New article: Test drive of the updated Lexus GX 460: eternal values

The automotive industry has faced significant pressure from the authorities of many developed countries over the past decade: policymakers demand a reduction in harmful emissions, the abandonment of diesel engines, and actively support the production of electric vehicles. Manufacturers are increasingly shifting to the use of small-capacity turbo engines, which, combined with programmed obsolescence, adversely affects the reliability of modern cars. Nowadays, it is rare for a vehicle to travel 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers without serious breakdowns, and engines that could last a million kilometers have long since disappeared into history. 

This trend has not passed by the creators of off-road vehicles. More and more "off-roaders" are replacing the frame with a unibody and the good old V8 with a 2-liter turbo engine. However, enthusiasts of classic off-road body-on-frame vehicles can still find such cars on our market, including in the "premium" segment. One of the last Mohicans is the Lexus GX 460, which has recently undergone an update. We drove the refreshed SUV on the roads of France and are now ready to report on how the updated vehicle turned out.

⇡#Exterior

The main exterior change immediately catches the eye: this is the new grille, which has become larger and has a honeycomb structure — previously, there were chrome strips. The shape of the headlights has also changed: the new LED optics with daytime running lights in the shape of the Lexus logo looks noticeably fresher. As a result, the appearance of the SUV has been significantly transformed, adding to its impact and aggression. 

⇡#Interior 

Inside, there are not many changes: the materials have been improved, a new steering wheel has appeared, and the shape of the gear lever has changed. The list of options has been updated with new high-tech solutions, among which are four cameras around the vehicle with a system for off-road driving assistance (Multi-Terrain Monitor). The vehicle now comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which includes an automatic braking system before obstacles, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a road sign recognition system. 

Technical specifications of the Lexus GX 460: 

Interestingly, after the update, the initial configurations of the Lexus GX 460 not only did not become more expensive but even became slightly more affordable. For example, the SUV in the base Executive 5 configuration is priced at 4.565 million rubles. However, even the basic GX is quite well-equipped: full LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, electric sunroof, illuminated side steps, electric steering adjustment for tilt and reach, heated steering wheel, windshield, mirrors, and front seats, ventilation for front seats, leather upholstery, keyless entry system, adaptive adjustable suspension, rear pneumatic suspension, navigation system, vehicle stability control system, and inter-axle differential lock. In the maximum Premium Sport configuration, the 460 is priced at 5.061 million rubles. 

The purchase price, regardless of the configuration, already includes three years of using the "Roadside Assistance" service, three years of warranty on the vehicle, and three scheduled maintenance services (10, 20, and 30 thousand kilometers) as part of the "Service Package" program. 

⇡#On the road

As with Lexus RX, the updated GX was tested on the roads of France. On European roads, the GX 460 is quite a rare sight; its natural environment is countries with less-than-ideal road conditions. However, even in the resort town of Marseille, the test drive organizers were able to find several kilometers of roads that resembled typical dirt tracks in Russia. 

On rough roads, the Lexus GX can dash even faster than what is generally allowed in city driving. It seems that the worse the road surface gets, the better the adaptive suspension of the 460 handles it. You simply press the accelerator, and the SUV charges forward with the confidence of a tank. In terms of comfort on bad roads, the GX 460 is one of the best cars not only in its class but overall. 

On the highway, the 2.5-ton machine doesn’t lag behind either. The powerful V8 confidently accelerates the SUV to the legally allowed maximum of 130 km/h. The GX reaches its first hundred in just 8.3 seconds—a result that not every business-class sedan can boast. However, the nature of the 460 doesn't encourage a dynamic driving style. During active acceleration and especially during braking, noticeable body roll occurs, which, despite the system's efforts, cannot be entirely eliminated. KDSS. It's much more pleasant to gradually reach the speed limit, activate the intelligent cruise control, and enjoy significantly lower fuel consumption as a bonus. 

The off-road special section was easily overcome by the GX 460, which is not surprising at all. It is one of the best ‘off-roaders’ in the premium segment: a sturdy frame, high ground clearance, center differential lock, Multi-Terrain Select system, air suspension, and a powerful engine—all of these features allow for confident handling even on serious off-road terrain. 

It is clear that the GX 460, unlike the Lexus RX, will not suit everyone. Its target audience is men aged 45+, who often have to travel on rough roads. High reliability, excellent off-road capability, and a classic interior layout with large controls are precisely what affluent buyers are willing to pay 4.5 million rubles for. Add to this the high liquidity of Lexus SUVs — so it will certainly find its buyers. High fuel consumption, body roll, fairly average handling, and an interior that lags behind German competitors — all of this is what loyal Lexus owners are ready to forgive their favorite car. 

⇡#Competitors

The selection of large frame SUVs on the Russian market is not very extensive. With the same 5 million, one could consider the main bestseller in this class: the Toyota Land Cruiser 200. The base 'two-hundred' will certainly be less luxurious than the Lexus. However, you will get a more spacious vehicle with a diesel (gasoline is also available) engine producing 249 hp, which will consume significantly less fuel. 

The Land Rover Discovery, although no longer a frame SUV, can also be considered a competitor to the hero of this article. For the same 5 million rubles, you can purchase a Disco with a 3-liter V6 diesel engine producing 249 hp. At the same time, Land Rover boasts a significantly higher quality interior, and in urban conditions, it will clearly be more pleasant than the frame Lexus. 

Prices for another large frame SUV — the Chevrolet Tahoe — start at 4.6 million rubles without accounting for current discounts. This 8-seater giant is equipped with a monstrous 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 426 hp. 

Finally, the last car on our list of alternatives is the large all-wheel-drive vehicle priced at 4.6 million rubles — the Infiniti QX80. This 5.3-meter-long SUV is equipped with a 5.6-liter gasoline engine producing 405 hp. 

⇡#Conclusions 

Thanks to Toyota and its Lexus brand, Russians can still choose reliable options like the classic automatic transmission, body-on-frame construction, and powerful naturally aspirated engines. Therefore, the lack of significant changes after the Lexus GX 460's facelift should only please potential buyers. It's worth noting the minimal price changes compared to its predecessor — the entry-level versions have even become cheaper. It seems that the updated SUV will find its buyers. 

Source: 3dnews.ru