Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus has finally launched in India with LX 450d, RX 450h SUVs and ES300h sedan. Priced at Rs 55.27 lakh, the ES300h sedan is positioned below RX 450h SUV that costs Rs 1.07 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi), while prices for the LX 450d are yet to be announced. It is expected that Lexus LX 450d will be retailed at around Rs 2.3 crore. We may see more models from Lexus in future including some from its high-performance ‘F-Sport’ sub-brand. There could a F-Sport variant on the RX 450h SUV, priced a little over at Rs 1.10 crore (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). Rivalling models from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Jaguar, Lexus cars are relatively overpriced, since these are routed to India via CBU kit. Read : Lexus RX 450h – All You Need To Know
Coming to the cars, the LX 450d is essentially a re-skinned version of Land Cruiser LC200 from parent company Toyota. While LX 450d remains radically similar to Land Cruiser LC200, it packs plethora of high-tech equipment and additional elements. Underneath, it comes with the meaty 4.5-litre, V8 oil burner pumping out 268bhp at 650Nm of torque. Power is fed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. In terms of proportions, the LX 450d measures 5,080mm long, 1,980mm wide and 1,865mm high. The wheelbase is quite impressive at 2,850mm and the kerb weight is between 2,510-2,740kg.
The ES 300h sedan also takes copious inspiration from Toyota Camry Hybrid. Priced considerably higher compared to Camry, the ES 300h sports plush interior styling and a host of additional in-cabin tech. On the outside, it gets Lexus’ quintessential grille and other styling bits. Available in hybrid version, the sedan uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol unit and an electric motor, putting out collective power of 200bhp. While the engine develops 154bhp of power and 211Nm torque and is paired to a E-CVT. Dimensionally, it measures 4,910mm long, 1,821mm wide and 1,450mm high. Wheelbase and ground clearance are around 2,819mm and 1,670kg respectively. In terms of safety, the sedan equips as many as 10 airbags, Lexus’ Safety System+ with steering assist, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Intelligent High Beam. Read – Lexus ES300h Launched At Rs 55.27 Lakh
Going against Mercedes Benz GLC and Audi Q5, the third model in the range, RX 450h mid-engine SUV is priced quite high, taking rival model, Porsche Macan under its radar. In India, it is launched with hybrid technology and sports massive looks with the intricate chrome laden grille in front. The interior styling matches up with the plush exterior. In terms of equipment, the cabin arms several connectivity features including a large 12.3-inch infotainment system, optional rear-seat entertainment system etc. Additionally, there is a retractable moon roof, Lexus’ Safety System+ that comprises of pre-collision system, automatic high beam and lane departure alert among various others. With boastful proportions, the SUV measures 4,889mm long, 1,899mm wide and 1,719mm high. The 2,789mm long wheelbase translates into a lavish cabin and the kerb weight is measured at 2,150kg. Power comes from the 3.5-litreV6 petrol engine mated to an electric motor, that produce combined output of 310bhp and 361Nm of torque. It uses the same 8-speed automatic gearbox that does duty on the Toyota Prius Hybrid.
