Only hours after its official introduction, Edmunds has posted their first-drive impression of the new 2010 Lexus GX 460, and its a nice overview of the new SUV:
On paper, the 2010 GX’s extra 500 pounds looks like it could completely cancel out the gains in horsepower and torque. On the road, however, it’s not quite so obvious…Around town, the light-effort steering and quick throttle response make the GX feel small, easy to drive and perfectly suited to the country club environment it will no doubt live in during most of its life.
…the GX’s ride quality on pavement and off-road is exceptional. Anyone who says a body-on-frame vehicle can’t be forced to dance hasn’t driven a GX. Whatever sloppiness the live rear axle might imply isn’t apparent from behind the wheel, so while there’s an optional variable damping system, it’s completely unnecessary.
Also mentioned is Lexus USA’s 2010 target of 14,000 units sold, which appears low for a newly redesigned model in its first year of sales—though this is a market segment that has contracted considerably over the last couple years, and it’s likely Lexus USA is being conservative.
[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]