There is confirmed news that Japanese car maker Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus is finally launching in India. Three models are slated to launch simultaneously for which bookings will open in November 2016. Deliveries will begin in March 2017. The first dealership Millennium Toyota will open in Mumbai before the official launch early next year.
The first ‘Lexus Boutique’ is likely to open at the Taj Hotel Santacruz next to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Domestic Terminal. The three launches include two SUVs, the RX450h and LX450d and the ES300h sedan. All three models will be sold as fully imported CBUs from Japan. Local assembly is expected in the future.
The RX450h will come with a 3.5 litre V6 petrol enginecombined with Toyota’s hybid system. The motor will put out a combined output of 308 horsepower and will come mated ato an e0CVT gearbox.The India spec version will get 18 inch alloys as opposed to 20 inchers that are available abroad.
The second model is the E300h that is based on the Camry sedan. It will be the entry level model for the brand in India. The car shares underpinnings with with Camry hybrid and will come with a 2.5 litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a CVT gearbox. Sources say that this could Lexus’ first model to be assembled locally. Being a locally assembled hybrid, it could come with a lesser price thanks to the FAME scheme.
The LX Series is the flagship SUV for Lexus and is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser. The LX gets two engine options globally. THE LX570 gets a 5.7 litre V8 petrol engine that develops 383 horses and 546 Nm torque and the LX450d features a 4.5 litre V8 diesel developing 269 horsepower and 650 Nm torque. India will get the LX570 petrol first followed by its diesel sibling. The LX will rival the Mercedes GLS, Audi Q7 and the Range Rover in the Indian market. Prices are expected to start at Rs. 1.5 crore.
Lexus has been a popular brand in India with many cars coming in as private imports. Toyota plans to offer a premium ownership experience for its customers in India. The Lexus models are expected to come with multiple service and warranty packages.
