Lexus beefs up its SUV range with the Toyota Prado-derived GX460
There was a bizarre sense of déjà vu. The previous time I ventured out into the desert, I managed to get the vehicle beached up to its axles. That was in a Toyota LandCruiser Prado. Now, here I am, three months later, in a remarkably similar predicament. This time it’s in the Lexus GX460 – essentially a luxo-loaded version of the Prado.
Truth be told, in neither case could I point my finger at the vehicle and declare: “It’s all your fault!” In both instances I had misjudged the softness of the sand under-wheel, and it didn’t take long for a sinking feeling to set in.
Some quick background on the new GX460 – it’s conceived to slot into the Lexus line-up between the RX350 soft-roader and the LandCruiser-based LX570. It’s offered in three grades – Premium, Premium Plus and Luxury – with pricing ranging from $62,670 to $74,950. This might seem a lot of money for a tarted-up Prado, but the extensive spec levels at least partially justify the premium.
The most noticeable change is in the engine room, where the donor Prado’s 4.0-litre V6 has been turfed in favour of a 4.6-litre V8 – essentially the same engine you’ll find in the LS460 sedan. Its outputs of 288bhp and 438Nm comfortably eclipse those of the Prado (266bhp and 381Nm), and it also brings far greater levels of smoothness and refinement. Mated to the V8 is an equally smooth-shifting six-speed automatic.
As per the Prado, the GX460 is equipped with Toyota’s Multi-terrain Select (similar in principle to Land Rover’s Terrain Response), which offers a choice of four modes – “mud and sand”, “loose rock”, “mogul” and “rock”. When the appropriate mode is engaged, the GX460 is able to continuously deliver optimum traction… at least in theory. I obviously discovered otherwise, as the GX460 dug itself ever deeper into the soft sand near Dubai’s Al Maha Resort. Electronically activating the centre diff lock made no difference whatsoever, as both right-hand wheels spun furiously, while their counterparts sat motionless. In the end, the only way to dodge a sandy grave was to get yanked out by one of the resort’s LandCruisers.
However, this episode doesn’t mean the GX isn’t a capable all-terrainer. It’s got all the right credentials: rugged body-on-frame chassis, solid rear axle, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (disengages the sway bars in rough terrain to provide greater wheel articulation), Crawl Control, plus the aforementioned Multi-terrain Select. Oh, there’s also a Multi-terrain Monitor that enables you to survey the terrain in the immediate vicinity, eliminating blind spots.
In addition, there’s a Steering Angle Indicator that shows you exactly where the front wheels are pointing – sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s actually useful in the really tricky low-speed stuff. There’s nothing lacking in terms of comfort features or gadgetry, and the GX460 is agreeably quiet and soft-riding. It doesn’t handle with the same crispness as Land Rover’s excellent LR4, nor does it have much in the way of steering feel, but it’s a refined seven-seater nonetheless.
Among the Lexus’s bells and whistles are voice-activated sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, “Variable Speed Power Windows” that slow down before they reach the full open or closed position for comfort and quietness and a cool box in the front armrest. The second row seats offer walk-in and slide functions and have a 40:20:40 split folding seat back. The third row seats feature a power flush-with-floor function that automatically folds and stows the seats flush with the floor at the touch of a button.
All models come standard with a nine-speaker audio system, and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker system is offered in the top-end models. Streaming bluetooth audio also allows music to play from an iPod without having to contend with wires or connectors. Standard safety gear includes a Pre-Crash Safety System, Adaptive Front Lighting System (cornering lights), multiples airbags and Active Headrests that reduce the risk of whiplash during a rear collision.
In terms of raw spec, the GX460 has it all. It’s a sumptuously finished, extensively kitted-out and comfortable chariot for five people and their luggage. It’s also built to venture further than most other mid-size SUVs. That said, if it was my money, I’d rather spend it on the Land Rover LR4.
hello did want sale your car