Lexus GX550 is here, a luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, priced from RM 780,000

【PCauto】After a two-year wait, the third-generation Lexus GX has finally been launched in the Malaysian market. It is the luxurious sibling of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, yet more powerful and refined.

This time, Lexus GX comes in two versions:

GX550 Overtrail: Designed for off-roading, priced at RM 780,000.

GX550 Luxury+: Focused on luxury, priced at RM 830,000.

Prices exclude insurance but include a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Upgraded Design Language: A Blend of Luxury and Ruggedness

In terms of design, the GX550 inherits the robust genes of the Prado while seamlessly integrating Lexus’ signature luxurious aesthetics. Up front, it features a new spindle grille integrated with a silver skid plate at the lower section, complemented by sleek triple-LED headlights and arrow-shaped daytime running lights, which together enhance its visual presence.

The side profile maintains an upright posture, featuring a floating roof and robust C-pillars that highlight a sense of power. The rear features  U-shaped through-type LED taillights and "LEXUS" lettering, paired with a power tailgate (Luxury + adds sensor activation) and an independently openable rear window, combining practicality and style.

In terms of exterior details, the Overtrail version rides on 18-inch matte gray wheels paired with all-terrain tires, while the Luxury+ features upgraded 22-inch dark gray multi-spoke wheels shod with tires optimized for road quietness. This contrast in wheel and tire specification clearly reflects their distinct positioning.

The Tazuna cockpit offers a 14-inch large screen, exuding luxury beyond the Prado

Inside the cabin, the GX550 offers a luxurious feel that is a stark contrast to the Prado. The center console features "Tsuyasumi" faux wood grain or oak trims, combined with the Lexus Tazuna cockpit concept, creating a driver-centered layout that is both simple and functionally focused.

The information center is formed by a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a 14-inch floating central control screen, which notably omits the much-criticized Remote Touch pad. The dual-zone air conditioning with physical knob controls, paired with the "Climate Concierge" intelligent temperature control system, greatly improves operational convenience.

In terms of configuration, both vehicles come standard with wireless charging, HUD head-up display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and 8-way power-adjustable front seats with heating/ventilation functions (synthetic leather for Overtrail, semi-aniline leather for Luxury +).

Key differences include: the Luxury+ adds driver's lumbar adjustment, four-way adjustable headrests, 7-seat layout (Overtrail comes with 5 seats), second-row seat heating, and two additional USB-C ports in the rear. Overtrail, on the other hand, is more focused on off-road demands, retaining more physical buttons and practical storage space.

Powertrain: 3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo and 10-Speed AT, Surpassing the Prado

The GX550's powertrain marks a complete departure from the Prado. The GX550 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine with the code name V35A-FTS.

It delivers 354 horsepower and a torque of 650 Nm. The transmission is a 10-speed automatic. It also features full-time four-wheel drive, accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 175km/h. Its NEDC combined fuel consumption is rated at 12.3 L/100km.

The current Prado only has a four-cylinder engine. The V6 twin-turbo of the GX550 offers significantly more confidence. The 10AT gearbox provides smooth and intelligent shifting, befitting its luxurious identity. It is quiet during highway cruising, and its torque distribution is also appropriate for off-roading.

Chassis and Off-Road Capabilities

Built on the TNGA-F platform with a ladder frame chassis, the GX550 benefits from optimized suspension geometry and enhanced body rigidity. The combination of a front double-wishbone and a rear four-link solid axle, paired with full-travel coil springs and electric power steering, ensures robust off-road capability while also improving precision in on-road handling.

The off-road configurations of the two versions show clear differences, aligning with their distinct purposes.

The Overtrail version can be described as an off-road weapon. It comes standard with a rear differential lock, a Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system offering modes like mud, sand, and rocks, as well as a new Auto mode. It also features the Crawl Control low-speed off-road cruise system.

Most importantly, it features the newly introduced electronically controlled dynamic suspension system (E-KDSS), which can mechanically disconnect the anti-roll bars in response to terrain conditions. This significantly increases wheel articulation and enhances the vehicle’s ability to traverse complex terrain.

The Luxury+ version, in contrast, prioritizes on-road comfort. It is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip central differential, adaptive dampers, and traditional driving mode options. While it retains the low-speed 4WD transfer case, it forgoes the rear differential lock and E-KDSS, making it more suited for urban commuting and long-distance travel.

Both vehicles share identical approach (26°), breakover (23°), and departure (23°) angles. The Overtrail version, with a wider track (front and rear track increased) and a taller roof rack, has a body width of 2,000 mm (versus 1,980 mm for the standard version) and a height of 1,890 mm (versus 1,865 mm), providing better off-road capability.

In terms of towing capacity, the Overtrail version can tow up to 3,500 kg, while the Luxury+ can tow up to 3,130 kg, highlighting its hardcore attributes.

Lexus Safety System+ Standard Across All Models

The GX550 comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ as standard across all versions. Key features include: Pre-Collision System (with pedestrian/cyclist detection), all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and seven airbags (including a central airbag for the driver and front passenger), providing comprehensive protection for passengers.

The Luxury+ adds BladeScan adaptive high-beam headlights for more precise nighttime illumination. Conversely, the Overtrail comes standard with a Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM), which uses chassis cameras to display road conditions in real-time, enhancing off-road safety.

The Lexus GX550 fills a gap in the mid-to-large luxury off-road vehicle market in Southeast Asia. It combines the reliability and off-road pedigree of the Prado, while offering more refined interiors, stronger performance, and richer configurations to meet the dual demands of high-end users for both luxury and off-road capability.