Lexus ES300h Review

Are you done with the existing German luxury sedans? And are looking for something that in different? Sometime that will be different from the rest and will add some more exclusivity. At the same time, it has to be highly reliable? Then you shall be aware of the Toyota brand’s high quality and how reliable their vehicles are. Toyota isn’t a brand that is as luxury as a say Mercedes-Benz or even BMW. Enters India a brand that is owned by Toyota and is a highly luxurious and exclusive car brand – the Lexus. The brand that was born in the United States to take on the most luxurious cars in the world. The entry-level car to this Japanese premium brand is the ES300h, which ES is the model and h stands for hybrid. ES stands for executive sedan. How good is this sedan? Read further to know more as we review the Lexus ES300h.

Design

The Lexus is one of the brands with the biggest front grilles. This is a characteristic of the design language and it does look stylish. The spindle shaped front grille on the Lexus ES300h is an amazing aspect on this grille. Then there is a twin-barrel headlamp with daytime running LEDs as well. There is an L shaped design on the headlamp and the same continues on the tail lamp as well. The side profile of the ES300h looks aggressive and it seems like some like a coupe. The rear looks aggressive like the front and it also has LED tail lamps. This way the new Lexus does look appealing and it does stand out in design.

While most of the competition have made designs that look premium, the Lexus looks aggressive and a sporty feel to it. In terms of dimensions, it isn’t as long as the other executive sedans, but then there is the Jaguar XF that has a similar length.

Interior

The Lexus ES300h is based on the Camry hybrid, however it does look different on the outside. Inside there are multiple difference apart some very small bits that are shared on the duo. If you think the Camry hybrid is premium then you need to step into the ES300h. This doesn’t just look great but it also has appealing interiors. There are so many elements that do look similar to the Camry hybrid, but the touch and feel of them is so much different. The Lexus steering wheel feels so sporty and it does have an appeal to it. The instrument cluster is simple and the centre console looks a bit too confusing with a lot of buttons on it.

The controls are carried further with there being more controls for the music system as well.

There are several aspects that make it different. The seats are more comfortable, there is much better thigh support for rear passengers. The other aspect that is good about the ES300h is the quality. If you are a back seat passenger, you can control the AC, music and blinds in the car. The front seat is sporty and has good side and back support, while the rear seats are comfortable, designed for ultimate comfort. At the same time, the boot on the ES300h is sufficient to gobble luggage for the entire weekend.

Lexus ES300h Drive

Generally Toyota cars are dull to drive, especially the Camry hybrid. My mind set was the same, until I drove it. In terms of performance, the ES300h will not push you back into the seat. It has more than sufficient power to overtake comfortably in city or the highway at almost most of the speeds. Things improve when you shift into the Sport mode. Here is when it just gets even better. There is more than enough oomph and things change in this mode.

Whats more, the ES300h has better steering input and enhanced throttle response in this mode. In the comfort mode it is all about convenience and cruising on the road. There is a good amount of change in the way this engine responds. We haven’t had the opportunity to drive the car for a longer duration. but certainly we liked the drive in the Sport mode. It is an ideal pick when the owner gets behind the wheel. The ride is pliant enough and doesn’t seem to be unsettled on bad roads either. There is no change in the suspension set-up when modes are changed.

Worth a buy?

Lets face the truth, the Lexus ES300h is a CBU and hence it will be expensive than other sedan, which are assembled in India. At the moment, what Lexus has to offer is exclusivity. And one cannot get exclusivity and value for money at the same time. So, if need superior technology and exclusivity, Lexus is the only option you have in hand at the moment.