Toyota is yet to launch the Lexus brand in India. Ahead of that, their cars have already arrived at the garages of select few in India.
Last week, we had interacted with one such owner, who is already driving around a new Lexus. As per him, Toyota has commenced sale of Lexus to select customers, and the on-road price of the car starts from about about INR 85 lakhs. Toyota India has not stated anything on the same yet.
Earlier yesterday, a Toyota had arranged a special event to display their 3 cars which will soon be launched in India. Fly Wheel’s Hani Musthafa reveals – “Lexus RX & ES line up along with flagship SUV LX will hit Indian market! Entire line up with RC F was displayed at private sneak preview by Lexus Kochi.”
Sold as a CBU, Zauba reveals that a total of 29 units of Lexus RX450H hybrid SUVs have already been imported into India from Japan by Toyota. It could be these 29 units that will be sold in the first phase of launch in India.
It was earlier expected that Lexus will launch diesel engine powered cars in India as they had imported the LX450d SUV in India. But it seems that last year’s ban on cars powered by large diesel engines, has played a deterrent and Toyota is going ahead with the launch of a hybrid Lexus.
Lexus RX 350Another reason why Toyota is choosing a hybrid variant, is the success of Camry hybrid in India. About 80% of the Camry sold in India are hybrid. This itself gives the car maker enough confidence to launch Lexus only with a hybrid powertrain option in India.
Lexus RX450H hybrid SUV is a five seater hybrid variant. It is powered by a 3.5 liter, V6 petrol engine and an electric motor which will deliver combined peak power output of 308 bhp. The engine will be mated to a CVT gearbox, sending power to all four wheels.
The Japanese luxury car maker plans on initial two showrooms in Mumbai and New Delhi while depending on demand, more sales and service outlets will be opened across the country.
2016 Lexus RX 450h – Photos
2016 Lexus RX 450h F Sport – Photos
