Lexus ES300h 2014 review: road test

It's big and classy and surprisingly affordable for a luxury sedan. What's more the Lexus ES300h uses hardly any fuel, because it's a hybrid with a petrol-electric drivetrain. So where's the catch?  We thought we'd better have a closer look, which we will be doing over the next few weeks.

Value

Priced from $63,000, the Lexus ES returns to the market after a long absence in two flavours, V6 and a hybrid. It's also available in two trim levels: Luxury and Sports Luxury. It's the first time Lexus has offered hybrid as its entry level model.

But looking at the fine print it misses out on some safety features standard on the V6 that have been bundled into an add-on pack for another $3000. 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 $64,000, the Sports Luxury version of the hybrid $72,000 and the top of the line Sports Luxury V6 tips the scales at $74,000.

Engine / Transmission

Explore the 2014 Lexus ES range

• Lexus ES300h 2014 review: road test
• Lexus ES300h 2014 review: snapshot
• Lexus ES300h Sports Luxury 2014 review
• Lexus ES300h 2014 review
• Lexus ES300h Luxury 2014 review

The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor, to deliver a combined output of 151kW to the front wheels. Unlike the V6 it employs a CVT style transmission and sprints from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at just 5.5 litres/100km with standard unleaded.

Design

Although no longer clone of the Camry, the ES does share a platform with the US Avalon (or the Avalon shares a platform with it depending on your perspective). 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 here. With 10 airbags and a multitude of safety systems, however, there's little cause for concern.

Driving

With oodles of rear legroom and a decent sized boot we can see the ES appealing to the hire car guys. It's also going to attract those looking for something a bit special but who are watching their pennies. The ES offers a smooth ride and cossetted interior, that's quiet enough to make conversation easy between front and rear seat passengers.

After driving both versions of the car the hybrid is definitely the pick, with its hi-tech features and better fuel economy. Performance is good and the drive select knob sharpens the throttle response for those wanting a bit extra.

We're looking forward to seeing over time what a large car like this can offer in terms of fuel economy with its hybrid powertrain.