The company will launch its flagship, the LS 500h in India on January 15, 2018. The model was first shown at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, and as far as design is concerned, this is the latest to break from the stately, understated look of previous models. This is also a large car; it’s over 5.2-metre long and has a wheelbase of 3.1 metre.
The interiors have been upgraded too. They feature more flowing surfacing for the dashboard, and multiple screens replacing many physical buttons. The company will pit this car against the Mercedes-Maybach S500 and is ensuring the car offers maximum rear-seat luxury. The LS for India will be fitted with the higher-spec rear seat package as standard.
The car will be launched in India in hybrid form. The LS 500h’s powertrain uses a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and two electric motors to put out a combined 354hp. The motor is mated to an e-CVT transmission. The company is looking to export the car here, which means it could be priced higher than its counterparts from BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. Bookings have begun and you can expect a price tag upwards of ₹1.5 crore (ex-showroom).
