2018 Lexus LS 500h has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs. 1.77 crores.
Hitting our shores after much contemplation in 2017, luxury carmaker Lexus ended the year on a high note with the launch of the NX 300h. Making the start on product launches early this year, the Toyota-subsidiary has now introduced the 2018 Lexus LS 500h in India at a princely sum of Rs. 1.77-1.93 crores (ex-showroom, India). At this price, the luxury barge will take on the likes of the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Jaguar XJ-L and it will be available from April 2018.
Based on Lexus’ Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L) platform, the LS 500h gets a spindle grill, triple-projector LED headlights, 10-spoke alloy wheels and oodles of chrome splashed around its coupe-like bodyline. Measuring over 5.2-metres in length, this full-size luxury sedan has a wheelbase of 3125 mm and an overall width of 1900 mm. To extract maximum cabin space in a low overall height of 1450 mm, the LS features a six-sided window design and outer-siding panoramic moonroof.
Its futuristic cabin is adorned by dual-tone leather upholstery and features a 12.3-inch display with Lexus Enform interface, digital cockpit for the driver and a 3D-surround Mark Levinson audio system. Another design highlight is the diamond stitching on the leather door trims. On the performance front, Lexus claims the LS 500h to be the most powerful LS hybrid with a 0-100 km/hr time of 5.2 seconds.
A 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is paired with two electric motors powered by lightweight li-ion batteries to provide a combined power output of 354 BHP. Delivering this power to all four wheels is a hybrid automatic transmission which comprises of 4 regular gears and 6 synthetic gears. While there is no V8 option in the fifth-gen LS, the company claims that the more-efficient V6 hybrid powertrain is superior when it comes to power and torque delivery.
Apart from tons of electric aids including ABS, traction control, ESP, variable gear ratio steering and dynamic rear steering, Lexus Safety System+ also comes as standard in the vehicle. The VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system is capable of controlling steering, power delivery, braking and suspension parameters to provide a splendid drive. Lexus will make the LS 500h available as a CBU import which is one of the key reasons for its premium pricing.
2018 Lexus LS 500h Price
* Luxury – Rs. 1.77 Crores
* Ultra Luxury – Rs. 1.82 Crores
* Distinct – Rs. 1.93 Crores
(all prices ex-showroom, India)
