Lexus, Toyota’s flagship brand is mulling to enter the Indian market once again. While a definite time period of entry hasn’t been specified yet, a report puts it sometime in the last quarter of 2016 or early 2017. The report also adds that Toyota Kirloskar Motor had initially planned to showcase the Lexus brand in India at the upcoming Auto Expo (February 2016), but has dropped the plan now.
According to the report, Toyota plans to introduce Lexus brand in the Indian market through the launch of two models – the RX luxury crossover and the EX sports sedan. Sources close to the publication have mentioned that the company has already had discussions with several of its existing Toyota dealers to sell Lexus vehicles in the country, and is now trying to finalise its pricing strategy. It’s still not clear if the cars will be assembled locally or imported and sold in India as completely built units.
The RX luxury crossover (gallery below) is available in two derivatives – the RX350, and the RX450h. A 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 295 HP in the former, while the latter combines an Atkinson-cycle V6 engine with Lexus Hybrid Drive to deliver 308 total system HP. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes as standard. F-Sport variants for each are also on in offing, which offer sport-tuned suspension, styling enhancements, LFA-inspired instrumentation and standard AWD. Noted features inlclude a Mark Levinson Audio with Rear-Seat Entertainment System, Heads-Up Display, a 12.3-inch wide-screen multimedia display, Lexus Enform infotainment system, a power rear door open/close function via gesture and Lexus Safety+, which include a myriad of driver assistance programs. Prices for the RX start at $41 900 (INR 28 lakh).
Like the RX, the ES luxury sports sedan is also available in two derivatives – the ES350 and the ES300h. The same 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 268 HP in the ES350, while the ES300h combines an Atkinson-cycle in-line 4-cylinder engine with Lexus Hybrid Drive to deliver 200 total system HP. While the former employs a six-speed automatic transmission, the latter is equipped with a CVT. Noted features on the ES range include an Ultra Luxury Package with full leather interiors, a Lexus Enform infotainment system, a Mark Levinson audio system with 15 speakers, Lexus Safety+ and Drive Mode Select. Prices for the ES start at $38,000 (INR 25.5 lakh).
Back in 2013-14, Toyota had contemplated launching Lexus in India. It was almost ready for launch, but because of a steep depreciation in the rupee – which would have inflated the price in India – compelled the world’s largest carmaker to delay the plans.
Source: ETAuto
