knihc2008

iTrader: (1)

My dad replaced his GX470 today with a BMW X5 after waiting to see how the new GX would look like. How do you keep old buyers in with ugly product?

encore888

Overall my expectations were tempered by the LX 570, which seems apart from the L-finesse design language. The GX I've expected to be an evolution off the prior model. The front end was expected to be controversial, especially given the leaked HID protruding headlight. However, I find that it's the grille that turns out to be curious, and the overall front shape.

Looking at the GX 460 front end:



It seems closer IMO to the Land Cruiser front (down to the bumper vents, and 'ovoid' grille bars), which to be frank I find rather unseemly:



By contrast, the LX 570 front looks more rakish and LS-like:



However the side profile I can more fully appreciate:



At this point I do think that the GX 470 front end seems more elegant, while the GX 460 front seems more brutish. That being said, I don't think this model has much repurcussions for Lexus design in general--the IS-C was a derivative; the LX and GX are modified versions of platform stablemates.

AlexusAnja

That front end is like right out of a Power Rangers show or something... go go Power Rangers !!! What the heck. Man, I think I just got teleported to the Acura camp and just might go MDX, even with that big grille.

LexFather

Same reply I'm going to say in 2003 with the 1GX.

Meh.....vehicle didn't do anything for me then, or now. That said, there is a market for it as the GX sold well until recently.
Cough cough...every BMW made since Bangle.....

What is a "real buyer"?
So he waited for pics, not in person?

M-class to me, is one of the best looking SUVs out there...one of its main strengths.

GiantsFan

iTrader: (9)

If they used the prado headlights, this would be a much better looking suv.. the prado front end looks amazing! The GX tailgate and taillights do look better than the prado though...

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

i agree that front end looks good!

RXSF

prado grill is ugly though

Blackraven

Either way, you can tell that there is something wrong with the front end of this vehicle. As to which aspect is to blame though, well.......it's probably a mixed bag.

I guess it's consensus that the front headlamp design looks messed-up. Probably the front grille is a bit cheap looking although when compared to the from grille of the LC 150 well...............I can't tell which is better I'm afraid....

Thankfully side and rear profile seems to be alright.

Nevertheless, this vehicle is not gonna make people go: "Waaah, this car TEH Awesome OMGWTFBBQ".

haha with that said, if you are looking for an SUV in this class that has breathtaking design, go get yourself an X5 or M-class or a Q5 or Q7 instead.

Rash

iTrader: (1)

The car needs an LX conversion on the front.

spwolf

thats a lot like saying that your dad replaced BMW M5 with MB E Wagon after seeing new 5 series pics... it makes no sense. X5 and GX have very little in common.

What they do have is luxury part, and in that aspect GX460 is at least 2 generations ahead of GX470.

CDNROCKIES

I'm a little confused by that comment? Wouldn't you consider the GX and X5 to be direct competitors? I've looked at the GX, but haven't driven it. I thought that it was in the same class as an X5, ML/GL, or Q7.

Each vehicle has it's own strengths and weaknesses, of course. Obviously, the reliability and dealer service will be stronger with the Lexus. But what else does it bring to the table for advantages? I'm genuinely curious as the GX is the one SUV that I don't know very well and I am still shopping.

The G Man

GX doesn't have a lot in common with the X5, except they are both luxury SUVs. They are pretty much on the opposite extreme of each other as far as suv characteristic is concerned. The BMW has a lot less cargo space and performs like a sport sedan. The GX is a 7 seater which drives like a mini van. The GX is a true off roader, great in the snow and rides on very soft suspension.

spwolf

yep ;-). Not like an minivan, like luxury 4x4 SUV.

No more mushy mushy for GX though ;-).

spwolf

GX460 is ladder on frame SUV vs X5 which is car based SUV. Very different strenghts for each of them (GX better off road, stonger chasis, X5 much better on road). Really depends on how will you drive your vehicle - relaxed and easy going with ability to go quick, or fast as sports sedan. But at the end, they are very different vehicles.

GX460 is a lot better vehicle than old GX470, with a lot of luxury features and spacious cabin. It is also a lot better on road than before, as it is basically smaller LX now (previously it was not).

If you are looking into GX, look at LX and imagine slightly less power, slightly better on road (smaller, better over bumps), and imho better cabin (better used space in smaller body), less trunk space but more comfortable rear bench. Also, expect GX to actually have more equipment than LX! My opinions come from having a lot of drive time in top spec european Prado 120 and 150 (old and new GX), and LC200 (LX).

Ladder on frame based SUV's will always feel different from unibodies, but honestly, i expect that GX will also drive better than your old RX (on road), even though it feels differently, as well as be a lot more luxurious in build quality, material quality and overall feel. A lot faster too.

spwolf

fyi for those not realizing what i mean when i say it is based on LC200/LX - old GX was very soft vehicle, new one is not so soft at all, just like LX.