The Lexus GX might be even more capable than anyone realized.
The Japanese marque has teamed up with appliance maker Monogram for a gadget-packed concept based on its updated luxury 4×4. The boxy SUV includes all manner of unexpected culinary features, the most impressive of which is a full-size pizza oven.
The new GX, unveiled last summer, is about as capable of a luxury SUV as you’ll find. Lexus’s Land Cruiser equivalent was designed and engineered to deliver a comfortable ride whether you’re traveling on smooth pavement or crumbling gravel. Its cushy interior has room for up to seven and is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6 that produces 349 hp and 479 ft-lbs, a significant bump from V-8 predecessor.
The Lexus Monogram GX’s built-in wine and spirits bar.
Lexus
From the outside, Lexus and Monogram’s concept looks like any other GX. It appears to be finished in Caviar metallic with satin gold badging, door handles, and wheels. Open the SUV’s doors and the differences are immediately apparent. The spacious cabin is covered in black and camel leather. The concept features only four seats, but that’s because the spot where the rear middle seat would go has been given over to a center console that doubles as a wine and spirits bar. The console is equipped with everything you need to prepare your favorite cocktail, including a built-in chilling compartment and a heated ice press that can make spherical ice cubes. The rearmost windows also feature cutouts for bottles, glasses, and other crucial bar utensils.
The headline feature is in the back of the vehicle, though. Crack open the split liftgate and you’ll be greeted by Monogram’s 30-inch electric hearth oven, which can be used to prepare everything from pizza to artisanal break to roasted branzino. It’s a completely unnecessary feature, of course, but impressive, nonetheless. What better way to win over your picnic guests than by bringing out a freshly baked pizza? Other features in the rear include cold compartments and a plating station with cutlery and a trash bin.
The Monogram GX’s 30-inch electric hearth oven
Lexus
Unfortunately, the Monogram GX, which will be on display at this weekend’s Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, appears to be no more than a concept at this time. Still, the decadent people carrier offers up an enticing preview of what Lexus and Monogram can do together. If they ever decided to put the concept into production, expect it to cost well north of the GX’s $64,250 starting price.
