Lexus launches LS 500h priced Rs1.77 crore
16 Jan 2018
Japanese luxury carmaker Lexus, which unveiled the all-new LS luxury sedan at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show last January, has introduced the flagship limousine in India.
At an event held in New Delhi, Lexus launched the LS 500h in the Indian market with prices of Rs 1.77 crore for the Luxury Grade trim, Rs 1.82 crore for the Ultra Luxury Grade, Rs 1.93 crore the Distinct Grade trim (all prices ex-showroom, pan-India).
According to commentators, hybrid power trains are becoming a virtual norm for Lexus in India and the LS 500h is the flag bearer for the carmaker's hybrid initiative.
The LS 500h is powered by a hybrid system comprising of a 3.5l V6 petrol engine mated to two electric motors for a combined system output of 355 PS. According to Lexus, a 0-100 kmph sprint is achieved in 5.4 s.
The drive train is battery power from a lightweight lithium-ion pack that uses a new space-saving satellite construction design.
The Lexus LS 500h will take on the likes of Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series, the Jaguar XJ L and the upcoming Audi A8 L. The 500h is 5.2 m in length and has a wheelbase of 3.1 m.
''It's very encouraging to see the government driving electrification in the country. It is a multi-solution journey. We believe the government will become technology neutral or technology agnostic because the new technology will enable us to pursue electrification and accelerate it,'' Vince Socco, executive vice-president, Lexus Asia Pacific, told BusinessLine on the sidelines of a launch in New Delhi.
He added hybrid-EVs are today's solution, as it saves the environment, and a lot of governments, including India, are pushing for cleaner air. He added, for instance, Toyota Prius saves 1 tonne of carbon dioxide every year.