After years of speculations and rumors, Toyota’s premium luxury subsidiary Lexus will officially hit Indian shores by March 2017. The carmaker will make debut with three models- RX450h, the ES300h and the LX450d / LX570. Bookings have been commenced while deliveries will start by March 2017 only. Toyota is trying to take things on track as it had earlier launched Innova Crysta followed by new Etios and Brute SUV new Fortuner last month.
Initially all the three models will be brought here as CBUs, however the carmaker will assemble them locally but at a later stage. Lexus will open its own dedicated dealership network known as Lexus Boutique in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Gurugram and Bangalore. Taj Hotel, located at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai will witness the first ever luxury dealership of Lexus India.
The second set of showrooms in Chennai, Cochin and Chandigarh will be operational by the end of 2017. Lexus dealerships will also be having an attached service network. With an aim to crack the highly competitive luxury segment, the brand will be bringing cars in both hybrid and conventional powertrains.
Lexus RX450h SUV:
The Lexus RX series is the most popular Lexus range across the globe. In its fourth generation, the RX450h SUV takes its juice from a 3.5 litre V6 petrol motor coupled with an electric motor and produces a combined output of 308bhp. The engine is linked to an e-CVT gearbox. It is also likely to be priced above its rivals as it will be sold as a CBU unit. The Indian spec variant will sport 18 inch alloy wheels as compared to 20-incher on International model. The RX450h SUV will be priced on the premium end with an expected price of Rs. 1 crore (ex-showroom).
Lexus ES300h sedan:
The first model will be the Lexus ES3000h sedan which shares most of its components with the Camry hybrid. Power comes from a 2.5 litre petrol engine along with an electric motor linked the same CVT gearbox. With an expected price of Rs. 50 lakh (ex-showroom), it will lock its horns against Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C class and BMW 3-series. Thanks to FAME scheme, the ES300h will have considerably reduced price when assembled locally.
LX450d / LX570 SUV:
The LX SUV is brand’s flagship model which is available in two engine options for international markets. The diesel comes with 4.5l V8 twin turbo that develops 269bhp power and gigantic 650Nm of torque. The petrol houses a 5.7l V8 motor developing 383bhp power along with 546Nm of torque. It will be launched in five seater configuration at initial stages while the full fledge seven seat variant will join the line up by Q4 of 2017. The premium SUV will take on the likes of Mercedes-Benz GL, Range Rover and Audi Q7 and expected to carry a hefty price tag between Rs. 2 and 2.5 crore (ex-showroom).
