated moon roof, rear spoiler and body-coloured door handles.

Interior appointments include Nulux (synthetic leather) upholstery on all seven seats, with heating function for front and second-row outboard occupants. Front seats gain ventilation, eight-way power adjustment with two-way lumbar adjustment and memory function for the driver.

Three-zone climate control provides further occupant comfort, while convenience is enhanced with power-folding third-row seats, power back door with glass hatch, smart entry and start and one-touch power windows.

The GX features the latest Lexus multimedia technology, offering a 14-inch multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and colour head-up display (HUD) across the range, paired on Luxury grades with a 10-speaker audio system, wireless phone charger, a total of six USB-C ports and a 220V socket in the rear.

A comprehensive suite of Lexus Safety System+ active safety technologies is standard across the GX range, including the Pre-Collision System with dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, front and rear parking support brake and a panoramic view monitor.

The outback-conquering Overtrail grade distinguishes from the rest of the range through its black 18-inch alloy wheels and Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres, unique off-road enhanced front and rear bumpers, black wheel arch mouldings, door handles and exterior mirrors, and optional two-tone roof.

Inside, the five-seater Overtrail gains unique seats with olive green Ultrasuede front accents and stitching, special ornamentation and garnish, a slim credit card key fob and refrigerated cool box.

As the most off-road capable model in the line-up, Overtrail separates itself from its siblings with under-the-skin mechanical enhancements, starting with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Lexus-first electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS) which can constantly engage and disengage the front and rear stabiliser bars to maximise traction and comfort off-road.

The suspension systems are paired with traction aids including Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control and a rear electronic locking differential; along with an upgraded alternator and Multi-Terrain Monitor which may allow drivers to gain a full view of the vehicle’s undercarriage and surroundings.

Crowning the GX range is the flagship Sports Luxury which takes signature Lexus opulence to a new level with a range of welcome guest-focused enhancements.

Building on the Luxury grade, the Sports Luxury gains AVS, unique 22-inch alloy wheels, high-grade LED headlights featuring the Adaptive High-beam System with BladeScan technology, a fixed panoramic roof with opaque dimming function, kick sensor for the powered tailgate and automatic extending/folding side steps.

The seven-seat Sports Luxury gains semi-aniline leather accented upholstery with a wider choice of interior colours, massaging front seats with 10-way driver’s seat adjustment, heated steering wheel, multi-colour ambient interior illumination, illuminated scuff plates, credit card key, refrigerated cool box and manual rear sun shades.

Audiophiles will also appreciate the Sports Luxury’s 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system for incredible playback clarity even at high volumes.

All GX grades are powered by the smooth and torque-rich 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, producing 260kW of power from 4800-5200rpm and 650Nm of torque from 2000-3600rpm.

The V6 is paired with a 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission which channels power to all four wheels via a full-time all-wheel drive system with a locking centre differential and low-range gearing.

An integrated towing hitch receiver and trailer wiring harness connection allows for the easy fitment of towing equipment, providing up to 3,500kg of braked towing capacity on Luxury and Overtrail grades, and 3,130kg on Sports Luxury.

The Lexus Warranty Experience covers all GX grades for five years and unlimited kilometres for customer peace of mind. Five years capped price servicing at $595 per service comes with GX, with intervals of six months/10,000km.