In the past, Lexus cars in India have traditionally been imported privately by owners. Not any more, as the Lexus brand has finally launched in India with three models in their line-up – the ES300h sedan, the RX450h and the range-topping LX450d. The line-up for India predominantly consists of hybrids, with the ES300h and the RX450h both using petrol-electric powertrains.
However, big fish of the Lexus range is the legendary Land Cruiser, the LX SUV and it’s the only vehicle from the automaker not to be imported as a hybrid. With prices over ₹2 crore, the LX450d costs about a crore more than the Land Cruiser LC 200 but it comes loaded to the brim with tech.
Engine
The car comes with only a diesel engine under the hood. The motor uses the same 269hp, 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel motor as the Land Cruiser LC200, currently on sale in India. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and has an ARAI rating of 9.6 kpl. Lexus claims the SUV goes from 0-100kph in a super-quick 8.6 seconds.
Equipment
Since this car is the Lexus range’s flagship – it comes with a lot of tech and equipment. This includes features such as four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, adaptive suspension with ride height control, power-adjust front seats, rear seat entertainment system with displays, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and LED headlamps with auto levelling and high beam assist. On the safety front, it gets 10 airbags and traction control. The Indian version doesn’t offer its radar-based safety systems like they do abroad. The LX450d, for now, is also available with a five-seater option. A seven-seat petrol LX570 is expected to be added to the range at a later stage.
Expected Price and rivals
While the company hasn’t officially revealed the price, the car could be priced at ₹2.3 crore (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). The LX will take on the likes of Mercedes’ GLS and Audi’s Q7. At its current pricing though, it’s more in the same range as the Range Rover.