It's time to say goodbye. We returned the hybrid Lexus ES300h this week after 12 weeks and 2300km behind the wheel. The ES is a large sedan with a small thirst that has many endearing qualities, not the least of which is its lean burn philosophy.
What We'll Miss
The prestige, the size and comfort, all that rear legroom – to be sure. It's a very easy car to live with, easy to get in and out of, with plenty of room inside for mature adults and a super quiet interior that is conducive to conversation between thefront and back.
It's a long way back too with more than a metre of rear legroom. With tri-zone air rear seat passengers get to set their own temperature. An electrically operated rear sunshade is standard on all grades, while Sports Luxury models receive manual rear door sunshades.
The foot area is illuminated by LEDs while Sports Luxury models receive heated outboard rear seats, which can be controlled via the rear armrest panel. The rear armrest also includes a storage area and two cup-holders on both Luxury and Sports Luxury grades. And then there's the excellent fuel economy.
What We Wont
Big has its downside sometimes, because the ES can be hard to park and even more difficult to navigate tight car parks. Active cruise control which automatically maintains a set distance from the car in front can be a pain in the proverbial because even at its minimum setting the gap invites other drivers to cut in.
The satnav system is large and easy to read but offers some odd choices of route at times and is not the latest Lexus system, as offered in the CT and IS ranges. That means no school zone or speed camera warnings, nor does it keep the driver informed of the current speed limit.
Value
Lexus ES is available as a V6 or Hybrid, in Luxury and Sports Luxury grades. Prices for the hybrid start from $63,000 up to $74,000 for the top of the line V6. Our test vehicle the Sports Luxury model carries a price tag of $72,000.
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.
Technology
The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor. Combined output is 151kW with drive to the front wheels through a CVT style auto transmission.
It can operate on electric power alone up to 45km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at just 5.5 litres/100km with standard unleaded. With a 65-litre tank that gives it a theoretical range of 1180km (our best was 6.3 litres/100km).
Safety
It's yet to receive a rating here but with 10 airbags and a multitude of safety and driver assistance systems, there's little doubt it will receive five stars. Note the base model hybrid misses out on Active Cruise and the Pre-Collision Safety System that are bundled as a $3000 option pack.
Driving
The hybrid may not be the fastest car around town, but it's no slouch either with plenty of kick off the line thanks to the electric motor. Lexus have tried to make the car more dynamic and they have succeeded to some extent, but there is still room for improvement. Dialling in sport mode helps things along.
Verdict
You really can have your cake and eat it too. The ES300h offers the size and prestige of a large luxury car but with the fuel economy and price tag of something a hell of a lot cheaper.
Taxi drivers are starting to "get" the hybrid Camry and we predict it will not be too long before the hire car guys turn their attention to the ES.
Lexus ES300H 2014: Sports Luxury
| Engine Type | Inline 4, 2.5L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.5L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $15,840 - $20,350 |
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