Lexus India has launched a three-row version of its RX SUV – the RX 450hL – and priced it a whopping Rs 30 lakh less than the standard five-seat RX 450h; the long-wheelbase RX costs Rs 99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bookings have opened for the new model, though deliveries will commence later.
Lexus say the price reduction hasn’t come about from deletion of features but has been a result of a pricing correction to help boost sales of the RX. Interestingly, the RX 450hL will be replacing the standard model going forward, meaning there will no longer be a five-seat RX available.
In terms of design, the front-end of the 450hL and 450h are more or less identical, and even in profile the SUVs look very similar, barring the longer rear overhang to accommodate the third row of seats. Even the rear-end of both models look the same.
While the long-wheelbase RX 450hL is powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid powertrain as the standard car (it produces a total of 313hp), it is compliant with BS6 emissions norms.
Other than the seating configuration, the RX 450hL and RX 450h share the same level of equipment, too – safety features such as 10 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, ESC, traction control, hill-start assist, Active Cornering Assist (ACA), front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera are all standard. In terms of tech and creature comforts, the RX 450hL is equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment system that has now been updated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a dual-zone climate control system, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats and ventilated front seats, and powered rear seats with a recline and fold function.
Due to the additional duties that fully imported cars carry, and also because it offers hybrid technology, the RX is costlier than its German rivals (Audi Q7 at Rs 73.82-85.28 lakh, BMW X5 at Rs 72.90-82.40 lakh and Mercedes GLE at Rs 67.15-78.18 lakh). However, the RX comes in lower than the Volvo XC90 hybrid, which is priced at Rs 1.31 crore.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
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