The new Lexus 7-seater is a big hit in South Africa – The numbers

The new GX is the best-performing Lexus model South Africa has seen in a long time, and there’s a good reason for that.

The SUV made its official debut this April, though early adopters were able to pre-order it before launch, meaning we already have sales figures to see how the GX has been received by the public.

We can therefore reveal that the Lexus has already sold 63 units in South Africa, which may not sound like a lot on paper until you consider that prices start at a considerable R1,766,000.

The SUV everyone is after

Lexus is not a high-volume brand in South Africa, which is understandable given its luxury status.

Even so, its sales are much lower than other premium badges like BMW or Mercedes-Benz, which arguably have a flashier road profile that draw more motorists to them.

The one big advantage that Lexus has is that it is closely tied to its parent company Toyota, which is the nation’s best-selling automaker.

Many of its cars, therefore, share a platform with a Toyota, which means consumers have a good idea of what they are buying when they opt for the fancier model.

Nowhere is this more clear than with the new GX, which has the same underlying architecture as the next-gen Toyota Prado.

The Prado has been a mega hit in South Africa amongst those who can afford the R1.3-million SUV, showcasing a level of 4×4 prowess that fans of the Land Cruiser stable have come to expect.

It should therefore come as little surprise that the Prado’s even more luxurious twin is one of the most popular Lexus models we’ve seen in years, as there are more than likely a few buyers who held off on the Prado to pick up all the bells and whistles found on the GX.

One interesting distinction between the two SUVs is that, while they have the same core structure, they actually get different engines.

Toyota loyalists are greeted by the brand’s tried-and-trusted 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 150kW and 500Nm.

The GX, on the other hand, has opted for a sizeable 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 petrol plant, which boasts a higher power and torque stat of 260kW and 650Nm.

Considering that neither car could ever be described as cheap, the clientele in the market for one of these SUVs is likely not too dissuaded by the Lexus’ higher price point, so it’s possible the GX will carve out a considerable niche as a petrol alternative for the popular 4×4.

However, considering that diesel tends to be the preferred fuel for off-road vehicles, the Prado is likely to remain the more sought-after of the two models even before you consider its lower starting price.

Of course, the engine isn’t the only thing the GX has to offer, as it comes with automatic LED lighting with daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, an electric driver seat, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a fridge, a wireless charger, onboard navigation, a digital driver’s display, a heads-up display, and a 14-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also features driver assistance functions such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-trace assist, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, hill-assist control, trailer sway control, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors.

Anyone who picks up the range-topping SE trim level will also get retractable side steps, a digital rearview mirror, semi-aniline leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, massage seats, second-row seat heating, a hands-free tailgate, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, cementing the GX as one of the most premium 4×4 SUVs you can buy in South Africa.