Speaking of Lexus' entry in India takes us back to 2008 when first reports emerged about its impending launch. Seven years later, Lexus still hasn't been launched in India, on hold owing to India's harsh duty structure on imports.
However, over year the years, the taxes and duties have nothing but increased, but what also has significantly grown, is the market for luxury cars in India. And so, Toyota Motor has finally decided to launch its luxury brand in India. ET Now reported that Lexus will be launched by H2 2016 in India. Two models will be sold in India initially, the 2016 Lexus ES and the Lexus RX, imported as CKD units from Japan and be assembled at Toyota's plant in Karnataka. Around INR 300 crores will be spent for setting up the assembly line.
A report on the Economic Times says that Lexus would make its Indian premiere at the 2016 Auto Expo, to be held in February in Greater Noida.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is currently in its sixth generation and is based on the Toyota Avalon. In India, we're likely to get a car similar to the Australian specification. Two models are available there - ES 350 and ES 300 h. The ES 350 comes with a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine that produces 204 kW (274 hp) and 346 Nm of torque and is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The ES 300 h features a 151 kW (202 hp) Lexus Hybrid Drive hybrid drive. The hybrid system makes use of a 118 kW 2.5-litre petrol engine and a 105 kW electric motor. Power is sent to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
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Lexus RX
The Lexus RX entered its fourth generation this year and went on sale in Japan in October. Internationally, three models are available - RX 350, RX 450h and RX 200t. The RX 200t features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which produces 175 kW and 350 Nm of torque and is mated a 6-speed automatic transmission. Moving up, the RX 350 sports a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine which throws out 221 kW and 370 Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a 8-speed automatic transmission.
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The range-topping RX 450 h model comes with a 230 kW (308 hp) Lexus Hybrid Drive hybrid system. The hybrid system incorporates a 3.5-litre petrol engine that produces 193 kW and 335 Nm of torque and two electric motors - one at front and one at rear. The front motor develops 123 kW and 335 Nm of torque, while the rear motor generates 50 kW and 139 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
Lexus RX - Image Gallery
[Source: ET Now]
