By Malusi Msomi

We recently spent time with the Lexus GX 550 SE and in a segment filled with flashy badges and rugged promises, this one quietly gets on with the job while keeping you wrapped in luxury.

The GX has plenty of presence with its squared-off bonnet, low roofline, and massive 22 inch wheels that give it proper stance. Up front you get LED headlamps and that familiar Lexus spindle grille that lets you know this is no entry-level SUV.

Inside, things get more impressive. The cabin is finished in soft semi aniline leather and the attention to detail is unmistakable. You get heated and massaging front seats, a 14 inch infotainment display, and a booming 21 speaker Mark Levinson sound system that had us looking for excuses to sit in traffic. A panoramic sunroof, retractable side steps, kick sensor tailgate, and third row seating round out a spec sheet that feels very complete.

It is the more refined sibling in the GX range compared to the Overtrail model which leans more into its off-road personality. That being said, the SE still comes well armed for adventure. Under the bonnet sits a 3.5 litre twin turbo V6 that delivers 260 kW and 650 Nm through a ten speed automatic gearbox. It uses full time four wheel drive and comes with a long list of drive modes including Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock. We did not take it off the beaten track, but the credentials are solid.

On road, the GX is surprisingly plush. The suspension handles poor surfaces with ease, even with those large wheels. Road noise is kept to a minimum and the ride quality puts it right near the top in this segment. It is proper family SUV material.

Where things get a little less pleasant is at the pumps. We managed an average of 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres which is thirsty even by big petrol SUV standards. There is no mild hybrid assistance either, which might have helped trim those numbers a bit.

Rear passengers get plenty of head and knee room, and the third row adds real-world practicality for those needing to move more people. The boot is decently sized too, offering 507 litres with the seats up and 1484 litres when folded down.

At R1,865,600 the Lexus GX 550 SE is not cheap, but for buyers who want comfort, capability, and a bit of quiet confidence in their seven seater, it is a serious contender.