Toyota's luxury wing, Lexus, had commenced bookings of the seventh generation model of the ES 300h sometime back. This time around, it has unveiled this all-new electric-hybrid sedan in India. As part of this update, it gets a fresh set of cosmetic and feature upgrades. Read below to know more about the top five highlights in the new Lexus ES 300h –
New Platform
Lexus ES 300h is based on Toyota’s new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform which is lighter and more dynamic than its predecessor. Moreover, the new platform has also helped the sedan grow in size with the vehicle now measuring 66mm longer, 5mm lower and 45mm wider than the outgoing model. The vehicle also gets more leg room and a boot space of 454-litres.
Engine
The sedan is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a hybrid drive which is paired with an electric motor to generate 202bhp of power and 213Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to E-CVT transmission. The powertrain is Euro VI compliant and returns a claimed fuel efficiency of 22.37kmpl.
Exterior
The new Lexus ES 300h gets an imposing spindle grille and LED headlights for a sleeker overall design. The bumper has chrome inserts and redesigned fog lamps, both of which are more akin to the LS. The silhouette remains more or less similar to the outgoing car and it now sits on new 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. As for the rear, the vehicle gets new LED tail lamps with a restyled cluster design and a large boot-lid mounted spoiler.
Interior
The ES 300h's human-centric design approach lends a functional and advanced cabin. The list of features includes a console-mounted climate and audio controls along with adjustable and heated semi-aniline seats, and 17 speaker Mark Levinson Pure Play system. The instrument cluster has a seven-inch LCD screen with a large analogue tachometer and heads up display. The 12.3-inch centre console screen has navigation while the wireless charger is placed beneath the centre armrest. The cabin can be had in four colour schemes and three type of trims. The ES also offers two shades of Shimamoku wood as well as light-coloured Bamboo trims with Takumi craftsmanship.
Competition
Priced at Rs 59.13 lakhs, ex-showroom, India, the ES 300h competes against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. For a similar price, one can also opt for popular SUVs like the Volvo XC60, Jeep Wrangler or the Jaguar F-Pace.
