Toyota’s luxury car division, Lexus will launch its flagship sedan LS in India in January 2018
The first model, LS 400, developed by Lexus in January 1989 and the subsequent three generations featured V8 engines, but with the fifth generation, Lexus employed a V6 engine.
The India-bound LS 500 will be a hybrid version of the sedan and will carry the ‘h’ moniker along with LS 500. The sedan is powered by a petrol engine along with two electric motors churning out a combined power output of 353bhp.
Drivetrain
The Lexus LS 500h model for India will feature the rear-wheel-drive despite sold as All-Wheel-Drive in global markets.
When Lexus unveiled the new-gen Lexus LS 500h at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, the sedan’s new design moved away from the formal/ subtle look and now features a more dynamic design with the company’s new-age signature hourglass-shaped front grille.
Inside, many of the physical buttons have been replaced by multiple screens. We can expect the cabin to be finished with the highest quality materials.
While the front passengers are treated to 28-way adjustable electric seats with heating, cooling and massage functions, the rear occupants will be pampered with luxury features. Lexus plans to offer higher-spec rear seat package as standard on the LS 500h.
Rear seat occupants will get adjustable seats with a 48-degree recline for the backrests. Lexus also states that the latest LS comes with active noise suppression technology making the 2018 Lexus LS 500h quieter than any of the LS offered until now.
The Lexus LS 500h is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine along with two electric motors, and together they produce 353bhp mated to an e-CVT gearbox. Lexus also claims that the new LS comes with more direct steering and a new vehicle dynamic management system offering a higher degree of driving experience.
The new Lexus LS 500h will rival the likes of BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as the Mercedes-Maybach S500.
Lexus is bringing the LS 500h via the import route and is expected to be pricier than some its competitors. We expect the Lexus LS 500h to be priced in the range of Rs 1.5 crore to 1.8 crore.
Lexus is all set to pamper Indian car buyers with the luxurious LS 500h, though the price tag could be higher compared to its immediate rivals. Lexus should look to localization to be more competitive in the Indian market and have the edge over its competitors.