More Than A Prado In Prada: Lexus Gx Is A Compelling New Player In Luxury 4x4 Space

Like a burly tri-athlete in a tuxedo, the new Lexus GX aims to combine genuine off-road capability with the kind of luxury and sophistication that you'd expect from the Japanese premium brand.

Unashamedly pitched at premium rivals such as the Land Rover Defender , this is the first time that the Lexus GX is ever being offered to South African consumers, although internationally it is now in its third generation.

Just like the larger Lexus LX is based on Toyota's Land Cruiser 300, the GX is a relative of the Prado . Yet after spending two days with the newcomer on a variety of roads and trails in the Eastern Cape, it became clear that this is far more than just a Prado wearing Prada.

While it retains the Prado's basic bodyshell, and 2,850mm wheelbase, the front and rear ends have been completely redesigned, with a somewhat butch interpretation of the luxury brand's usual 'spindle' design theme. With an overall length of 5,015mm, it's a good 90mm longer than its Toyota sibling.

Inside it's anything but a carbon copy, with a fresh cockpit design and materials that are discernibly more upscale. Out on the road, it seemed quieter too.