All-new Lexus ES goes exclusively hybrid

Australia is one of the first markets in the world to see the new Lexus ES 300h, a car powered solely by a hybrid-drive system in a local first for the prestige brand.

The seventh generation of Lexus ES 300h is offered in two grades, Luxury and Sports Luxury, both featuring the same hybrid powertrain setup, which produces 160kW in total (9kW or six per cent more than the previous model) for a fuel economy figure of 4.6L/100km (16.4 per cent less). Fuel consumption for the previous Lexus ES 300h was 5.5L/100km in combined-cycle testing. Excluding plug-in hybrids, the new Lexus ES 300h is the most economical vehicle in its market segment, the importer claims. Lexus recommends 95 RON (premium) unleaded fuel for the new model.

As was the case previously, key to the Lexus ES 300h hybrid-drive system is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. But a new A25A-FXS engine replaces the previous model's 2AR-FXE unit. In isolation, the new engine produces 131kW and 221Nm. Lexus describes this new engine as "among the most thermally efficient engines in a production vehicle". The hybrid-drive system comprises lighter, more compact components, which will also provide smoother power delivery, according to the manufacturer.

Underneath, the new Lexus ES 300h runs "exceptionally rigid" architecture – the GA-K platform – with entirely new suspension, comprising MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link IRS system behind. Lexus has chosen "saturation-type shock absorbers" for better responsiveness. The Lexus ES 300h Luxury rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres, but the flagship model is fitted with special 18-inch alloys featuring a hollow structure to reduce road noise. These are shod with 235/45 R18 tyres. Both models run a space-saver spare.

In size, the new Lexus ES 300h is 60mm longer, 45mm wider, 5mm lower and the wheelbase measurement has been stretched 50mm. Despite measuring just under five metres in length (4975mm) and starting at a price below $60,000, the Lexus ES 300h sits in the VFACTS medium passenger car segment for vehicles priced above $60,000.

Inside, the new Lexus ES 300h features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, head-up display, seven-inch multi-mode trip computer display, satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, wireless phone charger and road-sign recognition. In addition, automatic rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, electronic park brake and a power-adjustable steering column are also standard across the range. An Active Sound Control system replicates the noise of a stepped transmission for owners who prefer acceleration to be accompanied by that traditional sort of soundtrack.

For the entry-level Lexus ES 300h Luxury, 10-way electrically-adjustable front seats offer heating and a 10-speaker Pioneer audio system and dual-zone climate control system are standard. Moving up to the Lexus ES 300h Sports Luxury brings three-zone climate control, 14-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, 12-way power adjustment for the front-passenger's seat and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. Other standard features for the range-topping model include adaptive high-beam with 24-LED headlights, a hands-free boot opener, semi-aniline leather-accented seats, heated steering wheel and adjustable, heated rear seats that recline.

New safety features unfortunately don't include the Japan-only rear-view cameras, but a still comprehensive list of features offered as standard in both models comprise cyclist detection, night-time pedestrian detection, auto high-beam, 10 airbags, pop-up bonnet, radar-based all-speed active cruise control, reversing camera and 'clearance sonar' (ultrasonic sensors and acoustic guidance for parking). In addition to these, the Lexus ES 300h Sports Luxury also comes equipped with a panoramic view camera, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Lexus has dropped prices for the new model at entry level, with the Lexus ES 300h Luxury now priced $3800 lower at $59,888. The flagship Lexus ES 300h Sports Luxury has increased in price however, to $74,888, but the importer has kept the rise to under $3000.

"The all-new ES 300h showcases craftsmanship and innovation in every detail from its coupe-like body to its premium interior," said Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson.

"We are also delighted to introduce a luxury mid-size sedan with a fourth-generation self-charging hybrid powertrain that delivers enhanced performance with minimal emissions."