Imagine a starry night at the top of a mountain, surrounded by the silence and majesty of nature. Now, picture yourself descending that mountain in a vehicle that combines luxury and ruggedness. This is exactly what the Lexus GX 550 Luxury+ offers, an SUV that aims to marry elegance with power.
A bold style
The Lexus GX has always been perceived as a robust SUV, but with the new GX 550 Luxury+, we approach this legend from a more elegant angle. This model, redesigned last year, comes in several versions: Premium, Luxury, and Overtrail, each level having its own personality. Thus, one could say there is something for everyone, or at least for every budget.
The version I tested, the GX 550 Luxury+, has a base price of $80,700. Looking at the standard features, there is plenty to entice comfort lovers: 22-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Semi-Aniline leather seats that are heated and ventilated, as well as a panoramic roof that floods the interior with light.
Exterior and interior design – A well-deserved 9/10
Upon seeing the GX 550, one cannot help but notice how different it is from its predecessor. Forget the angular grille that once made people cringe; here, Lexus has chosen to dress its SUV in a more squared-off, almost retro-futuristic outfit. The new grille, reminiscent of a spaceship straight out of Star Wars, gives it a more aggressive and imposing look. The sculpted hood not only pleases the eye but also offers better visibility.
In profile, the GX 550 showcases its own angular lines, distinctly setting it apart from other Lexus models. Its appearance is reminiscent of the Toyota Land Cruiser, but with a sporty touch thanks to the absence of chrome and the black trims. The large 22-inch wheels add a note of sophistication without compromising its rugged side.
The interior of the Luxury+ is neat and visually appealing, although some may find it does not reach the luxury heights offered by rivals like Land Rover or Mercedes. The materials used are of high quality, but the design remains quite pragmatic, without unnecessary frills. Overall, it must be admitted that the term “Luxury+” is a bit exaggerated.
Comfort and technology – A solid performance with an 8.5/10
As a body-on-frame SUV, the GX performs quite well in accommodating families on a daily basis. Even though the rear space is a bit tight, the suspension offers a good compromise between firmness and comfort. After driving on bumpy roads for several days, I found that the car maintained good handling without emitting any worrying noises.
The front seats are equipped with heating, ventilation, and even a massage system – perfect for relaxing after a long day. Rear passengers enjoy reasonable space with their own climate controls. However, the third row is more suited for children or short trips: an adult in there? Proceed at your own risk!
On the technology front, the GX 500 Luxury+ shines with a responsive and intuitive infotainment screen. With wireless CarPlay and a Mark Levinson audio system, driving becomes almost as enjoyable as sitting in a good leather armchair in front of a fireplace. But beware: if you hope to adjust the air conditioning easily while wearing gloves in winter, you might be disappointed by the dominance of touch controls on some settings.
A delightful driving experience – A well-deserved 9/10
When you take the wheel of a large SUV like the GX 550 Luxury+, you don’t necessarily expect a thrilling experience. Yet, surprise! The GX is quite pleasant to drive thanks to its powerful V6 twin-turbo engine that delivers 349 horsepower and 649 Nm of torque. With acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, it even manages to be nimble in the city!
Despite its large 22-inch wheels that suggest reduced comfort, the GX maintains stable handling on the road. The steering is precise and provides good feedback to the driver. You never feel disconnected from the road. Ultimately, it even surpasses direct competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Infiniti QX80 in terms of driving pleasure.
Final verdict – A solid 9/10
By combining the legendary ruggedness of the GX with modern refinement in the Luxury+ version, Lexus has pulled off a masterstroke. Of course, fuel consumption is far from exemplary with EPA estimates showing 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. But for those who prioritize power and luxury in their quest for a capable SUV, these compromises seem acceptable.
In the end, if you are looking for an SUV that exudes luxury while being ready to tackle adventure with flair, the Lexus GX 550 Luxury+ deserves a prime spot in your garage.
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