Lexus LS 500h launched in India

Lexus has launched the fifth generation LS 500h sedan in India at a starting price of Rs. 1.77 crore, ex-showroom Delhi. The vehicle has become new flagship for the Japanese brand and it is available in three different variants – Luxury Grade, Ultra Luxury (Rs. 1.82 crores) Grade and Distinct Grade (Rs. 1.91 crores). The sedan will take on the likes of Mercedes-Maybach S600 in the market.

The new Lexus 500h is based on the GA-L (Global Architecture – Luxury) platform and is designed on the L-finesse design language. The vehicle gets distinctive features like a large spindle grille up front with a chrome frame, tri-beam LED headlamps with V-shaped LED DRLs and arrow-shaped LED tail lamps. There is a lot of chrome around and one can see the shiny coating around the window frame and door sills.

N Raja, Chairman, Lexus India, said

“For those who have arrived in life, the Lexus LS500h has now arrived in India. We are so thrilled to be adding the LS500h to our line-up here. When we think of the exacting standards of the most discerning Indian car owners, we are confident the new LS will impress and delight – through its design, its performance, and the efficiency of the world’s first multi-stage hybrid system,”

The vehicle gets a three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system in the central console. The LS 500h comes with a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Lexus also uses Kiriko-cut glass for the car’s interior door trim that gives it an expensive feeling. The vehicle gets heated seats with massage function in the rear and there is a huge 1,022 mm of leg space.

The vehicle is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with two electric motors. The combined output of the engine and the electric motors is 354 Bhp at 6,600 rpm and 350 Nm at 5,100 rpm. The power is delivered to the wheels through 10-speed multi-stage hybrid transmission (ECVT). The vehicle gets multi-link air suspension system with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system with ride height control and 6-driving modes.

It gets standard features like rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, Lexus Navigation System, 360-degree bird eye view camera, cornering lamps, 4-zone automatic climate control and two 11-6 inch rear seat entertainment system. The vehicle also gets 14 airbags, ABS, Stability Control, Hill Assist Control, heads-up display, tyre pressure monitoring and many other safety features.