2021 Lexus ES 300h facelift review, test drive

Lexus ES 300h: what is it?

Lexus India’s bestselling model, the ES 300h high quality sedan, is regarded for its petrol-hybrid powertrain, its distinctive styling and its magnificent interiors. For 2021, this Mercedes-Benz E-Class rival gets a small facelift, a touchscreen and some mechanical tweaks.

To start with, beauty enhancements are so refined, blink and you will pass up them. The interesting Z-formed LED headlamps have distinct factors in them the outsized spindle grille gets new L-formed factors and the 18-inch alloys now activity a distinct structure. On the whole, the ES 300h is an interesting-on the lookout sedan with crisp human body strains and a coupe-like sloping roof.

Lexus ES 300h: what is it like within?

The most significant chatting issue on the within is a new, large 12.three-inch touchscreen that replaces the non-touch unit of the previously iteration. The display screen is now closer to the driver and also angled in the direction of them for less complicated reach and comfort. Its touch sensitivity is superior, the exhibit is crisp, and it is quite straightforward to use. People who desire utilizing actual physical buttons will be joyful to find shortcut buttons, steering controls, as properly as a observe pad controller, which are carried in excess of from the previous iteration. Lexus delivers in-built navigation and eventually the ES gets Android Car and Apple Carplay.

New open up-pore walnut trims on the dashboard, doorway pads, steering and on other bits insert to the perception of event on the within. Amid other matters, the analogue clock appears exquisite and the fantastically cushioned leather-based seats sense supremely comfy and magnificent, each at the front and at the rear. Incorporating to the consolation of rear seat occupants – in addition to the oodles of cabin room, supportive seats and a reclining perform for the again rest – are a three zone climate command, sunshades on the windows and rear windscreen, and command buttons for the infotainment.

Yet another little modify is the condition of the brake pedal, which now delivers a wider make contact with area than in advance of. Lexus statements that this new condition boosts the perception of security when the pedal is depressed.

Lexus ES 300h: what is it like to travel?

Powering the ES 300h is nevertheless a petrol-hybrid powertrain that make a blended 218hp and is mated to an e-CVT transmitting energy to the front wheels. It commences off in total-electric powered method, and it’ll travel smoothly at town speeds, in comprehensive silence. And so extensive as the motor has ample charge, it’ll even deal with the everyday bumper-to-bumper program utilizing pure electrical power. Get intense with the accelerator or up the tempo, and the petrol motor kicks in to offer the requisite punch, but even then, the transition from electric powered to petrol is so seamless, all you hear is a faint purr in the track record that lets you know you might be working on petrol.

The e-CVT mated to this powertrain does a high-quality job and when you travel in an unhurried way, you will actually respect it for its smoothness. Yes, travel aggressively and you can hear it whine a very little, and the paddle shifters seem to be to be a bit artificial at their job. All round, the Lexus does not provide an engaging or entertaining driving practical experience and lacks the enjoyment issue that its German rivals provide.

Lexus has tweaked the 2021 ES’ refinement, as properly as enhanced the torsional and lateral rigidity. We’re joyful to report that its ride top quality is properly judged for our Indian road situations, and that’s irrespective of tall 18-inch alloys. The suspension cushions you from the worst of shocks, and few that with bucketloads of sound deadening supplies and insulation, and it makes for a hushed, calm and comfy travel practical experience.

Lexus ES 300h: ought to I invest in one particular?

Updates to the 2021 iteration of the ES 300h are refined to start with, and its most significant chatting issue is the touchscreen which now gets Android Car and Apple Carplay. That explained, it does provide a large amount of high quality package for its asking rate, which ranging among Rs 56.65 lakh-sixty one.eighty five lakh (ex-showroom, India).

The ES 300h stands out for its petrol-hybrid powertrain, its easy travel practical experience, its trendy and distinctive appears, and the supreme concentrations of consolation on provide. Yes, its support community is minimal, and for some, the Lexus badge does not appreciate the same manufacturer equity as its German counterparts. But for people eager to search over and above German marques, the ES 300h is a luxury sedan really worth considering possessing a carbon footprint decrease than equivalent petrol or diesel cars is the icing on the cake.