Lexus LM 350h Becomes First WLTP Certified Vehicle in India Ahead of 2027 Mandate

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has become the first automaker in India to secure WLTP certification for a vehicle. The Lexus LM 350h luxury minivan is the first model in the country to receive this certification. This move aligns India with international automotive testing standards ahead of the 2027 mandate.

Key Highlights

• Lexus LM 350h is the first WLTP certified vehicle in India
• India will mandate WLTP certification for all vehicles from April 1 2027
• WLTP testing provides results closer to real world driving conditions
• Toyota Kirloskar Motor voluntarily pursued WLTP certification ahead of the deadline

WLTP Certification and Indian Standards

The Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Test Procedure (WLTP) is a global standard for testing vehicles. It measures fuel efficiency, energy consumption, and exhaust emissions. Markets such as Europe, South Korea, and Japan already use WLTP procedures. India currently uses the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) for vehicle testing.

Industry experts have criticized MIDC for not reflecting real-world driving conditions. In contrast, WLTP uses dynamic tests that consider factors like aerodynamics, optional equipment, and vehicle weight. This approach provides results closer to real-world performance.

India plans to adopt WLTP under the new AIS 175 automotive standard. The government has set April 1, 2027, as the deadline for mandatory WLTP certification. The requirement will apply to all M1 and M2 category vehicles, including passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles such as buses and vans under 5,000 kg.

Lexus LM 350h Leads Certification Efforts

Toyota Kirloskar Motor voluntarily pursued WLTP certification ahead of the deadline. The Lexus LM 350h and its variants are the first vehicles in India to achieve this standard. Dr. Reji Mathai, Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), presented the certification to Abhay Kulkarni, General Manager at Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

The Lexus LM 350h is positioned as a flagship luxury MPV. It is priced between Rs 2.2 crore and Rs 2.75 crore (ex-showroom). The vehicle targets buyers seeking a premium and spacious interior experience. The LM 350h offers advanced features and comfort, catering to the needs of elite customers.

With this certification, India moves closer to adopting global automotive testing standards. Automakers in India are expected to begin their own WLTP compliance processes ahead of the 2027 mandate.