Big Lexus (2025 GX 550) On Big Mountains (Sierra Nevada) In This Months Letter From Europe
 |
By Amdrew Frankl
European Bureau Chief
The Auto Channel
It seems to easy. A wonderful , metallic green Lexus GX 550 arrives at The Autochannel’s California outpost and within minutes you are on your way to Northstar, one of the most famous ski resorts in the Sierras. So far so good.
 |
Tons of room inside, no need for some of those silly and often wobbly ski carriers which seem to be all the rage in Belvedere.
A beautiful 3.4 liter V6 engine with a seamless 10 speed gearbox and full time all wheel drive. It had first class acceleration and of course a truly commanding view which came in very handy indeed when it came to the calamity.
The weather, just like last year turned and from bright sunshine we were heading into fog, met and sleet. This is when You thank your lucky stars that you are in a Lexus 550 and not a small Nissan.
 |
First we stopped to refuel because while the Lexus engine pulls like a Sherman tank the fuel consumption is also similar to that of a tank. Or a camel.
In any case we filled up in the middle of the blizzard at the Shell station. Having put 90 dollars worth of gas into the tank I knew we would make it home.
 |
As we started to descend things were getting worse and worse but thanks to the high seating positions we could see red and flashing lights ahead. Literally the minute before we got to Kingvale a semi flipped on its side. What made it worse was that an SUV slowed to a crawl to see what happened, a car slowed behind it and managed to stop but the semi following it could not.
Consequently right next to us we had this concertina situation with the hapless and injured driver in the cab on the left. We were assured that the 911 call was made so carefully dodging the debris we were on our way. As we were leaving the ambulance was already steaming up I-80 to aid the driver. We were very lucky indeed. One minute earlier and the outcome would have been far worse.
 |
Conditions became better as we descended towards Sacramento and by the time we reached the Bay Area it was glorious sunshine.
The GX never missed a beat even under the most difficult conditions, Is it perfect? Of course not. No car or SUV ever Is. Because of its sheer size the handling can be a bit clumsy.
Being a Lexus it is of course totally reliable but I must say that for most families it is probably one size too big Unless they need it for towing horse boxes or boats.
The price does of course depend on the specification, it is from 60 to 80 thousand dollars.
In leafy 25 miles per hour Belvedere you would be better off with the smaller IS. All I can say is thank you Lexus, you were absolutely the right SUV at the right time for the truly horrendous conditions.
 |
And just to make the fairy tale complete, the official car of Northstar is Toyota!
So that's it from Sunny/Snowy/Sunny Northern California. Stay tuned as I am expecting a 1001 yes, one thousand one horsepower LAMBORGHINI! To show up at the Auto Channel any day.