Lexus RX450h SUV to launch in India in 2017

by V3Cars Team on Monday, Nov 21 2016

World’s top selling car maker Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus has been eyeing the Indian car market for a long time now. However, the luxury car brand was unable to get the green signal to enter the Indian market until now. The decision makers at Toyota have finally decided that it is good time to launch Lexus in India and the luxury brand is finally entering India with not one but three fascinating luxury models in 2017.

The initial portfolio of Lexus India will comprise of the ES sedan, the RX SUV, and the top of the range full sized LX SUV model. While the Lexus LX SUV will be aimed at those buyers who love to rule the roads with massive luxury SUVs while enjoying luxurious interiors, the RX SUV will be targeted at the buyers who are looking to go the alternative fuel vehicles way.

For the car market of India, Lexus will be bringing in the fourth generation RX450h that is a petrol-hybrid SUV model. The Lexus RX SUV when launched in the Indian car market will be rivaling the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5. However, the RX will be the one and only hybrid SUV in its own segment which will give it an edge over its competitors.

However, as the Lexus RX450h will come with an advanced hybrid powertrain, it is also likely to be more expensive as compared to its market rivals in this country, and only time will tell how it is received by the Indian buyers, although the luxury hybrid segment is slowly but surely growing in India.

Under the hood, the Lexus RX450h will come equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 petrol engine that will be working in conjunction with an electric motor. The engines together offer the combined max power output of 307 bhp. The hybrid system will get equipped with a CVT automatic transmission gearbox, and the SUV model will be empowered with All Wheel Drive system.

When it comes to features, the Lexus RX450h luxury Hybrid SUV will be offering different drive modes, power adjustable steering column, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable heated as well as ventilated front seats with memory function, reverse camera, LED headlights, power operated tailgate, electrically foldable and heated rear seats. The SUV also comes with panoramic sunroof, infotainment system with navigation, parking assist with auto braking and much more. The luxury SUV will be also loaded with advanced safety features like a massive package of 10 airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control and many more.

The Lexus RX450h comes with large 20-inch alloy wheels in the international car markets, while for the Indian car market it will come equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels.

The RX450h hybrid SUV will come to India as a fully imported model through the CBU route and hence it is expected to be priced steeply owing to huge import duties. Thus, the Lexus RX450h is likely to be costlier than its rivals in India. Lexus is expected to commence local assembly of its cars in India at a later date.