Lexus RX 450h Luxury Hybrid SUV to Launch in India Tomorrow

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Lexus RX 450h will feature a 3-5-litre V6 petrol mill linked to an electric motor making 308 hp and 361 Nm of peak torque

Toyota’s luxury sub-brand, Lexus, will be officially entering the Indian luxury market tomorrow after years of speculations. Three models are touted to form the immediate lineup namely RX450h SUV, ES300h sedan and the flagship LX full-sized SUV (based on Land Cruiser) as Lexus focuses on introducing hybrid variants of its popular models initially. It was widely reported that Toyota imported a batch of RX450h for testing purposes and it’s going to be the first product to be launched alongside the ES sedan.

Amidst the rumours, a white-coloured RX 450h was snapped by us and a top company official confirmed that the SUV was privately imported and we also showed you the first RX delivered to a customer. With bookings commencing a few months ago, the RX 450h will be made available with a single hybrid powertrain lineup as a diesel engine might arrive in a later time. To be brought in as CBU imports initially, it could be assembled at Toyota’s Bidadi facility in Karnataka when sales start to brim up.

Also Read: Lexus India Entry in Early 2017; Bookings Open from November

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By being a full-import, the RX 450h does not come under FAME scheme as the on-road prices are expected to hover above Rs. 80 lakh. Giving life to the hybrid SUV is a 3-5-litre V6 petrol mill that is linked with an electric motor. Combined power output is rated at 308 horsepower and 361 Nm of peak torque as all four wheels are driven by an eight-speed Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). It can do 0-100 kmph in around 7.9 seconds and competes against Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes GLE, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and the likes.

With increased proportions compared to the previous model, the five seater luxury SUV measures 4,890 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width and 1,690 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,790 mm and 195 mm ground clearance. Up front, the RX 450h features the new spindle grille, standard 18-inch wheels or optional 20-inchers, automatic headlamps and a busy lower face.

Also Read: Toyota’s Local Plant to Assemble Lexus Models

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The interior comes equipped with T-shaped dashboard with aluminum and wood inserts, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment with an integrated rear camera display, heated wood-and-leather trimmed steering wheel, an electronic park brake, 10-way power-adjustable front seats. dual-zone automatic climate control, etc.