Lexus GX 550 4WD – All the details

Lexus is driven by the needs of its customers, and GX customers in Australia need strong performance from a luxury SUV designed to tackle some of the challenging off-road environments.

Lexus therefore elected to power the new-generation GX with a powerful 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with twin turbochargers and intercooler, deemed the right choice to deliver the robust performance and immediate response required for both on-road and off-road driving.

Aside from its high power and torque outputs – 260kW and 650Nm respectively – the V35A-FTS unit also delivers the smoothness and low engine noise expected from a Lexus vehicle.

Maximum torque is produced from a low 2000rpm and remains constant to 3600rpm, providing instant response across a rev range employed in most driving conditions. The result is smooth and steady acceleration on-road and instant response off-road such as when driving across rocky terrain, steep slopes, river crossings and uneven surfaces.

Design elements for efficiency

High outputs are achieved in tandem with thermal efficiency through high-speed combustion technology.

This technology includes straight intake ports developed using performance simulations based on F1, a long stroke (100mm x 85.5mm bore), increased valve angle and laser-clad valve seats. These features achieve both strong tumble flows and an increase in air intake flow for optimum high-speed combustion, while delivering excellent fuel economy and respectable CO2 tailpipe emissions.

The lip-shaped piston surface and precise injection control ensures that during cold start-up a rich air-fuel mixture collects around the spark plug for stronger ignition and stable combustion. The benefit of this system is the temperature becomes higher quicker, with the hotter exhaust gas flowing into the catalyst enhancing its warm-up performance, realising both low emissions and engine quietness.

Carbon dioxide exhaust emissions measured by the Australian Design Rules (ADR) 81/02 test using the NEDC combined cycle results in CO2 emissions of 279g/km.¹

Fuel consumption is rated at 12.3L/100kms on the same ADR 81/02 test cycle.²

Towing performance

In addition to go-anywhere performance, GX also needs to be able to tow almost anything, from a stacked camping van across the Outback to a fully loaded horse float. The bountiful V6 engine and strong powertrain provides a commendable 3,500kg braked towing capacity³ on Luxury and Overtrail (3,130kg³ on Sports Luxury) ideal for the adventurous Australian GX customer.

The V6 twin turbocharged engine requires premium fuel with a minimum 95 octane rating, while the generous 80-litre tank enables driving deep into adventure territory.

Noise suppression

The engine’s refinement and smoothness are aided with Active Noise Control on both the intake and exhaust systems, suppressing unpleasant engine booming. The damping of these noises occurs between a frequency range of 30 to 200 Hertz.

Furthermore, ball joint flanges are fitted before and after the main muffler. The flanges reduce the transmission of exhaust pipe vibrations into the cabin, mainly at idling speed and low rpm range (600 to 2000 rpm). This helps provide the level of refinement and low NVH expected by Lexus customers.

Further noise suppression is achieved by increasing the capacity of the muffler and adding noise-absorbing material into the muffler’s inner pipe.

Engine Sound Enhancement

To help create an engine sound that adds an aural layer to the GX’s dynamic performance, all grades feature Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE).

When the Drive Mode Select switch is set to Sport S, Sport S+, or Custom mode – together with the powertrain mode set to Power – ESE activates in sync with the throttle position to produce a pleasant sound in harmony with the driving. Similarly, at low rpm, ESE is inactive to keep noise levels low for serene driving.

10-speed automatic transmission

Engineers match the V6 engine to a direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission, helping to deliver smooth and seamless acceleration. Close gear ratios allow the vehicle to make optimum use of the engine’s rich torque at low rpm, aiding both low fuel consumption and quietness.

The design team utilises a low-ratio first gear to increase drive force from standstill, while the final 10th gear features a ratio 12.9 percent higher than the outgoing final 6th gear in the previous GX, also contributing to both low fuel consumption and quietness.

Engineers mate a newly developed torque converter to the transmission, locking it up at higher revs to deliver linear and smooth acceleration.

The team adopts a direct connected downshift for deceleration, with the gearbox selecting an intermediate gear upon sudden throttle lift to reduce the time it takes for the driver to feel the vehicle’s response.

Full-time all-wheel-drive system

Power is delivered to all four wheels through a full-time all-wheel-drive system, providing customers with stable and faithful handling regardless of road surface conditions. A Torsen™⁴ limited-slip differential has been adopted on the centre differential to enhance cornering and vehicle stability, which can be locked to provide true four-wheel drive.

An enhanced low-range transfer case has been adopted for the all-new GX which has been installed at an angle that increases its ground clearance while promoting a low centre of gravity. The transfer case can switch from high to low-range in just 0.8 seconds.

GX 550 Drive Mode Select system

Owners can also more finely tailor the GX’s driving characteristics through the Drive Mode Select system, which on Luxury can be configured in three settings starting with Normal mode which provides a balance between powertrain throttle response, power steering feel and air conditioning output to suit a wide variety of driving scenarios.

Eco mode delivers a gentler dose of engine torque in accordance with throttle input compared to Normal mode while suppressing the operation of the climate control system to maximise the fuel economy of the GX’s twin-turbocharged V6.

Lastly for Luxury, Sport mode enhances steering feel, powertrain response and transmission characteristics to bring to life the GX’s dynamic capabilities.

Overtrail and Sports Luxury gain the sophisticated Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system which increases Drive Mode Select functionality to five modes plus custom mode, providing owners with further personalisation of their GX.

Along with Normal and Eco mode, AVS-equipped models offer Comfort mode which adjust the suspension parameters to provide the smoothest possible ride with soft damping force that mitigates shocks and bumps from uneven road surfaces.

Sport S mode replaces the Luxury’s Sport mode and increases engine and transmission response while keeping suspension, power steering and air conditioning systems normal – perfect for situations like overtaking or towing uphill where additional grunt may be required.

Sport S+ mode sets the powertrain, suspension and powertrain response to their sportiest setting, enhancing the handling and throttle response to its highest level.

Alternatively, Overtrail and Sports Luxury customers are provided ultimate choice and personalisation with Custom mode, which allows them to individually tailor the powertrain (eco/normal/power), suspension (comfort/normal/sport), power steering (normal/sport) and air conditioning (eco/normal) to their preference – providing a unique and personalised take on the Lexus Driving Signature.

Lexus GX 550 Architecture

The all-new GX is crafted from the ground up to offer the performance, comfort and rugged durability worthy of a premium off-road SUV; starting with its rigid, high-strength GA-F ladder-frame architecture.

Featuring excellent torsional rigidity, Lexus engineers have evolved the GA-F platform with the application of a steel plate around the outer sections of the ladder frame, with ultra-high tensile strength steel used in optimal locations to maximise strength.

The integrated towing hitch receiver standard on all GX grades is designed to optimise weight distribution to ensure Luxury and Overtrail maximum 3,500kg braked towing capacity¹ is achieved safely, and 3,130kg¹ for Sports Luxury.

Construction details

The manufacturer uses tailor-welded blanks on the chassis side rails and cross members, which join sheets of steel of differing thickness. Engineers use laser welds at optimal points, then press-form materials, helping to significantly reduce weight while retaining the chassis’ strength and rigidity.

The design team achieves maximum rigidity with 11.9 metres of structural adhesive used throughout the body, along with extensive spot welding around the door openings and underfloor. They use larger brackets for mounting the body to the chassis to also help improve overall rigidity.

The company adopts rust-resistant sheet steel on the frame and applies a coating using electrodeposition to provide excellent rust resistance.

The engineers use an annular construction to connect the instrument panel components to the cowl frame, providing a 46 per cent improvement in lateral steering rigidity compared to the previous-generation GX (not sold in Australia).

The team enhances handling stability further with cross braces for the radiator support upper, along with a dedicated reinforcing panel that improves rigidity around the bonnet lock.

The manufacturer designs the aluminium bonnet to help reduce weight and partly makes it from recycled aluminium to lower its environmental footprint.

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels

Like with any Lexus, engineers took great care to ensure noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels on the GX are kept to a minimum to ensure passengers enjoy quiet and serene comfort.

The larger mounting points between the body and chassis feature improved cushioning, which along with a cross-braced bulkhead at the rear of the chassis, suppress cabin vibrations compared to the previous GX.

We optimise the thickness and weight per area of inner silencers placed around the firewall, floor, and doors using conversation clarity as a benchmark for interior noise, and we reduce the gaps between peripheral parts to lessen the influence of outside noise.

Additional seals are added on the windshield and window B-pillar, while the thickness of the rear-quarter glass is increased to provide further insulation. Acoustic glass is adopted for the front doors.

Engineers used foam materials in optimal locations including the base of the A- and B-pillars, as well as noise-insulating and vibration-damping materials around the wheelarches, underfloor and even between the intake inlet and cabin – all in the name of offering signature Lexus whisper-quiet comfort.

Even the all-terrain tyres offered on Overtrail have a revised tread pattern to enhance quietness while maintaining their superior off-road performance.

Suspension setup

A high-quality suspension system is one of the most important ways to ensure passenger comfort, with GX engineers striving to provide a setup that offers Lexus-like comfort on-road while facilitating the best possible performance off the beaten path.

All GX grades employ a newly developed high-mount double wishbone front suspension system with optimised geometry, allowing for the fitment of up to 22-inch wheels on Sports Luxury grade while providing excellent durability.

The new suspension provides an extra 10mm of stroke compared to the outgoing GX which improves off-road driveability, with a larger caster trail and high-strength forged aluminium knuckle bring further off-road prowess.

Increasing the fastening torque on multiple suspension components improves rigidity and faithful steering response, while the positioning and characteristics of the stabiliser reduce roll by cutting the roll angle compared to the previous GX.

Engineers use high-strength steel for the coil springs, which they carefully design to offer excellent handling stability, ride comfort, and durability.

The all-new GX features a four-link rigid axle rear suspension setup, which provides excellent reliability, wheel articulation, and many of the improvements that enhance the front suspension, including greater suspension stroke (+20mm), increased fastening torque, and optimised placement of components to enhance stability and comfort.

Luxury grade vehicles feature dampers with high-flow pistons, independent telescopic valves, and a friction control device that allows the damping force on the extension and contraction side to be well balanced, leading to a flat ride and excellent comfort with high levels of noise and vibration suppression.

Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)

Overtrail and Sports Luxury further augment the GX’s suspension setup with the addition of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which adds a linear solenoid actuator to each damper, allowing for continuously variable damping force to provide both on- and off-road benefits.

The AVS system uses signals from the steering, yaw rate and linear and vertical G sensors to help reduce vibrations, pitch and roll, and will adjust the damper stiffness based on selected drive mode.

When engaging low range, the absorber force is adjusted to increase the sprung weight vibration damping on rough roads. If the driver encounters an off-road situation where the diagonally opposite wheels are spinning over a set of moguls, the AVS system will adapt to minimise rocking of the body.

Steering and brakes

Engineers introduce a rack-assisted electric power steering system to offer easier and more direct steering inputs compared to the outgoing hydraulic system, providing 50mm of tilt and 60mm of telescopic adjustment.

The GX achieves stopping power via opposed two-piston calipers that grab 354mm x 32mm ventilated discs at the front, paired with floating single-piston rear calipers that wrap around 335mm x 20mm ventilated discs at the rear.

Combining the GX’s fundamental strength and capability with extensive NVH measures and a comfortable driving experience ensures the all-new GX continues to deliver the Lexus Driving Signature with a potent blend of on- and off-road performance.

Lexus GX 550 Overtrail details

When Lexus created the global Overtrail Project, the luxury lifestyle brand aimed to present an initiative to stoke the adventurous spirit within Lexus customers, be it leisurely picnics in the park or overland adventures to the furthest reaches of land.

The ultimate expression of the Overtrail Project is the all-new GX 550 Overtrail – the first Lexus to bear the new off-road focused nameplate – which augments the already formidable fundamental overland capability of the GX with a number of exclusive features to give customers the ability to trek further into the bush than ever before.

To meet the needs of Overtrail customers who value vehicle capability over comfort, Lexus has chosen to present this GX variant exclusively in five-seat configuration, with Luxury and Sports Luxury delivering seven-seat flexibility.

Building on the specification of the GX 550 Luxury, the Overtrail becomes the first Lexus vehicle equipped with the sophisticated Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS) which provides unparalleled wheel articulation and ground coverage when traversing uneven surfaces.

Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS)

eKDSS is tuned for both on-road and off-road driving to meet the diverse needs of Lexus customers.

eKDSS uses electronic control to continuously and automatically lock and unlock the front and rear stabiliser bars which maximises both comfort and ground covering ability with no required inputs from the driver.

Compared to the hydraulic KDSS system offered on the previous GX (not sold in Australia) which would only unlock the stabiliser bars when the movements of the front and rear wheels were in opposite phase, eKDSS detects various factors including road surface conditions, vehicle speed and steering inputs to continuously lock and unlock the stabilisers as the situation demands.

As well as providing increased wheel articulation compared to KDSS when traversing difficult terrain, eKDSS also enhances comfort by leaving the stabiliser bars unlocked when driving straight on rougher roads in high range, helping the vehicle to reduce shocks and bumps from the road entering the cabin and affecting the occupants. When cornering, the stabilisers will automatically lock to ensure a flat ride and handling stability.

In low range, the parameters for keeping the stabilisers unlocked is expanded to enhance capability over rough terrain. The stabilisers remain unlocked in straight-line driving and the front stabiliser only is locked during cornering.

eKDSS works in harmony with the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system – another Overtrail-exclusive feature – to finely control the parameters of the stabiliser bars based on the terrain at hand.

MTS allows owners to select from a range of modes tailored to different surfaces that automatically distribute drive force and braking in accordance with the conditions underfoot.

Driving mode selection

When in high range, drivers can choose from Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud and Deep Snow modes; while engaging low-range gearing allows users to cycle through Auto, Sand, Mud and Rock modes.

Activated by turning the MTS switch on, Auto mode provides excellent all-round traction for a range of surface conditions, while Dirt mode suppresses any unstable vehicle behaviour on unpaved roads to provide faithful steering and accelerator inputs as per the driver’s intention in keeping with the Lexus Driving Signature.

Engineers designed Sand mode to allow a moderate amount of tyre spin to gain the optimal drive force for sandy terrain while helping to avoid the vehicle getting stuck. They designed Mud mode to provide ample tyre spin to help the vehicle track through muddy roads and bog holes with enhanced stability.

Engineers designed Deep Snow mode to prevent excessive tyre spin when starting from a standstill in snowy conditions while still allowing the tyres to slip and clear snow when driving at higher speeds.

Finally, engineers designed the low-range exclusive Rock mode to minimise tyre spin and allow maximum traction to be delivered to wheels in contact with the ground, even in situations where multiple wheels are in the air.

Traction control, locking diffs and downhill assist

Owners can also view the status of the GX Overtrail traction control systems in real time via the 14-inch multimedia screen, with an MTS-specific display showing the amount of drive force, braking force, distribution of traction across four wheels, and pitch and roll angles.

For situations where extra traction assistance may be required on top of what MTS offers, Overtrail includes a standard locking rear differential to help the GX climb out of the roughest terrain.

Difficult hilly off-roading benefits from the standard fitment of Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Crawl Control, which provides either autonomous accelerator or braking input to help navigate steep uphill and downhill slopes at steady and safe speeds.

Drivers can engage Crawl Control in low range, which provides five different low-level speed settings that automatically control accelerator and brake inputs, helping to provide excellent vehicle stability and allowing the driver to focus on steering their GX through tough situations.

Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM)

Further steering assistance for GX Overtrail drivers comes from the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM), which uses a suite of high-resolution cameras placed around the vehicle to provide a broad range of different views of the GX’s surrounds at speeds of up to 20km/h.¹

Multiple views can be shown at the same time on the 14-inch multimedia display, such as the front and sides, underfloor and sides or rear and sides, along with guidelines showing the path of the wheels as well as graphics of the vehicle’s pitch and roll angles. The underfloor view uses composite images to give drivers a view underneath the vehicle body, helping to detect unseen obstacles.

Wheels and tyres

Inside and out, designers crafted the GX Overtrail with functionality in mind, starting with its 18-inch alloy wheels – two inches smaller in diameter than the Luxury – allowing for the fitment of special 265/70R18 Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres with high sidewalls and a more aggressive tread, perfect for generating additional traction off-road.

The Overtrail creates further stability with increased tread and an extra 20mm of track² compared to other grades, while the Overtrail-exclusive front and rear bumpers turn upwards over the wheels to help avoid bumps and scrapes.

Other details

Even the designers of the Overtrail designed the front seats with rough-road travel in mind, incorporating softer bolsters on the seatbacks to help reduce head rocking and firmer side bolsters on the seats to help reduce movement of the pelvis, providing greater comfort for occupants.

The final upgrade specific to the Overtrail enhances the alternator for the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, increasing it from 200A to 240A, which helps facilitate the fitment of heavier-duty accessories and electrical components.

Notes

1 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
2 Weights/mass/volumes/dimensions are approximate and subject to individual vehicle variances, and should be confirmed before fitting any accessories, towing or otherwise relying on this value.

Lexus GX 550 Safety

The comprehensive suite of Lexus Safety System1 active safety technologies fits every member of the all-new GX family to assist in maximising protection for occupants and other road users at all times.

Starting with the Pre-Collision System (PCS)1, a wide range of preventative safety features covers GX customers to help minimise the likelihood of a serious accident.

PCS uses a combined millimetre wave radar and monocular camera sensor to detect preceding vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists during day or night, and oncoming vehicles and motorcycles during the daytime.¹

If PCS judges a strong likelihood of a collision, it will first alert the driver with a series of audible and visual warnings before applying autonomous braking force to bring the vehicle to a stop. Brake force will also be maintained for a short time after the GX comes to a stop to avoid any secondary collisions.¹

Intersection collision avoidance support

Safely navigating intersections on the GX are made easier with intersection collision avoidance support, capable of detecting vehicles crossing at intersections and providing autonomous braking to avoid perpendicular collisions.¹

The GX may also detect during daytime oncoming vehicles in up to two adjacent lanes when turning, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the road through the intersection.¹

Also bundled into the PCS package is emergency steering assist, which may provide light steering and braking input to help the driver execute an evasive manoeuvre in a situation such as where a pedestrian is walking inside the vehicle’s lane. Emergency steering assist can also provide the correct amount of steering and braking input to ensure the GX stays within its own lane.¹

Acceleration suppression at low speed is designed to help avoid collisions by softening unexpectedly strong throttle input when the GX is driving at low speeds with an upcoming obstacle or vehicle in its path.¹

Dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC)

Every GX is available with dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), which in the latest Lexus Safety System¹ provides full speed range support including stop-start driving, greater vehicle detection and four selectable levels of inter-vehicle distance settings.¹

Lexus’ dedication to providing a comfortable and convenient experience for customers even extends to the DRCC system, which is designed to provide preliminary acceleration when overtaking a vehicle when it detects the turn signal is activated. Similarly, the GX may provide automatic deceleration when merging behind a preceding vehicle to avoid harsh acceleration and braking, while providing a display of vehicles in front of the GX 550 on the digital multi-information display. ¹

The GX’s road sign assist (speed signs only) links to DRCC, allowing drivers to easily set the cruise control speed in accordance with the speed limit via the steering wheel-mounted buttons.

The automatic DRCC-linked function for curve speed reduction suppresses vehicle speed if it determines an upcoming curve is too sharp to navigate safely at the current speed.

A Driver Monitor camera placed above the steering column can issue alerts if the driver seems distracted. If the driver appears to be incapacitated or unable to operate the vehicle with DRCC on, the system may slowly bring the vehicle to a stop and activate the hazard lights.

Other safety features of the GX 550

Lane departure alert and lane tracing assist is designed to help the GX stay centred in its lane with gentle steering inputs and alerts if the vehicle begins to stray from its lane.¹

The GX’s blind spot monitor is linked the Safe Exit Assist function which may help prevent collisions with vehicles or bicyclists when exiting the vehicle on the road side. If the blind spot monitor detects an approaching car or bicycle when the occupant is opening the door, an indicator on the side mirror and multi-information display will flash alongside a buzzing sound.¹

Front and rear parking support brake may help avoid collisions with obstacles when parking thanks to a suite of sensors placed around the vehicle, along with a high-resolution panoramic view monitor included as standard on every GX variant.¹

Rear cross-traffic alert can help detect vehicles or pedestrians approaching the GX front the side when reversing out of a parking space or driveway, with arrow-shaped icons that flash on the reversing camera to show the direction of the approaching vehicle or pedestrian.¹

Adaptive High-beam System (AHS)

The automatic high beam system equips Luxury and Overtrail grades, providing excellent illumination of the road ahead, while the flagship Sports Luxury offers further convenience for customers with the advanced Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) featuring BladeScan™2 technology that uses 12 LED chips and a rotating mirror reflector in each module to selectively dim the road ahead to avoid dazzling other road users while leaving the rest of the road illuminated.

AHS offers a range of light distribution modes based on vehicle speed, starting with Urban mode, which works from 15-30km/h and is designed to provide a wide beam of light with brightness adjusted to reduce glare for pedestrians.

Normal mode operates from 30-80km/h and enhances distance visibility for mid-speed driving, while high-speed mode provides the narrowest but longest field of view with a concentrated light beam.

Owners can also set the high beam to manual mode if they wish.

Passive occupant protection

Along with the extensive suite of active safety features packaged as standard into the GX, the design maximises strong passive occupant protection with the fitment of nine airbags, strong impact absorbing performance, vehicle stability and traction control, and a tyre pressure monitor.

Every GX 550 also includes an integrated towing hitch receiver and trailer wiring harness connection for those wanting to make use of up to its maximum 3,500kg braked towing capacity.

The extensive standard safety equipment fitted as standard across the GX range ensures the whole family can travel cross-country with utmost assurance and comfort.

Lexus Owner benefits

The GX’s is a utilitarian off-roader suitable for a myriad of on-road and off-driving driving possibilities. Supported with a range of Lexus approved accessories to enhance the ownership experience.

In keeping with the spirit of adventure – for Overtrail grade especially. An off-road towbar is available (together with an on-road version).

A trailer wiring harness for

• safely connecting tail lamps,
• turn signals, brake lights and
• other electric systems
• is offered through Lexus.

Together with a Lexus approved load distribution hitch to help distribute weight evenly across axles for smoother driving.

Luxury and Overtrail grades have a 3,500kg braked towing capacity^1.  While Sports Luxury is rated at 3,130kg due to riding on taller 22-inch wheels.

GX load carrying options for those with active lifestyles includes roof racks. Both solid and bridge rail types. There are specific carriers for bikes, kayaks and skis.

Interior accessories include:

• all-weather rubber floor mats,
• cargo mats and nets for both
• five-seater Overtrail and seven-seater Luxury and Sports Luxury configurations.

Vehicle protection is offered with a tinted bonnet protector. Weather shields help reduce glare and deflect wind, rain, dirt and bugs with window-down driving. Along with paint protection film for the four door handles.

Lexus ownership experience

Of course, there is more to Lexus ownership than simply purchasing a wonderful vehicle. GX customers can expect a benchmark full-circle Lexus ownership experience.

These include

• integrated vehicle safety and security features for peace of mind to
• capped price servicing with no surprises,
• 24-hour roadside assistance,
• complimentary vehicle pick-up and drop-off during scheduled servicing,
• and access to lifestyle benefits and privileges exclusive to Lexus customers.

It is another way Lexus helps customers Experience Amazing with luxury that is made personal.

Many of the benefits are included as part of a three-year complimentary access to the Lexus Encore lifestyle program^2.   With a further Encore benefit including access to a complimentary Lexus loan car while their car is being serviced.  Also it arrives with a complimentary exterior wash and vacuumed interior.

The Lexus DriveCare³ 24-hour roadside assistance program offers GX customers comprehensive help. In the event of a breakdown or emergency. Such as running out of fuel, flat battery, tyre/wheel replacement and basic roadside mechanical fixes.

DriveCare will also provide towing to a Lexus dealer or nominated technical centre. As well as coverage for clothing and effects up to $250 in value, among other benefits.

GX customers embarking on long overland adventures will also benefit from a five cents per litre discount on fuel. This is at participating Ampol service stations.⁴

Some GX 550 customers prefer to indulge in a little more pampering than camping. They can activate exclusive offers and discounts with luxury hotel partners in metropolitan and regional areas. Including Crown Towers in Melbourne and boutique beachside getaway Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay.

Exclusive invitations to

• music and dining experiences with Lexus ambassadors,
• track drive days and
• golf events are all part of Encore.

Service details

GX 559 owner benefits include 5 years of capped price servicing^5. With each service capped at $595, over intervals of six months or 10,000km. A five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty⁶ is also offered on every GX for comprehensive warranty coverage.

All GX 550 grades are fitted with Lexus Connected Services⁷. Facilitated through the fitment of an inbuilt Data Communication Module (DCM).

Safety features include Automatic Collision Notification (ACN)8 and SOS Emergency Call9. These help owners in the event of an on-road emergency by connecting the GX 550 with third-party emergency services. These safety features remain complimentary until 2033 or the conclusion of the 4G sunset, whichever comes first.

Authorities can track the vehicle if it is stolen using Stolen Vehicle Tracking10. Lexus offers this feature within the complimentary three-year Lexus Connected Services subscription period.

Lexus Connected smartphone app

By downloading the Lexus Connected smartphone app¹¹ owners may remotely access a range of information relating to their vehicle. Including Lexus Status Connect which may provide analytics and insights from recent trips. This will provide drivers with an overall driving score. This is  based on the harshness of the vehicle’s acceleration, braking and cornering strength.¹

The system designs the Guest Driver Settings13 feature to provide notifications for owners if a guest drives the vehicle and exceeds parameters set by the owner, including speed, geofencing boundaries, and even curfews.

A range of vehicle information is also at the owner’s fingertips including the GX’s last known location. Whether the doors are locked, or if the doors, windows, bonnet and tailgate are open.⁹

Alerts may also be provided if any of the doors are open or left unlocked.

Other information such as

• odometer readings,
• fuel level and e
• stimated remaining driving range¹⁴
• are all available via the smartphone app.

While owners may also be remotely notified if there is a mechanical issue.

The Lexus Remote Connect function is designed to allow owners to remotely start and stop the GX’s engine. Lock or unlock the doors, or activate the horn and lights. The heated seats and climate control system may also be pre-set to provide a comfortable environment.¹¹

Lexus Multimedia Connect¹⁵ uses voice command to seamlessly synchronise the Connected App and multimedia head unit. This is to offer a personalised and intuitive user experience.

The Lexus Encore and Connected Services benefits ensures the Lexus ownership experience is amazing.