As autumn’s golden hues take hold and the morning air arrives with a crisp whisper, Lexus South Africa has delivered a warm, thunderous answer to the chill – the all-new Lexus GX, presented in two dynamic guises: the SE and Overtrail. More than just another premium SUV, the GX marks a bold move by the Japanese marque, aimed squarely at reshaping the landscape of luxury off-roading – and rattling the cage of Land Rover’s long-standing dominance.
Earlier this year, Lexus introduced its flagship LX to South African roads. Now, the GX steps in as a more versatile yet no less luxurious sibling, promising capability, comfort and refinement – with serious off-road credentials.
A Journey of Discovery in the Eastern Cape
Breaking away from the conventional launch circuit of Gauteng and the Cape Peninsula, Lexus chose the wind-kissed coastal city of Gqeberha as the canvas for the GX’s national media launch – a decision that immediately felt fresh, intimate and rooted in the beauty of South Africa’s heartland.
Following a warm welcome at the Garden Club Café, the adventure began behind the wheel of the GX. A curated drive through 70 per cent scenic tar and 30 per cent untamed gravel roads brought us to Lindale Farm, where the GX Overtrail’s off-road muscle was put to the test. From steep hill climbs to confident descents, the GX showed a level of poise and control worthy of any premium adventure badge – even those forged in Solihull.
Equipped with Lexus’ full-time four-wheel drive, electronic kinetic suspension, and multi-terrain select systems, the GX Overtrail impressed with the kind of composed capability that rivalled even the Land Rover Discovery and Defender – its intended adversaries, particularly the Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE.
Our overnight retreat at Shamwari Private Game Reserve elevated the experience further. Luxury safari living, panoramic game drives, and an indulgent dinner served as the perfect complement to the GX’s mission: to reframe what refined ruggedness looks and feels like.
A Fusion of Power, Presence and Precision
Underneath its assertive silhouette lies a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, delivering 260 kW of power and 650 Nm of torque through a slick 10-speed automatic transmission. While the engine feels slightly more mechanical than the silky inline-sixes found in the Defender 130, the Lexus GX has a commanding presence on and off the road.
The GX SE, a seven-seater tailored for families and long-haul comfort, offers design cues reminiscent of the Discovery Dynamic HSE. In contrast, the GX Overtrail, with its muscular stance and purposeful detailing, mirrors the Defender’s trail-hungry personality.
Inside, Lexus delivers its signature understated opulence. Choose from three rich interior trims in the SE (Saddle Tan, Black or Grey synthetic leather) or two in the Overtrail (Chateau or Black). A Mark Levinson sound system in the SE and a Lexus Premium Audio in the Overtrail ensure your soundtrack is as sophisticated as your surroundings.
Off-road purists will admire the Overtrail’s multi-terrain monitor, six-mode drive select, and low- and high-range transfer case – along with a suite of optional features coming later this year, including roof racks, rock rails and bash plates for the fully-equipped Off-Road model.
The Verdict: A New Challenger Emerges
After two days of traversing gravel trails, winding highways, and luxury safari landscapes, one thing is clear: Lexus is on the offensive. With a bold strategy, an evolving electrified lineup, and plans to move 450 units by the end of 2025 – the brand is not merely chasing market share. It’s redefining it.
Already, over 60 units have been sold since the GX’s March retail debut in March, and momentum is building. With flagship Lexus dealer hubs in Fourways (Gauteng), Umhlanga (KwaZulu-Natal), Menlyn (Gauteng), and Cape Town (Western Cape), now might be the perfect time to experience the GX for yourself.
If you’re a current Land Rover Discovery owner considering an upgrade, the Lexus GX should be on your radar. It’s premium, it’s purposeful – and it offers an entirely new lens through which to view your next grand escape.
Pricing starts from R1 766 000 for the Lexus GX Overtrail and R1 829 000 for the Lexus GX SE.Both include a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and 5-year roadside assistance.
