Lexus ES300h will compete against Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A7 and BMW 5-Series; to get power from a 2.5L petrol-electric hybrid unit making 200 hp
The Lexus brand has a distinctive history as an automaker. Born from the Flagship One project commenced by then-Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda in the early ‘80s, the Lexus LS premium sedan was the initial step to the luxury subsidiary’s existence. Based at Nagoya in Japan, the early 2000s witnessed Lexus branching out and establishing an independent production facility in Ontario for the RX 330. In 2005, Toyota became the first car maker to introduce a sub-brand in its home market.
Lexus uses “IDEAL” (“Impressive, Dynamic, Elegant, Advanced, and Lasting”) development process in manufacturing its luxury cars with each model going through 500 specific product standards. Lexus has its market presence in over 70 countries worldwide with more influence in the North American continent. Lexus’ global carline comprises of entry-level luxury compact IS and HS luxury sedans with LS full-size models playing the significant role whilst the mid-size category has been met with ES and GS line-up. Apart from RX, GX and LX crossovers/SUVs, the brand crucially has plenty to offer when it comes to hybrid variants and that’s where Indian market opens up a wide range of opportunity.
The arrival of Lexus brand has been a hide-and-seek game so far in the past years but as we exclusively confirmed you midway through last year the luxury marque will be foraying into the market via ES 300h hybrid sedan tomorrow. The 2016 Lexus ES series debuted at the Shanghai International Motor Show alongside the RX 200t in April 2015 as the brand’s best-selling luxury model received new blood. The ES wears a sportier attitude despite being an executive sedan which is highlighted by well-crafted exterior styling and revised interior besides the new Lexus Safety System+.
Lexus ES 300h Hybrid India Launch Date
The Lexus ES 300h hybrid luxury sedan will be launched in the Indian market tomorrow as the Japanese brand steps into the highly competitive luxury space.
Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Expected Price
It is sold in US at around $ 40,000 (approximately Rs, 27 lakh). As Lexus cars are upmarket than the Toyota models, it will more likely be positioned higher above the Camry Hybrid. So, expect a starting price tag close to Rs. 50 lakh with all the incentives added from the government.
Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Engine, Performance and Mileage
The drivetrain will be a 2.5-litre four-cylinder operating on the Atkinson cycle, It develops 118 kW at 5,700 rpm and 213 Nm at 4,500 rpm. This engine is coupled with an electric motor linked to a 650V (nickel-metal hydride) battery pack. The combined system power output is 151kW (200 hp) which is sent to the front wheels via a Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence (ECVT-i). In the US cycle, the combined mileage of Lexus 300h is rated at 17 kmpl.
There is a new 2.0-litre, inline, direct-injection four-cylinder powerplant introduced in the lineup as well last year. The top-of-the-line models could stick with the 3.5-litre V6 engine and a gasoline-electric hybrid system. The aerodynamically efficient sedan with drag coefficient of 0.27 can sprint from o to 100 kmph in just 8.1 seconds while being able to hit a top speed of 180 kmph.
Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Dimensions
The Lexus ES 300h hybrid luxury five-door sedan measures about 4,909 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, 1,405 mm in height and has a generous wheelbase of 2,819 mm. It has a curb weight of 1,670 kilograms and the tank capacity stands at 65 litres with 345 litres of cargo capacity.
Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Exterior
The styling has been refreshed for the 2016 MY ES 300h with a dynamic new look. Up front, it features elegant pair of LED projector headlamps, Lexus’ signature spindle grille accentuated by satin chrome surround, L shaped arrowhead Daytime Running Lights protruding out of the headlight element, sporty roofline flowing to the rear and sleek L shaped tail lamps adding a distinctive appeal.
The fog lamps area has been relocated to outer lower corners of the front fascia compared to the outgoing model. The re-sculpted rear-end has chrome license plate garnish flowing into the lamps’ clear elements and chrome-tipped rectangular exhaust system.
The 17-inch alloy wheels comprise directional machine-finished 10-spoke patterns and the larger 20 spoke wheel could come as optional extra. Lexus’ innovative painting technology coming out of a multi-stage paint process means the clear coat can heal itself even from light scratches.
Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Interior and Features
On the inside, the Lexus 300h gains a sweeping dashboard, new colour combinations and variety of trim levels. It has high-end finish of luxurious wood with an embossed pattern added for extra seat comfort. The centre console provides an upscale feel and in the top-spec models there is a new leather boot-enclosed gear selector.
The multifunctional steering wheel is sporty and has mounted control. Also present is the 4.2-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) color multi-information display with Remote Touch Interface (RTI) control. The convenience features listed are Cruise control, eight speakers, Front and rear cupholders, Universal remote transmitter, Rear view camera, etc. Other main technologies employed are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and regenerative function.
Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Key Rivals
The Lexus 300h will be uniquely placed in the domestic market as it’s a hybrid luxury sedan. In terms of performance, it stands close to Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Jaguar XJ and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.