First Look - Lexus GX 470

Be they 4x4s, SUVs or even 4WDs, the attraction of these long-wheel-base juggernauts is just as powerful as the cutting-edge technology that powers them.

And while the big sellers in Australia are the so-called 'soft-roaders' which includes the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Nissan X-Trail, the big-budget luxury 4x4s still hold their own in Australia's burgeoning car industry.

Take the new Range Rover, largely developed by BMW, for instance. It's expensive, but offers what is arguably one of the best rides both on and off the beaten track.

Both Mercedes and BMW have large SUVs - the ML and X range of 4WDs respectively - which offer that high-seating position, but cater more for those after refined luxury than all-out mud-slinging.

Which is where the next-generation GX 470 comes in. Though the even grander and more expensive LX 470 is a direct competitor the aforementioned big three from Land Rover, Mercedes and BMW, the new GX model is less 'super' luxury, and more 'added' luxury.

The new-look GX 470 may also hint at the direction of the new Toyota Landcruiser, on which the outgoing Lexus 4WD is based.

Right off the mark, the Japanese luxury 4WD offers an optional 2 seats in the rear, which means a total seating capacity of 8 passengers. But one of the most notable features of the new-look Lexus is the suspension.

Akin to it's more up-market rivals from Germany and the UK, the new GX 470 gets active suspension. In other words, the damping levels and ride height can be changed either automatically by the car's electronics, or via manual override controls, operated by the driver.

Together with a body-on-frame design, Lexus reckons the new GX 470 will offer smooth on-road driving characteristics, while still cutting the mustard off the road.

With independent front suspension and a more traditional, yet rugged solid axle rear, the Lexus makes use of adaptive variable suspension, which essentially alters damping on the go.

When on bitumen, the system ensures improved on-road smoothness, while adaptive height control also allows drivers to the alter ride height to better suit any given situation.

More ground clearance comes in handy when going bush, and a lower ride height when cruising the freeway, which basically lowers drag, therefore greatly increasing fuel efficiency.

And how about its shoes? 17-inch alloys, shod with uber-wide Porsche-like 265/65RR17 tires. They should have called it the BF 470 - short for Big Foot...

As you can tell from the photos, the GX 470 has a more modern look than the ageing LX 470.

From the front, the new Lexus gets a more curvaceous grille, while the new-look headlight cluster, complete with quad-xenon lamps, borrows styling cues from the Mercedes ML.

The exterior is much more integrated - and elegant - than its more expensive LX sibling, thanks in large part to a smoother profile.

The flared wheel arches add muscle, while the new-look rear end is perhaps the most impressive luxo-4WD derriere we've ever seen.

But more than just rugged good looks, the new Lexus model has plenty of power, borrowing the same large-capacity V8 from the LX model.

With some 4664cc to play with, the new GX will be no slouch. Sure, 175kW may sound a little weak for such a large vehicle, but consider that 80 per cent of the GX's 410Nm of torque occurs at just over 1000rpm, and you begin to realise that the new Lexus has more than enough pull.

A peak power output of roughly 175kW hits @ 4800rpm, while 410Nm of torque occurs @ just 3400rpm. These figures are made possible thanks to 4 valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts.

Power is routed to all four wheels through a five-speed auto gearbox, and drivers also get front bucket seats, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a power sunroof and a premium stereo system, assuring that comfort is also taken care of.

For the driver, things such as a DVD-based navigation system, heated front seats, leather steering wheel and gear shifter will make driving less of chore, while those in the rear will benefit from a cost-optioned DVD entertainment system, housed in the roof of the vehicle.

Other features include automatic climate control, leather seats and trim and a memory system for the outside mirrors, the front seats and steering wheel angle.

At the end of the day, the new GX 470 could well carve out its own niche in the ever-growing 4WD segment. Unfortunately, though, the rather suave new Lexus hasn't been green-lighted for local consumption yet.

Lexus was gearing up to launch the new model in early 2003 in the USA, around late January. But as production has been ahead of schedule, the new model will be on sale in the US in November. And while we will be getting the larger engined RX 340 (think of it as a super-luxurious Forester) "Soon", acccording to Lexus, the GX 470 is still up in the air.

Even so, the fact that Lexus is doubling its luxury 4WD range in such a huge market (America) speaks volumes for the surge in popularity that these luxury cruisers represent. Lexus of America hopes to sell roughly 20,000 GX 470 a year, each worth about $US50,000, which translates to about $91,500 in local currency. Still, even though it's as yet uncomfirmed, we'd love to see it over here, even if it was just to ogle at its fine lines and purposeful stance...