The new Lexus GX will launch in SA in early 2025. We’ve uncovered early local info on the Prado’s luxury twin, including engine details, number of variants and specs…
In July 2024, Cars.co.za broke the news that the new Lexus GX is coming to South Africa in early 2025. Now, we can confirm various fresh details about the local range, as well as exactly when Toyota SA Motors plans to introduce the Land Cruiser Prado’s luxury twin.
Our latest information suggests the GX – a nameplate never before offered in Mzansi – is scheduled to launch locally in March 2025. While it’s obviously too early for pricing to have been nailed down, we have discovered that this luxury ladder-frame SUV will effectively be available in 4 forms at launch.
From what we understand, the local GX line-up will comprise a quartet of derivatives at launch, each powered by the Japanese firm’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine – and each thus likely to wear the “GX550” moniker. That means the hybrid powertrain (GX550h) available in certain overseas markets won’t be offered locally at launch.
But back to that V6 mill. Familiar from the Land Cruiser 300 and LX600 but here detuned slightly to 260 kW and 650 Nm, the V35A-FTS engine is mated to all 4 wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. This petrol motor will serve to further differentiate the GX from the Prado, with the latter offered exclusively in turbodiesel guise.
We believe the local GX portfolio will kick off with the Overtrail grade, which will furthermore be available as a 2nd variant in bi-tone form. The 3rd derivative will be the Overtrail Off-Road, which – like the 2 above – will ship standard in 5-seater guise. Finally, the seemingly more road-biased SE is expected to top the range, featuring added equipment and upgrading to 7 seats.
Our information suggests all Overtrail derivatives will boast a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg and ride on 18-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 265/70 all-terrain tyres), while the SE flagship will be able to tow up to 3 130 kg (likewise braked) and roll on 22-inch rims (shod in road-biased 265/50 rubber).
So, what about standard features? Well, the Overtrail derivatives look set to ship with items such as LED headlamps (including auto high beams), a tilt-and-slide moonroof, a powered tailgate, an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.0-inch touchscreen, the multi-terrain monitor, a head-up display, a 10-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging, a refrigerated cooler box, synthetic leather upholstery and electrically adjustable (plus heated-and-ventilated) front seats.
Furthermore, all Overtrail variants will boast a rear differential lock, along with Toyota’s multi-terrain select system, downhill assist control, crawl control and the brand’s trick e-KDSS suspension system. From what we understand, the 7-seater SE will do without the aforementioned off-road enhancements, though will likewise feature a locking centre differential, full-time 4×4 and low-range gearing.
Then, the GX Overtrail Off-Road variant will be set apart by various other 4×4-specific pieces of equipment, such as additional underbody protection, off-road side steps, a side-mounted gear carrier, a roof rack, all-weather floormats and a luggage-compartment liner.
Meanwhile, the 3-row SE derivative will score features like a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a front-seat massaging function, 2nd-row seat heating, a fixed panoramic glass roof, adaptive high beams, a panoramic-view monitor, a digital rear-view mirror and even automatically deploying side steps.
According to our information, the GX will be available in the following 5 monotone exterior colours: White Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Titanium Carbide Grey, Graphite Black and Mercury Grey (with the latter hue exclusive to the SE grade). The bi-tone version of the Overtrail, meanwhile, will be offered in Sonic Titanium, Titanium Carbide Grey and Desert Moonlight, each paired with a black finish for the roof and side-mirror caps.
For the record, Toyota Motor Corporation applied to trademark the “GX550” badge in South Africa back in June 2023, about 2 weeks after the 3rd-generation GX was revealed on the global stage. While the trademark has still to be officially registered in Mzansi, it’s likely just a matter of time.
As a reminder, the Lexus GX is a body-on-frame SUV that traces its roots all the way back to 2002. While the opening 2 generations were produced exclusively in left-hand-drive guise (catering primarily to North America), this 3rd iteration is also manufactured in right-hand drive, opening the door to introductions in its domestic market of Japan as well as in Australia and indeed SA.
Set to be positioned between the Lexus RX (currently running from R1 452 600 to R1 740 300) and flagship LX (with current pricing bookends of R2 517 500 and R2 997 400), the GX shares various elements – though not its powertrain – with the latest Land Cruiser Prado, right down to its “J250” model code. The Prado, for the record, is currently priced from R1 296 300 to R1 462 400.
New Lexus GX derivatives for South Africa
Lexus GX550 Overtrail
Lexus GX550 Overtrail Bi-Tone
Lexus GX550 Overtrail Off-Road
Lexus GX550 SE
We expect the new GX to ship standard with a 7-year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan with the same parameters.
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