Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus has finally marked its entry into the Indian market with three new products – RX450h mid-size SUV, ES300h hybrid sedan and LX 450d 7-seater SUV. For now, prices of only two products – RX 450d and ES300h have been revealed at the event. Whereas, the LX 450d’s prices will be announced later. Lexus’ first mid-size SUV in India – Lexus RX 450h is being made available in two variants – RX Luxury and RX F-Sport – priced at Rs 1.07 crore and Rs 1.09 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai) respectively.
Lexus is planning to set up four dealerships across the country – Bengaluru, Mumbai and two in Delhi. Since the imported units won’t have India maps configuration, the first batch of the Lexus cars is devoid of navigation system. Initially, the RX450h SUV comes with a hybrid powertrain (3.5L V6 petrol + electric motor) producing 304bhp of power. In India, the Lexus RX450h will go up against the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Read – Lexus Cars In India – Hybrid Cars To Come First
Lexus RX 450h Price in India
| Variant | Ex-showroom, Mumbai |
| RX Luxury | Rs 1.07 crore |
| RX F-Sport | Rs 1.09 crore |
Initially, the RX450h will be brought to India via CBU (Completely Built-Up Unit) route from Japan. Though, the carmaker plans to assemble its products at Toyota’s Bidadi facility in Karnataka. Despite being a beneficiary of the central government’s FAME tax incentive, the new Lexus mid-size SUV is priced at Rs 1.07 crore for the RX Luxury variant and Rs 1.09 crore for the RX F-Sport version (ex-showroom).
Lexus RX 450h India Specifications
| Engine | 3.5L, V6 Petrol + Electric Motor |
| Max Power | 300bhp |
| Max Torque | 316Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain System | AWD |
Power for the RX 450h comes from a 3.5-litre, V6 VVT-i petrol motor coupled to an electric motor. The hybrid system churns out a top power of 304bhp and 361Nm of torque. This car is capable to mark 0-70 miles per hour in 7.7 seconds. Transmission duties are carried out by an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which has been borrowed from the Toyota Prius hybrid. While the global-spec fourth-generation RX 450h has two drivetrains – Front Wheel and All-Wheel, the India-spec version comes with an AWD setup.
Lexus RX 450h India Dimensions
| Length | 4,890mm |
| Width | 1,895mm |
| Height | 1,690mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790mm |
| Ground Clearance | 195mm |
This five seater luxury SUV sits on a 2,790mm of wheelbase, and measures 4,890mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,720mm in height. The SUV’s 2017 model is 120mm longer, 10mm wider and 35mm lower than the previous generation (global) model. The wheelbase has also been increased by 50mm. Its ground clearance stands at 195mm, which is more than sufficient to tackle Indian road conditions.
Lexus RX 450h India Exterior
Sporting a new Lexus corporate “spindle” grille, automatic headlamps and 18-inch alloys (20-inch optional), the 2017 RX 450h looks quite rugged yet premium. Face is styled aggressively with a prominent X-shaped grille, sharp headlights with LED daytime running lights, chiselled flanks, and curved creases on the bonnet. Towards the side, the car features sporty alloy wheels, squared wheel arches and a floating-roof-style design. Styling elements such as wraparound LED tail-lamps with a chrome strip, sharp angular lines and a roof-mounted spoiler with integrated brake lights are accentuating its rear profile.
Lexus RX 450h India Interior
Interior of the new Lexus SUV has premium appeal with solid materials and lots of comfort features. There is a “T” shape dashboard with aluminum and wood inserts. The car brims with a range of premium/luxury packages that include leather upholstery, a heated wood-and-leather trimmed steering wheel, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, powered thigh extension for the driver’s seat, etc.
Other key features include a Bluetooth-enabled audio system with 9-speakers, 8-inch touchscreen display with an integrated rear camera monitor, an electronic park brake, 10-way power-adjustable front seats. a 40/20/40-split and reclining rear seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and many more.
For passenger safety provision, the RX450h offers dual front, front knee, front and rear side, and side curtain airbags, and traction and stability control system, EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and tire-pressure monitoring system. Furthermore, it also gets pre-collision automation with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, LED headlamps, intelligent high-beams, lane departure warning and lane keep assist as an optional safety features.
