March 24, 2017: Lexus today launched the RX 450h, in India. The 'h' stands for hybrid powertrain. In this SUV, power is harnessed from the combination of a 3.5-litre V6 with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) tech and a 650V A/C permanent magnet synchronous motor. The petrol engine alone pumps out 262PS of power and 335Nm of torque. The electric motor, on the other hand, generates 68PS of power and 139Nm of torque. As a result, the total power output is capped at 313PS/361Nm. Transmission duties are handled by an e-CVT (Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) unit, which is mated to a four-wheel-drive system.
As it will be shipped directly as a CBU, the specs will be exactly the same as seen in its Japanese version. It will be competing against the likes of the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
The RX 450h is the most radically styled and unique looking car in Lexus India’s range. However, its asking price and hybrid powertrain put it in a niche within a niche. Obviously, it’s targeted at a buyer who isn’t budget conscious, and wants something special. Does this car genuinely have something unique to offer or is it all about looks alone?
Things We Like in RX
Attention grabbing design. Looks like nothing else on the road and makes quite the statement.
Hybrid powertrain offers a good balance of performance and efficiency.
Mark Levinson sound system produces impeccable audio quality.
Accommodating boot with folding rear seats. Good practicality for a lifestyle vehicle.
Standard 3 year/1,00,000km warranty on car. 5 year/1,50,000km warranty on hybrid powertrain.
Things We Don't Like in RX
Premium pricing. Supposed to rival the Mercedes GLC/Audi Q5, but is twice as expensive.
Average rear seat space and poor rear headroom for the price.
Stiff ride quality may pose a problem on poorly made Indian roads.
Stand Out Features
15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
Touch-free boot opening.
Full-LED lighting.
CarDekho Verdict
Pure and simply put, the RX 450h is all about making a statement. It’s about giving its elite audience a chance to say “I care about the environment, but I’ll care with flair.” The hybrid powertrain offers good driveability with efficiency, and it is fun to drive while being green too. It’s also coming only in a fully-loaded avatar and while it is certainly priced at a premium, it won’t cost much more than a Porsche Macan or Jaguar F-Pace with a few options added.
"The Lexus RX 450h is an outlandish way of making a safe purchase."
Like every other Lexus car, it comes backed by the promise of a hassle-free ownership experience and the brand claims it will offer service expenses that will be half that of the competition’s. Also, it’s a good way to stay ahead of the curve, should diesel cars be a faint memory in the near future. The Lexus RX 450h is an outlandish way of making a safe purchase.
The Internet, right now, is buzzing with news about Lexus’ forthcoming foray into the Indian market. Rumours about the Japanese automaker’s introduction in India had been doing the rounds since the last couple of years, but it is finally happening now. For the uninitiated, Lexus is the luxury wing of Toyota and is a relatively young automaker. In fact, Lexus celebrated its 25th anniversary two years ago. We expect Toyota to introduce the luxury brand in India in 2017, perhaps in the first quarter, and it will have separate showrooms. Read Full News
Loading ...
