Toyota’s luxury auto division Lexus is finally coming to India and the grand entry will take place on March 24, 2017. Initially, the automaker will offer only three models in different segments - Lexus RX 450h crossover, Lexus ES 300h Sedan and Lexus LX450d/Lexus LX 570 SUV here in the country. As we earlier wrote, the company has already been started accepting bookings for vehicles while deliveries will commence afterwards.
The very first Lexus dealership will be set up in Mumbai and will be live before the official launch of the brand. Reportedly called as Lexus Boutique, it will be at Taj Santacruz Hotel, situated near to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, will be called Lexus Boutique. In starting, all three models will be brought here from Japan through the CBU (Complete Built Unit) route. However, the carmaker is also gearing up for a plan of a local assembly, but that will commence on a later date.
According to several media sources, the Indian lineup of Lexus will be similar to that of Japanese in terms of the both styling and powertrain. Check-out the details of all three models with their expected prices:
Lexus ES300h (INR 75 Lakhs):-
The entry-level car from the Lexus India range, the ES300h sedan is running on the same platform which is currently underpinning the ongoing Toyota Camry. Apart from this, the sedan is also sharing its powertrain with the same Camry model i.e. a hybrid engine including 2.5-litre petrol motor and the electric motor assist, mated to the same CVT gearbox. Just like its other siblings, the ES300h will also be available here as a fully developed unit at first. Moreover, it is reported that it will be the first model from the company to be assembled locally due to have common platform with the Camry, which is being assembled at the local facility. It that case, the locally assembled unit will be offered with slightly lower price, thanks to the FAME facility.
Lexus RX450h SUV (INR 1.17 Crore):-
Though, the global-based Lexus RX SUV, which is in its fourth generation, available in two trims - an RX350 and RX450h, only the latter will be introduced to the Indian auto segment. This will come fitted with a 308hp hybrid powertrain including a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and an electric motor. The hybrid system is similar to that of the Toyota Prius and mated to an e-CVT gearbox. Considering the Indian road condition, a set of 18-inch alloy wheels will be offered instead of the larger 20-inch, available in the international market. Upon launch, the RX450h SUV will take on the likes of the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes GLC.
Lexus LX450d || Lexus LX570 (INR 2 Crore || INR 2.15 Crore):-
Lexus LX450d/Lexus LX570 is the flagship model of the company sharing the platform with Toyota’s most known name here in the country, the Land Cruiser. First ventured into the global auto market in 1996, the LX SUV in its third generation and is being offered in two trim levels option. The LX570, which is offering with a petrol-engine option, is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 unit producing 383 hp of power with 546 Nm of peak torque, while the LX450d, on the other hand, is powered by a twin-turbo 4.5-litre V8 diesel engine generating 269 hp of power with a massive 650Nm of torque. Both engines are also powering the global-based Toyota Land Cruiser. In India, Lexus will reportedly bring the LX570 petrol first followed by the diesel model on a later date.