
Volvo Car SA: Latest on dealership restructuring
With premium brands in South Africa taking the brunt of the economic hardship facing customers, challenges at dealership level are creating a new reality.
- Dealer News
- 14 April 2025
Lexus presents the all-new GX 550 in South Africa in the premium off-road SUV segment, designed to meet the needs of both urban explorers and off-road adventurers.
What is it?
Alongside the newly launched GX, the Lexus SUV line-up includes the flagship full-size LX, the refined RX for on-road luxury, the fully electric RZ, the NX a mid-size option, while the UX offers a compact solution for urban driving.
Lexus has introduced Overtrail as a specialised sub-brand that merges the brand’s signature luxury with exceptional off-road capabilities. In the local market, only the LX and GX models are available in Overtrail grade.
Exterior:
Built on the robust GA-F global architecture platform, the new GX retains its traditional body-on-frame construction.
It has a bold and sculpted design. The vehicle’s distinctive thick, squared-off bonnet and pulled-back front pillars reinforce its off-road prowess, while its wider stance and lower height enhance both visual impact and off-road stability.
The signature spindle grille and sleek LED headlamps provide a modern look, while the high-positioned headlights and radiator cooling ducts are designed to prevent damage on rough terrains.
Interior:
Inside, the new GX offers an environment that is as luxurious as it is functional. The fully digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system add to the advanced technology and convenience.
The GX is available in both five- and seven-seat configurations, providing ample space for both passengers and gear.
The Overtrail variant offers unique interior enhancements, including durable yet refined materials, distinctive trim accents and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring both comfort and durability for off-road adventurers.
Power:
At the heart of the new GX is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 260kW and a remarkable 650Nm, paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission.
SE Grade:
The Lexus GX SE is a 7-seater and has a power back door with a kick sensor, auto-retractable side-step rails for ease of entry and exit, and a solid roof rail.
The Mark Levinson 14-inch display and 21-speaker premium sound system deliver a superior in-cabin entertainment experience, while the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) assists with tight manoeuvres.
GX Overtrail:
For those seeking ultimate off-road performance, the GX Overtrail variant is tailored for that. With exclusive design elements, including 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tyres, a 20mm wider tread, and reinforced under protector, the Overtrail is built for the most challenging environments.
Advanced systems such as the Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) and Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) provide traction and stability on any terrain with six modes – Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock.
Safety and Driver Assistance:
The GX is equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System. This intelligent suite includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Prices:
Lexus GX 550 Overtrail 3.5T (R1 766 000), Lexus GX 550 Overtrail 3.5T Bi-Tone (R1 776 200) and the Lexus GX 550 SE 3.5T (R1 829 000).
With the all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, the brand with the three-pointed star presents the first fully electric variant of its off-road icon.
Hyundai’s facelift 2025 Hyundai Tucson has landed in South Africa. When the Hyundai Tucson model was first introduced in South Africa in 2004, it became a top-seller in its segment.
The ICE Age is over with the arrival of the new Riddara RD6. So says Gideon Wolfaardt, CEO of the Enviro Automotive Group.