Like a burly tri-athlete in a tuxedo, the new Lexus GX aims to combine genuine off-road capability with the kind of luxury and sophistication that you'd expect from the Japanese premium brand.

Unashamedly pitched at premium rivals such as the Land Rover Defender, this is the first time that the Lexus GX is ever being offered to South African consumers, although internationally it is now in its third generation.

Just like the larger Lexus LX is based on Toyota's Land Cruiser 300, the GX is a relative of the Prado. Yet after spending two days with the newcomer on a variety of roads and trails in the Eastern Cape, it became clear that this is far more than just a Prado wearing Prada.

While it retains the Prado's basic bodyshell, and 2,850mm wheelbase, the front and rear ends have been completely redesigned, with a somewhat butch interpretation of the luxury brand's usual 'spindle' design theme. With an overall length of 5,015mm, it's a good 90mm longer than its Toyota sibling.

Inside it's anything but a carbon copy, with a fresh cockpit design and materials that are discernibly more upscale. Out on the road, it seemed quieter too.

But perhaps the biggest distinction is beneath the lengthened bonnet, where you'll find Toyota's 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine. Denoted by the GX 550 badge, it's the only powertrain on offer for now, and a brawny one at that, producing 260kW and 650Nm.

Sorry diesel-heads, but there are no plans to offer an oil-burning version of the GX. But if it's any consolation, a hybrid model, featuring a 2.4-litre turbopetrol engine, is currently under investigation for the local market.

The Lexus GX will be offered in two flavours locally, Overtrail and SE, and each has a very distinct personality.

The Overtrail, priced at R1,766,000, has an equipment package geared towards off-roading, while the SE, at R1,829,000, packs more luxury features. And they are easily distinguishable on the outside.