Lexus ES 300h now a safer bet

The Lexus ES 300h has received an update that includes important safety equipment added as standard at the entry level.

Pricing for Japanese luxury brand’s mid-size hybrid sedan has risen as a result, now starting $2037 higher at $62,525 plus on-road costs for the ES 300h Luxury, while the mid-spec F Sport starts from $71,500 (+$1745) and the flagship Sports Luxury from $77,000 (+$1512).

At the entry level, the Lexus ES 300h Luxury now comes equipped with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert with emergency braking at speeds up to 15km/h.

The latter uses the vehicle’s front and rear parking sensors to detect static objects around the vehicle, as well as crossing vehicles that may be approaching at the rear during reversing.

Driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition and lane keeping assist all remain standard on the ES 300h.

Other standard features carried over on ES 300h Luxury include 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, LED daytime running lights, tinted windows, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation and more.

A $6350 Enhancement Pack adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic view monitor, power sunshade for the rear window and 14-way (over 10-way) power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats.

The mid-range ES 300h F Sport adds unique 19-inch alloys, adaptive suspension, F Sport styling, F Sport seats and more.

It too has an Enhancement Pack available (for $4000), which adds a heated steering wheel, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and hands-free powered bootlid.

At the top of the range, the Sports Luxury includes 18-inch alloys, adaptive high beam headlights, heated steering wheel with leather and woodgrain accents, semi-aniline leather upholstery and a rear armrest with a number of cabin control functions (air-con, sunshade and others).

All variants are fitted with the same petrol-electric hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to an electric motor to produce a total output of 160kW sent to the front wheels.

Lexus Australia chief Scott Thompson said the additions to the ES range reflect the brand’s “commitment to regular updates for key models.

“Lexus wants to ensure all ES customers experience the highest level of active safety and driver assistance technology,” he said.

How much does the 2020 Lexus ES 300h cost?
Luxury – $62,525 (+$2037)
Luxury with Enhancement Pack – $68,875
F Sport – $71,500 (+$1745)
F Sport with Enhancement Pack – $75,500
Sports Luxury – $77,000 (+$1512)
*Prices exclude on-road costs