If you’re the sort of person who would spend extra to get something offbeat, then Lexus’ latest offering in India might entice you. The Japanese firm has launched the LC 500h sports car with a starting price tag of Rs 1.96 crore (ex-showroom). That number doesn’t include any taxes. It arrives in India via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route. And as the name suggests, it is also a hybrid.

It does look stunning, doesn’t it! Wherever it goes, the head will turn for at least a second glance. In profile, the LC 500h looks like the Lexus LFA supercar. Underneath the skin, however, the sports car essentially has the same powertrain that does duty in the luxury limousine Lexus LS 500h. It consists of a 3.5-litre V6 petrol mill, an electric motor and a CVT. The internal combustion engine, all on its own, pumps out 295bhp/348Nm, whereas the AC electric motor is capable of producing 177bhp/300Nm. As per Lexus, the total output is 354bhp, which is enough for a 0-100kmph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250kmph.

As you’d expect, Lexus has packed its flagship sports car with bucket-loads of gizmos. The list includes electrically-adjustable seats, LED-powered headlamps with auto levelling, rain-sensing wipers, two-zone climate control, heated and electric ORVMs with memory function, a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an auto-dimming IRVM. Under the safety and assistance system departments, the car comes with a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

Don’t expect Lexus to offer the V8-powered LC 500 in India. Except for the big LX SUV, which is currently available with 5.7-litre V8, all other Lexus models will pack a dual-motor setup. In India, there are no other sports cars available which have a hybrid power station. However, in the same sort of price bracket, one could also get a Porsche 911.