It’s not uncommon to see major manufacturers deliver unique factory-backed one-off builds that aim to demonstrate the donor’s conduciveness to and potential for customization. And while most of these life-style focused builds cater to campers and off-roaders, Lexus has recently rolled out a one-of-one concept that aims to be the ultimate SUV for hitting the links — a project known as the GX 550 Malbon Edition.
To bring this ambitious one-of-one build to life, Lexus joined forces with Socal-based golf and lifestyle brand Malbon Golf. Founded in 2017 by Erica and Stephen Malbon, the company delivers premium, fashion-forward takes on golf apparel and accessories that put unique and modern spins on traditional golf apparel staples. The company’s idiosyncratic and style conscious branding is very much present on the GX 550 Malbon Edition.
The project is based on the recently-released new generation of Lexus’ GX 550 SUV, and while the donor model is still readily identifiable, the completed build is still a far cry from the stocker. Aiming to provide the ideal vehicle for golfing foursomes, the Malbon Edition Lexus features a host of special golf-specific upgrades and amenities, as well as a bespoke livery and numerous bespoke details both inside and out.
The entire vehicle has been cloaked in a custom livery wrap that puts a golf-specific spin on topographic patterns by showing the topography of a golf course’s fairway. The white topo details on the dark green wrap are complemented via matching white finishes on the SUV’s roof and wheels. Speaking of the wheels, the GX’s stock rims have been jettisoned in favor new wheels fitted with golfball-inspired covers that come decorated in Malbon’s golfball logo.
The outside of the build has also been fitted with custom Malbon Edition badges. What’s more, the roof now features a pair of Pelican BX140R Cargo Case set on a Prinsu Roof Rack that were added in order to house longer drivers and woods. There’s also a Yakima SlimShady roof-mounted awning.
While there’s no denying the eye-catching nature of this one-off build’s exterior, it’s what’s on the inside that really makes the GX 550 Malbon Edition so special. The cabin retains its driver and passenger seats, as well as its second-row captains chairs, though the third row has been delated in order to open up space to accommodate a custom pull-out storage box made to house four golf bags, along with extra storage space specifically for towels, tees, golfballs, and golf shoes.
A custom set of Lexus x Malbon golf bags with bespoke embroidering and co-branding were also made specially for this one-off SUV. Rounding out the customized cabin are co-branded door sills and bespoke embossed Malbon M-logos on the upholstery’s leather headrests.
“Through our collaboration with Malbon, we’ve built a GX that will deliver a golf outing to remember,” relays Nicole Peterson, manager, Lexus marketing. “From a custom fairway wrap to a pull-out storage box capable of holding golf bags and clubs, and special Malbon touches throughout the vehicle, this GX is luxury and adventure redefined for the golf enthusiast.”
Brand: Lexus
Model: GX 550 Malbon Edition
Collaborator: Malbon Golf
Engine: Twin-Turbo 3.4L V6
Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic
Power: 349HP & 479FT-LBs
Wheelbase: 112.2”
Length: 197.1”
Width: 78.0”
Height: 75.6”
Seats: 4
Production: 1-of-1
Despite being one of the coolest special edition SUVs we’ve seen in a long while, the GX 550 Malbon Edition was built as a factory one-off and Lexus doesn’t currently have any plans of putting the thing into production. As such, the Lexus x Malbon collaboration isn’t for sale. Having said that, the build is slated to go on tour and will be on display at various golf tournaments and race events throughout the remainder of the year.
Lexus links up with Southern California golf and lifestyle brand Malbon to deliver a collaborative one-off project that was built to be the ultimate foursome vehicle for hitting the links.
