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Lexus ES 2014 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
8
Some hybrids are better than others, while some focus on performance and others fuel economy if only they were all as good as the ES300h.

It's been a long time coming but we could finally be warming to the hybrid way of thinking. In a hybrid car an electric motor is used to boost the performance of a smaller petrol engine, with lower emissions and better fuel consumption as a result. Some hybrids are better than others, while some focus on performance and others fuel economy if only they were all as good as the ES300h.

Value

It's big and classy and surprisingly affordable for a luxury sedan. Priced from $63,000, the Lexus ES is available in two flavours V6 and Hybrid. It also comes in two levels of trim: Luxury and Sports Luxury.

Standard features include leather-accented interior, dual climate air, satellite navigation, reversing camera, parking sensors, blind spot monitor, sun roof, 10 airbags, eight-speaker audio, smart entry and start, digital radio, plus Lexus Remote Touch and Drive Mode Select. The V6 is $65,000, the Sports Luxury version of the hybrid $72,000 and the top of the line Sports Luxury V6 tips the scales at $74,000.

Technology

The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor. The combined output is 151kW with drive to the front wheels, unlike most Lexus cars which are rear wheel drive.

Unlike the V6 the hybrid employs a CVT style auto transmission and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. It can operate on electric power alone in reverse and at speeds up to 45km/h in a forward direction. Fuel consumption is rated at just 5.5 litres/100km with standard unleaded.

Design

It's been described as a baby version of the $190K flagship LS but there's nothing tiny about the amount of room in the back, with more than a metre of rear legroom.

Safety

It's designed to score five stars and scores highly in US tests but is yet to receive a rating in Australia. But with 10 airbags and a multitude of safety systems, there's little doubt it will get the maximum five stars. It should be noted the base model hybrid misses out on Active Cruise and the Pre-Collision Safety System that are bundled as a $3000 option pack.

Driving

We got just 800km from our first tank of fuel at a rate of 6.3 litres/100km. Whatever else you may or may not like about the car, there's nothing to dislike about that. It looks and feels like a luxury car, with a plush interior.

Tri-zone airconditioning allows front left, front right and rear seat cabin temperatures to be controlled independently. The big drawcard however is the amazing amount of legroom in the back and the fact it gets a decent sized boot sometimes compromised by the location of the battery in hybrids. The ES offers a smooth ride and extremely quiet interior, quiet enough to make conversation easy between front and rear passengers.

Verdict

No downside as yet. Fuel economy is impressive and it has plenty of power for day to day driving.

2014 Lexus ES300h review | long term 1

2014 Lexus ES300h review | long term 3

2014 Lexus ES300h review | long term 4

Pricing guides

$20,515
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$14,410
Highest Price
$26,620

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
ES300H Sports Luxury 2.5L, PULP, CVT AUTO $14,410 – 18,920 2014 Lexus ES 2014 ES300H Sports Luxury Pricing and Specs
ES300H Luxury 2.5L, PULP, CVT AUTO $16,170 – 20,680 2014 Lexus ES 2014 ES300H Luxury Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Chris Riley
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$14,410

Lowest price, based on third party pricing data

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.