Lexus launches LS500h flagship at Rs 1.77 crore in India

Toyota's luxury car marque, Lexus, today introduced its flagship premium sedan - the Lexus LS500h in the Indian market, priced at Rs 1.77 crore ex-showroom, all India. Retail sales, however, are only slated to begin in April.

The fifth-generation LS500h, which sits above Lexus' mid-size luxury saloon, the ES300h, was showcased at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show in January last year.

The LS500h is based on the Lexus Global Architecture Luxury (GA-L) platform and is substantially larger than the ES, thus, entering bang in the territory of its key rivals which include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-series and the Audi A8.

The LS500h gets the quintessential modern Lexus design, with its bold spindle grille upfront, flanked by three-LED projectors in its headlamps, with integrated signature LED DRL strips. The side profile on the sedan is largely clean, with multi-spoke chrome wheels attracting immediate attention. Towards the rear, the tail lamps also feature L-shaped signature LED elements.

The first-generation LS, which was introduced back in 1989, has, over the years, evolved into the more thoughtfully crafted luxurious iteration of the saloon, which, as per Takio Asahi, chief engineer, Lexus International, follows the Japanese 'Takumi’ artistic craftsmanship philosophy.

The car embodies indulgence on the inside as well, with its plush leather upholstery, glass ornaments on the door pads and 22-way adjustable massage captain seats at the rear. It also features a heads-up-display, panoramic sunroof and a touch screen infotainment system, coupled with a 23-speaker surround-sound Mark Levinson audio setup.

The latest generation of the Lexus LS500h has become leaner and according to Takio Asahi, “We have generously used aluminium and high-tensile steel in the monocoque in order to make the car lighter and efficient, yet more robust.” The car also gets air suspension at all four corners, which automatically lifts up the ride height to offer easier ingress and egress.

The Lexus LS500h gets a multi-stage hybrid system in Lexus speak and comes powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol motor, working in conjunction with two electric motors, each powering the rear wheels. The power to the electric motors is derived from a 320.8kV Li-ion battery pack doing duty on-board. While the engine alone develops 300bhp and 350Nm of peak torque, the combined power output of the setup is rated at 350bhp. The hybrid system is BS VI compliant and offers an overall fuel economy of 15.38km/litre. The drivetrain includes a 10-speed automatic gearbox for precise and smooth shifts.

“The engine and transmission are mounted in a front mid-ship configuration to offer a low set centre of gravity, which is 540mm high off the ground and also liberates maximum cabin space”, added Asahi.

The LS500h comes equipped with top-notch safety kit, including six airbags, EBD and a vehicle dynamics integrated system (VDIM), which controls six different vehicle dynamics movements.

Hybrids for Indian market
In a highly dynamic scenario, where the Indian government is focusing more on electric technology and also laying out a 2030 roadmap targeting full vehicle electrification, Lexus is sticking with its hybrid gameplan to play in the luxury car space.

According to Takio Asahi, “I would like to reiterate that Lexus is working hard on researching and developing newer powertrains and platforms for the future. But, technologies like complete electric systems also require good infrastructural support, which will take some time to be setup in India. For that period, hybrids offer the best solution to a challenging problem of air pollution and environment sustainability.”

“With the LS500h, we offer an elevated hybrid solution, which is less harmful to the environment and at the same time, provides a good driving experience to our customers”, he added. Considering all of the five models - the ES, LX, RX, NX and the latest LS range - in its product line-up are hybrids, Lexus India is better placed to have not witnessed any cess hike in the GST Council's cess revision activity, which encompassed all key automobile categories in September 2017.

Lexus, which had entered the Indian market in March 2017, today engages with its 'guests’ through its four experience centres, one each in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore.

According to N Raja, chairman, Lexus India, “We are leveraging the strong presence of the Toyota brand in the Indian market and are utilising it to strengthen Lexus’ footprint in the country. Customer experience is our topmost priority and we are keeping no stone unturned in ensuring that we provide exceptional service to our customers. Therefore, it is most of our current Toyota dealers, who we entrust in and are taking forward the Lexus journey for after-sales support in the country. Lexus India has eight service points, including outlets in Chandigarh, Kochi and Hyderabad as well.”

Also read: Lexus helping Toyota lure customers from established luxury car brands?