The Lexus ES 300h will continue to come with only a hybrid engine option that has been re-tuned for higher output.
Luxury sedan and SUV automaker Lexus have launched the 2018 ES 300h sedan in India with a price tag of Rs. 59.13 lakhs (ex-showroom). The car comes with a refreshed design and will compete in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. The luxury sedan is underpinned by the new GA-K platform.
The 2018 Lexus ES 300h gets a slightly changed signature Lexus ‘spindle’ grille surrounded by a pair larger LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and an aggressive front bumper. The car has grown in size and the wide stance goes well with the overall look of the sedan. The car sits on a new stylish set of 18-inch alloy wheels and gets a panoramic sunroof.
Although the Lexus ES 300h comes with two engine options in other countries, in India it is offered only with a hybrid engine. This hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor taking the combined output power to around 218 HP which is an increase of 16 HP from the outgoing model. The 245V battery pack for the electric motor is positioned behind the rear seats.
The Lexus ES 300h can run on pure electric mode, pure combustion mode and a hybrid mode. Like is the case with a majority of mass produced hybrid cars, the electric range is limited to only a few kilometres. Creature comforts include a 12.3-inch infotainment system that can be operated via a touchpad and voice-recognition technology.
The 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster has been borrowed from the larger LS sedan that shows the various available drive modes, electric adjustable front seats, memory seats and mirrors, electric rear sun-blind, three-zone climate control, cooled front seats and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson music system for when you want to truly enjoy the intricacies of your music.
Lexus offers four interior colour schemes (Black, Chateau, Topaz Brown and Rich Cream) and three different types of cabin trims with its new sedan. Safety systems remain the same as the previous model and three-point seatbelts, 10 airbags, hill-start assist and stability control come as standard.
The segment that the Lexus ES 300h has been launched in is currently dominated by the Germans which make the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series. Toyota owns the Lexus brand, both of which have excellent reliability and low cost of ownership which should be a good selling-point for the ES 300h.
Lexus ES 300h Price
– The 2018 Lexus ES 300h is priced at Rs. 59.13 lakhs (ex-showroom)
– Based on the new GA-K platform
– Comes with a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre petrol engine
