2018 Lexus ES 300h Launched At Rs 59.13 Lakh

Lexus has launched the seventh-generation Lexus ES in India. Priced at Rs 59.13 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India), the sedan costs just Rs 4 lakh more than the one it replaces. Launched in the 300h variant, the ES is the only car in its segment to feature a hybrid powertrain. It is based on the Global Architecture–K (GA-K) platform which has been derived from Toyota's TNGA platform. The new platfrom makes it longer, lower and wider than before. Even the wheelbase is now longer and the track width wider for better stability. It is still powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine but now comes paired with the new, fourth-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive System.

At the front, you get new, slim LED headlamps with ‘L’ shaped DRLs. The family grille is also more striking now with vertical sections instead of the older horizontal ones. The car clearly looks like an evolution over the sixth generation, but now looks a lot similar to the bigger LS500h. There are new 18-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels which also look similar to the ones on the larger sibling.

The cabin has also been revised and made more ergonomic. The control panel and display has been moved closer to the driver, which has resulted in more space for the passenger. You also get a 12.3-inch Electro Multi Vision unit display, wireless charger, soft padding for the instrument panel, Eco, Normal and Sport modes, and a 454-litre boot with a motorised tailgate.

The longer wheelbase has freed up more legroom for the rear occupants and they now also get console-mounted climate and audio controls, along with adjustable and heated semi-aniline seats and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Pure Play music system. The cabin features a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and a fully adjustable colour head-up display that projects relevant vehicle information onto the windshield.

Firepower comes from a 2.5-litre petrol motor coupled with the fourth-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive System. It is Euro 6-compliant and combined with the electric motor makes 218PS of total power. The engine puts out 221Nm and the electric motor makes another 202Nm of peak torque. Mated to a CVT, the claimed mileage of the ES 300h is 22.37kmpl. In terms of safety, the ES 300h comes with 10 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, and a break-in and tilt sensor.

If you want to customise your ES, the interiors feature four colour schemes, and three types trim options, in addition to nine exterior paint options. The ES even offers two shades of Shimamoku wood trim (black, brown), as well as light-coloured Bamboo. The Lexus rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and the Volvo S90.