Lexus will enter the Indian market with 3 models initially – the RX450h, ES300h and LX570/LX450d.
Lexus, the luxury brand of Toyota is all set to launch in India very soon. The official launch will happen sometime in early 2017. According to sources, bookings for the same shall start from November but deliveries are not expected before March 2017.
The first Lexus Boutique is expected to be located in Mumbai. The vehicles will come with all the features available on the Japanese versions but will miss out on navigation system. The three models expected to launch first are the RX450h, ES300h, LX450d/LX570. All the three models will be CBU imports from Japan with local assembly set to commence later.
Lexus RX450h
The Lexus RX450h is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol motor coupled with a hybrid system similar to the one found in the Prius. The total output will be 308 HP of power, mated to an e-CVT gearbox. India spec models will get 18-inch wheels instead of the 20-inch ones found on the international models, to improve ride quality. It will compete with the likes of Audi Q5, BMW X3, etc.
Lexus ES300h
The Lexus ES300h sedan is powered by the same 2.5-litre engine along with electric motors found in the Toyota Camry, mated to the same CVT gearbox. Initially expected to launch around the Rs. 50 lakhs mark, it will be the first car to be locally assembled here due to extensive part sharing with the Camry.
Lexus LX450d/LX570
The Lexus LX in the petrol form is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine producing 383 HP of power and 546 Nm of twisting force. In the diesel guise, it produces 269 HP of power and 650 Nm of torque. These are the same engines found on the Toyota Land Cruiser. It will go head to head with the Audi Q7, Mercedes GLS, etc. Prices are expected to be upwards of Rs. 1 crore.
Lexus To Enter India
– Initially 3 models, the RX450h, ES300h and the LX570/LX450d will be launched
– In the beginning they will be brought down as CBU units
– Local assembly to start with the ES300h which is based on the Toyota Camry
Source – AutocarIndia.com
