After much wait and anticipation, Lexus finally made its debut in India with the ES 300h, RX 450h and the LX450d. The internationally popular automaker who has always had a fair share of fan following in India, has witnessed nearly 50 per cent of its total demand coming in for the ES 300h. Launched at a price of Rs 55.27 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the mid-sized sedan is the most affordable of the three cars. The vehicle also represents the brand’s entry into the mid-sized luxury car space in the country.
The ES 300h from Lexus is powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder inline engine with nickel metal hybrid e-motor. Mated to six-speed CVT transmission, the vehicle generates a combined power output figure of 202bhp and 213Nm of torque. Safety equipment like 10 airbags and three-point seatbelt are part of the standard offering. Customers can also opt for Lexus Safety System+ package that includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which is functional at speeds of over 40kph.
The newly launched Lexus ES 300h is offered with a bunch of new style upgrades and several appealing features. The hard-to-miss front section features a signature Lexus spindle grille that is complimented by a pair of sharp doubl- barrel projector headlamps along with lightning-shaped LED daytime running lamps. The sharp and sporty front-bumper houses round LED fog lamps with a generous amount of chrome around it. The rear section is adorned with distinctive L-themed tail lamps. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 4915mm in length, 1820mm width, 1450mm in height and has a wheelbase measuring 2820mm. The vehicle has a decent ground clearance measuring 151mm.
Speaking about the interior, the Lexus ES 300h gets premium leather upholstery and wooden panels that makes it visually appealing. The bucket-style hugging seats at the front are heated and ventilated, while the rear offers ample space for three occupants. The dashboard features a Lexus Enform infotainment system with navigation and a neatly positioned clock in the centre that is hard to miss. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel offers the best combination of leather and wood that ups the premium quotient almost instantly. For the best of sound quality, Lexus offers the Mark Levinson audio system with 15 speakers.
The Lexus ES 300h, which has been introduced in the country via the CBU route, is quite pricey. But then, the unmatched reliability and quality that Lexus has always been known for, makes up for it. Lexus being a well-known brand in the country, we expect to see more of Lexus cars on the road. However, only time will tell if the automaker will sell it via the CKD route in the country.
