Lexus ES 300h Hybrid
For those prioritising comfort, the ES's appeal has always been clear. New headlights, a tweaked grille and extra safety features arrived post-facelift, but the car's dominating presence and faultlessly crafted interior remain. While performance is agreeable, not neck-snapping (214bhp and 221Nm of torque to the front wheels), it is superlative refinement and fuel efficiency that the Lexus hybrid system rewards you with. With the latter, no rival comes close.
Special Features
Reviews
The ES300h comes across as a premium executive conveyance, designed to get you from one place to another in absolute comfort and safety. It's suspension smooths out most bumps and undulations and it hardly gets a step wrong or of balance. Power combined from the petrol unit and electric motor will easily bring you to cruising speed without breaking a sweat. Don't let its usually pleasant demenor fool you though.. When required you can kick it down to Sport mode, and boy does it take off. Acceleration is scary fast between 60 - 100 kmh when you need it. Using the same Frankenstien knob and switching down to Eco mode gives you another pleasant surprise. Usually for most cars, Eco modes dumb downs the car so much it becomes un-drivable but for the most ardent of tree huggers. Not so for the ES300h - the drive seems to smoothen out a little and become a bit more relaxed (if that is even possible..?) but without any noticeable loss of forward urge from the powertrain. Fuel consumption improves slightly as the main bonus.The main attraction is the looks IMO. The lines are sharp and its low stance communicates power and sophistication. Interior surfaces are soft touch and logically laid out. Early models didn't come with Apply CarPlay which is a pity for a car in this class. Overall though, its cabin is a great place to be. The sound system produces sufficiently rich and textured sound even in the Executive trim. It really checks all the boxes for a buyer looking for a competent luxury sedan.
Have collected my ES300H slightly more than a week. I must said this is so far the best driving experience even compared to my 2 previous E200 models that I have been owning for the past 9 years. Lexus, the brand which resembles premium quality even up to all the fine detailing and continuously maintaining their good workmanship. I doubt we can challenge their design integrity and intentions to ensure Lexus car owners really benefited from their work. Just think in this way, a normal Toyota car already can earn their respect from the public in terms of quality controls. And only the TOP performers in Toyota are allowed to join Lexus team in their corporate policy (check this out via website). So you are getting the best out of the best.
Tested this car 2 weeks ago. Since i made the review for the ES 250, I will only tell the difference between those 2.In my ES 250 review, I said that only the driver can unlock the doors. I was wrong. All doors can be unlocked by their occupants.
Verdict
Looking for a luxurious sedan that comes with hybrid capabilities? Based on how many of these we see on our roads, it is safe to say that the Lexus ES is one of the most popular choices we have here. Refreshed in 2021, the ES 300h features a newer daytime running light design, new wheels, some design changes in the grille and additional safety features.
The ES has never been about driving dynamics and like before, it just wants to distinguish itself as a comfortable cruiser with a cabin that is nothing short of opulent. Out on the road, the Lexus irons out undulations and broken surfaces in a calm and composed manner like no other competitor.
With combined power figures of 214bhp and 221Nm of torque sent to the front wheels, the luxury sedan will execute overtaking manoeuvres with ease and confidence.
Obviously at town speeds, the Lexus ES300h is also responsive and light on its feet, thanks to the electric motor supplying you with the push from standstill before letting the combustion engine come into play.
The Lexus ES now comes with additional features such as Emergency Steering Assist and an improved lane recognition performance, Lane Tracing Assist and Warning Brake Assist, amongst others.
Inside, fit and finish is great with all three occupants at the back treated with ample head, leg, and shoulder room, with the addition of electric controls to recline the seats, activate sunshades and adjust the air-con and audio system.
With all said and done, it is not that hard to fathom why it is one of the best-selling luxury sedans around with a hybrid powertrain.
The ES has never been about driving dynamics and like before, it just wants to distinguish itself as a comfortable cruiser with a cabin that is nothing short of opulent. Out on the road, the Lexus irons out undulations and broken surfaces in a calm and composed manner like no other competitor.
With combined power figures of 214bhp and 221Nm of torque sent to the front wheels, the luxury sedan will execute overtaking manoeuvres with ease and confidence.
Obviously at town speeds, the Lexus ES300h is also responsive and light on its feet, thanks to the electric motor supplying you with the push from standstill before letting the combustion engine come into play.
The Lexus ES now comes with additional features such as Emergency Steering Assist and an improved lane recognition performance, Lane Tracing Assist and Warning Brake Assist, amongst others.
Inside, fit and finish is great with all three occupants at the back treated with ample head, leg, and shoulder room, with the addition of electric controls to recline the seats, activate sunshades and adjust the air-con and audio system.
With all said and done, it is not that hard to fathom why it is one of the best-selling luxury sedans around with a hybrid powertrain.
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