The new – and chunky – Lexus 550 has been revealed in the United States.
The company has also coined a new term for ‘gentle’ offroad use: ‘overtrailing’.
That’s the new grade Lexus coined for the 2024 Lexus GX 550, which they recently revealed. It includes 18” wheels and 33” tires from the factory, along with a loaded spec list.
The new GX is a redesigned mid-size luxury SUV that offers a combination of rugged off-road capability and luxurious interior appointments. It’s based on the on the (TN)GA-F platform, which also underpins the Lexus LX 600. This platform provides a stiffer and more rigid chassis, which results in improved handling and ride quality. A newly developed double-wishbone front suspension is paired with a multi-link rear suspension to achieve both a high level of off-road driving performance and on-road prowess. An available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) constantly adjusts damping forces based on changing road conditions. GX adopts Electronic Power Steering (EPS) enabling increased steering feel on and off-road.
The GX is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine that produces 260kW (349bhp) and 649Nm (479lb-ft) of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version will ‘be available later’.
In America, the GX is available in two off-road-oriented trim levels: Overtrail and Overtrail+. These trims feature raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and for the first time, a locking rear differential. Approach, ramp-over and departure angles are 26, 24 and 22 degrees.
The interior of the new GX features a standard 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10-speaker premium sound system.
