Lexus ES 300h Exquisite

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You think about your budget, how safe the car is, monthly maintenance costs, the latest features, and of course, the company's service network. Finding that perfect balance can be tricky. But what if there was a car that offered luxury, peace of mind, and modern tech all in one elegant package? Today, we are taking a deep dive into the Lexus ES 300h Exquisite, a luxury hybrid sedan that is making waves in the premium car segment in India. Let us explore if this sophisticated vehicle is the right choice for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Lexus ES 300h Exquisite is its advanced self-charging hybrid system:

• Engine Type: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, Atkinson cycle petrol engine
• Combined System Output: 160 kW (218 hp)
• Maximum Torque: 221 Nm (petrol engine)
• Transmission: E-CVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission)

This powertrain delivers a smooth and refined driving experience, offering excellent fuel efficiency for a luxury sedan, making it a compelling choice for buyers looking for a hybrid car in India.

Design Overview

The Lexus ES 300h Exquisite truly stands out with its distinctive design language.

Exterior:

• Signature Spindle Grille: Dominant and bold, it gives the car an unmistakable road presence.
• Sleek Profile: The coupe-like roofline flows smoothly to the rear, creating an elegant and dynamic silhouette.
• Sharp LED Lighting: Triple-beam LED headlamps and L-shaped LED tail lamps add a touch of sophistication and ensure excellent visibility.
• Premium Alloys: Stylish alloy wheels complement the overall sophisticated look.

Interior:

• Crafted Cabin: Step inside and you are greeted by a luxurious and spacious environment. High-quality materials like soft-touch leather, wood trim, and metallic accents are used throughout.
• Driver-Focused Cockpit: The layout is intuitive, with controls easily accessible, enhancing the driving experience.
• Exceptional Comfort: Plush seating, ample legroom, and thoughtful ergonomics ensure comfort for both driver and passengers, even on long journeys.

Key Features

The ES 300h Exquisite is packed with technology and comfort features:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Electric sunroof
• 360-degree panoramic view monitor (360-degree camera)
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Ventilated front seats
• Power-adjustable front seats with memory function
• Premium audio system
• Rear sunshades

What is the Ground Clearance of Lexus ES 300h Exquisite?

The Lexus ES 300h offers a ground clearance of approximately 150 mm. This is generally adequate for most Indian road conditions, allowing you to tackle speed breakers and minor undulations with confidence.

What is the Boot Space of Lexus ES 300h Exquisite?

The Lexus ES 300h provides a generous boot space of about 454 liters. This is ample room for your luggage, groceries, or weekend getaway bags, making it a practical luxury sedan.

What are the Dimensions of Lexus ES 300h Exquisite?

• Length: 4975 mm
• Width: 1865 mm
• Height: 1445 mm
• Wheelbase: 2870 mm

Powertrain Options

In India, the Lexus ES is primarily offered with one highly efficient powertrain: the ES 300h. This self-charging hybrid system combines a powerful petrol engine with an electric motor, offering excellent fuel economy and lower emissions without compromising on performance or refinement.

Safety Features

Lexus places a very high emphasis on safety, and the ES 300h Exquisite is no exception. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies:

• 10 Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

NCAP Rating Table

For a car of its segment, safety is paramount.

Rating Type	Score/Status
Bharat NCAP	Not yet rated. Bharat NCAP is a newly introduced safety assessment program in India, and premium import models like the Lexus ES 300h are currently awaiting assessment.
Global NCAP	Not specifically rated by Global NCAP.
Euro NCAP	5-Star Rating. The Lexus ES achieved a strong 5-star rating in Euro NCAP safety tests, scoring highly in adult occupant, child occupant, and safety assist categories, reflecting its robust safety standards.

Rivals of Lexus ES 300h Exquisite

The Lexus ES 300h Exquisite competes in a very competitive luxury sedan segment in India. Its main rivals include:

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• BMW 3 Series
• Audi A4
• Volvo S60

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages

• Supreme Comfort: The ride quality is exceptionally smooth, soaking up bumps and imperfections with ease, making it perfect for Indian roads.
• Fuel Efficiency: Being a self-charging hybrid, it offers impressive fuel economy for a luxury sedan, helping save on running costs.
• Quiet Cabin: The cabin is remarkably well-insulated, providing a serene and peaceful environment even at higher speeds.
• Lexus Reliability: Lexus is renowned globally for its bulletproof reliability and strong after-sales service.
• Premium Feel: The interior quality, fit and finish, and attention to detail are top-notch, exuding a true luxury experience.
• Environmental Friendliness: Lower emissions due to the hybrid powertrain.

Disadvantages

• Not the Sportiest: While refined, the ES 300h is not designed for outright sporty driving. Rivals like the BMW 3 Series offer a more engaging driving experience.
• Infotainment Interface: While the screen is large, some users might find Lexus's touchpad controller a bit fiddly to use while driving compared to direct touch or rotary dials.
• Rear Legroom: While good, it might not be class-leading when compared to some extended wheelbase versions of rivals.
• Price: Being a premium imported offering, the initial purchase price can be higher than some of its segment competitors.

Conclusion

The Lexus ES 300h Exquisite truly embodies the Lexus philosophy of luxury, comfort, and reliability. It is an excellent choice for prospective car buyers in India who prioritize a serene driving experience, exceptional fuel efficiency, top-tier build quality, and a hassle-free ownership experience. If you are looking for a luxury sedan that offers a quiet, refined, and comfortable journey every single time, along with the benefits of hybrid technology and Lexus's trusted service, then the ES 300h Exquisite deserves a serious look. It might not be the sportiest car in its class, but for sheer comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind, it is hard to beat. Consider a test drive to truly appreciate what this premium hybrid car has to offer.