When Lexus entered India about 18 months ago, the ES 300h was part of the portfolio. That model, however, was inching towards the end of its life cycle and looked dated. Now, Lexus has brought the seventh-generation ES 300h to India. Having borrowed styling cues from the company’s flagship sedan, the The LS 500, the new ES feels contemporary and generations ahead of its predecessor.
It might be the brand’s entry-level petrol-hybrid sedan, but wearing a sticker price of ₹59.13 lakh, it isn't cheap and it goes head to head with established European luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-class and BMW 5-series.
What is it?
Based on Toyota’s Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, the new ES is 60mm longer, 45mm wider and boasts a 50mm longer wheelbase than the car it replaces. Its rear track is now wider by 35mm and it gets a new multi-link rear suspension. The ‘Z’-shaped LED headlamps with the ‘L’-shaped DRLs, the oversized spindle chrome grille and the long, flattish bonnet are all very attractive. From the sides, you see a coupé-like profile and multi-spoke 18-inch chrome wheels.
What is it like inside?
For ease of access, the steering wheel and seats adjust automatically each time the ignition is turned on and off. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and wood. It isn’t all good news though, as the plastics on the lower half of the dash feel hard and look shiny, and certain switchgear and the key fob don’t belong in a car at this price. The instrument cluster has a digital speedometer surrounded by a large circular tachometer pod. There’s a large head-up display for the driver and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen which isn’t touch-operable; you get a trackpad to navigate through the various settings.
The ES 300h’s seats are great in terms of support; the cushioning is spot on, and the front ones have a heating and ventilation function too. The rear, however, gets only heating, though the backrest can be electrically reclined up to eight degrees. Space is huge here and despite the sloping roofline, headroom won’t be an issue for tall people. Legroom is ample too.
Active noise cancellation and additional stuffing of polyurethane foam in the pillars do well to isolate the occupants from the outside environment. The 454-litre boot is huge and deep, and will easily gobble up a couple of full-sized suitcases.
The ES’ equipment list includes auto LED headlamps, 18-inch wheels, sunroof, cruise control, paddle shifters, ventilated front seats, heated seats, reclining rear seats, three-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, 10 airbags, and ESP. Sadly, it misses out on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but has Miracast and navigation.
What is it like to drive?
This ES 300h, like the sixth-gen model, is powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. Power has been bumped up to 178hp at 5,700rpm (from 160hp) and torque to 221Nm between 3,600-5,200rpm (from 213Nm). The electric motor, on the other hand, is a fourth-gen unit that’s lighter in weight and a bit down on power, churning out 120hp, which is 23hp lesser than before. Fuel efficiency, too, is claimed to be up by 25.67 percent at 22.37kpl.
Hit the start button, and like a typical hybrid, there’s no sound. The ES will glide ahead in complete silence (as long as the battery has charge), and there’s more than ample torque on offer to potter around and manage the bumper-to-bumper grind without the need for the petrol motor to kick in. Flex your right foot a bit, and when the petrol engine does kick in, the transition from battery to hybrid is seamless. The petrol engine is quiet and very refined, and the power delivery is brisk and seamless; the car builds speed effortlessly, and even when the engine is spinning hard, it doesn’t lose its refined character.
The ride is impressive and you really appreciate how absorbent the suspension actually is over bad roads. There’s very little body movement too, and although it can tend to float a bit over wavy surfaces, vertical movement is controlled. This car can take corners, and it does so with surprising levels of grip.
Should I buy one?
This new ES 300h is a very likeable car and a worthy contender in its segment. Being a hybrid, fuel efficiency is great, but what customers will love is the fact that the ES’ carbon footprint will be much lower than that of other petrol or diesel cars. Those looking for a sporty performance might be disappointed, but it’s a car that’ll appeal to the ones seeking a relaxed and refined experience.
- Fuel Type / Propulsion Petrol-hybrid
- Type 4 cyls, naturally aspirated
- Cubic Capacity (cc) 2487cc
- Max Power (hp @ rpm) 178hp at 5700rpm
- Max Torque (Nm @ rpm) 221Nm at 3600-5200rpm
