The 2014 Lexus GX 460 went on sale in the UAE last month, just before the Dubai Motor Show. Sporting a new front-end, actual changes are minimal, but the midsize luxury SUV in now available in three trim levels.
On the outside, the most obvious changes include the redesigned front-end with the corporate “spindle” grille, adaptive LED-HID combination headlights, LED running lamps, new tail lamp clusters, redone 18-inch wheels and other minor bits.
The engine is a carryover 301 hp 4.6-litre V8 mated to a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive with low-range gearing.
The base Premier model is well-equipped, with standard features such as a multi-terrain select system, smart keyless entry and start, sunroof, rear camera and side camera with park assist, synthetic leather trim for the 7-seater cabin, 9-speaker stereo with new 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB/AUX ports, DVD navigation, tri-zone a/c, crawl control, ESP, basic cruise control and a full set of airbags that includes knee bags. It retails for Dhs 210,000, which is lower than the previous model by a fair bit.
The mid-range Prestige model adds semi-aniline leather, heated/ventilated seats, cool box and lane-change assist with blind-spot monitor, bumping up the price to Dhs 230,000.
The top Platinum model adds a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, pre-crash safety system, radar cruise control and a rear-seat entertainment system for Dhs 260,000.
We had a chat with the Lexus GX project’s engineering boss Sadayoshi Koyari, and he said that the new model also includes subtle suspension-tuning changes to improve ride and handling. The GX will also stick to the V8 powertrain option for now, with no plans to offer a V6 engine like in its Toyota Prado sibling.
