With BS VI emission standards becoming a mandatory requirement from 1st April 2020, automakers in India are in the process of updating their engine lineup to comply with these stringent norms.
Lexus has also updated three of its models to comply with these norms. These include the most recently launched new RX 450hL along with the Lexus NX 300h and the Lexus ES 300h. All three models are equipped with hybrid tech.
Govt documents confirm about this upgrade; showing the name of the manufacturer as Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan along with the name of the importer as Toyota Kirloskar Motors Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, India.
Recently, Lexus has launched the fourth generation RX in India at Rs.99 lakhs. It comes in with an added third row of seating with improved technology and design. This 7 seater RX 450hL mid-size luxury crossover SUV has replaced the 5 seater RX 450h in India. It is brought to India as a CBU to rival the Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7.
Lexus RX 450 hL is powered by a 3.5 liter, V6 Atkinson Cycle hybrid petrol engine with Dual VVT-I and an advanced D-4S fuel injection system. This BS VI compliant engine makes 295 PS peak power at 6,000 rpm with combined hybrid output at 308PS to deliver outstanding drivability, higher fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Priced from Rs 56.71 lakhs, Lexus NX 300h Hybrid variants also see engine updated to BS VI emission norms. Lexus NX, offered in two engine and three trims of – NX300 and NX300h, along with Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury, get their power via a 175kW/350 Nm 2.0 liter, turbocharged, 4 cylinder petrol engine in two wheel or all wheel drive formats. The NX300h gets a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated, 4 cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor offering a combined power output of 146 kW.
The company will continue selling the Lexus ES 300h luxury executive sedan post the update from BS IV to BS VI and have upgraded this engine to comply with these norms. The ES 300h is powered by a 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder petrol engine with Lexus Hybrid Drive System generating 178 PS power with combined system output of 218 PS power at 5,700 rpm and 221 Nm torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine is mated to an Electronic Continuous Variable Transmission and allows acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.5 seconds to a top speed of 180 kmph.
The Lexus ES 300h currently retails at Rs.59.95 lakhs but as will be seen with the BS VI upgrade, prices of each of these offerings are expected to go up marginally.
