Lexus ES300h should be on your list
The Lexus ES has always been a car favoured here at AutoAdvisor. We like it for its extremely comfortable driving experience, standard features list and the fact that it punches far above its weight in terms of an overall luxury package. We spent time with this refreshed ES300hand here are our thoughts.
The original ES launched the Lexus brand in 1989, alongside the LS flagship sedan. Since then, its popularity has been built on class-leading comfort and Lexus’ commitment to delivering a human-centred experience. This latest model has built on that success and is now better than ever.
From the outside there is no mistaking this for another brand, Lexus has a unique design and the ES benefits from that. Up front, the ES’ face now makes use of that signature Lexus spindle grille which has been refreshed. It has been revised with a new treatment of the spindle grille with fewer vertical bars and the introduction of L-shaped elements. Slimmer units were added for both the single and three-eye LED headlights. The rear is also as sharp and angular as the front thanks to LED lamps that wrap around the quarter panels to generate a continuous styling line when viewed from any angle. This new hybrid model also features a new wheel design which creates a sporty and high-grade image.
The interior on the ES has always been a spacious affair with a quality look and feel throughout. This new model blends a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. A new high-resolution 12.3-inch widescreen display has been brought forward by more than 100mm compared with the current model, debuting touch-display functionality to increase usability options for the driver and front passenger. Other niceties that are standard on the ES are keyless smart entry, a moonroof, twin-front and twin-rear USB-C ports, DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and on this hybrid model a fantastic Mark Levinson 17 Speaker audio system.
The driving position in the ES has been refined with a more natural steering wheel angle, revised pedal positions and even a 10-way adjustable seat as standard for this hybrid SE grade. It is also worth mentioning that the Lexus has a wheelbase of 2870mm which provides impressive rear legroom, enough to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S Class and BMW 7 Series.
When it comes to power and drive the ES 300h seen here is equipped with Lexus’ fourth-generation, self-charging hybrid drive system that delivers exceptional fuel-efficiency. It couples the brand’s ultra-efficient 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a lighter, more compact and more power-dense electric motor. Total system power is 160kW and offers a combined cycle of around 4.6l/100km. The ES 300h sprints from 0-100km/h in a laudable 8.9 seconds and is electronically-governed to a top speed of 180km/h.
Overall the Lexus ES 300h is a brilliant machine that offers comfort and efficiency. It offers a relaxing driving experience that is on par with cars almost three times the price. The Lexus ES should be on your list and this hybrid model should be at the top.
