By Dino Ray V. Directo III

LUXURY carmakers Lexus and Mercedes-Benz are introducing premium models today in what is billed as a marquee match-up defying the gloom-and-doom forecast for the auto industry.

Lexus Manila, an affiliate of Toyota Motor Philippines, will launch tonight five premium models of Lexus sedans and SUVs, with a starting price of P7 million. It will also inaugurate its headquarters and showroom in the Global City.

But Mercedez-Benz exclusive distributor CATS Motors will hold its product launch around noon, giving itself a chance to grab the thunder from Lexus? much-expected entry into the local car industry.

Banking on its US success and the enormous resources of Toyota, Lexus appears unfazed by the preemptive strike from its rival, which is launching the baby Benzes in a showroom a few blocks away.

?In times of economic slowdown, people tend to become risk-averse and the stability of the brand and the quality of its products and services play a big role,? said Daniel Isla, president of Lexus Manila.

?In a saturated market such as the Philippines, customer satisfaction and loyalty will spell the difference in decision making. These are the strengths of Lexus, and it is backed by Toyota,? Isla said.

Like Lexus, CATS Motors remains upbeat about the sales prospects for premium cars. ?We see opportunity in a growing interest for luxury compact SUVs,? said Greg Yu, chairman of CATS Motors.

Lexus Manila will initially introduce five models: the IS300, ES350, GS40, LX570 SUV and its flagship, the LS460L.

With a base price of P7.268 million, the LS460L is built and designed for captains of industry, according to Isla.

The Lexus flagship boasts features such as back-up camera, navigation system with Bluetooth capability, and the innovative air suspension system. Propelling this car is a 4.6-liter V8 engine that can zoom from zero to 60 kph in 5.4 seconds. This Lexus is going head to head with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Honda?s Acura Legend, Nissan?s Infiniti Q45, and the Jaguar XK8.

The other attraction at the Lexus showroom due to its gargantuan presence is the LX570, its largest and most expensive SUV so far. With a sticker price of P7.218 million, the LX570 is pitted against the Mercedes-Benz GL 450, which is priced at P7.5 million.

The Lexus SUV is four inches longer and one inch wider than its kin, the Toyota Land Cruiser. The LX570 is also equipped with a four-wheel electro-hydraulic suspension system, crawl control system and multi-terrain anti-brake lock system. It is powered by an all-new engine developed by Toyota, the 3UR-FE, which has an output of 383 hp and is matted to a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission.