Lexus ES

The Lexus ES luxury sedan is powered by an efficient 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain, which is engineered for refinement and efficiency rather than outright speed.

Engine and Performance Details:

• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid; Transmission: e-CVT automatic
• Combined Power Output: 218 PS
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Approximately 8.9 seconds

The hybrid system operates seamlessly, switching between electric and petrol power without noticeable transitions. At low speeds, the ES can run silently in electric mode, significantly reducing noise and fuel consumption in city traffic.

Additionally, the e-CVT transmission is tuned for smoothness, delivering linear acceleration rather than aggressive bursts. This setup perfectly complements the ES’ relaxed driving character.

The very nature of the Lexus ES is to offer a comfortable ride quality to the occupants. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections with minimal disturbance to occupants. As a consequence, broken roads, expansion joints and potholes are handled with impressive composure.

At highway speeds, the ES feels exceptionally stable, with excellent straight-line confidence. Elevating the driving experience further is a light steering, making city driving stress-free, while the vehicle feels stable due to the inherent sedan body construction.

Even the noise insulation is mighty impressive, which is something the buyers appreciate at this price point. The wind, road and engine noises are remarkably low, creating a serene cabin environment that few rivals can match. 

There are two variants on offer - ES 300h Exquisite and ES 300h Luxury. Lexus offers the ES with a single hybrid powertrain to offer incredible fuel efficiency of 22.58 km/l, which is absolutely rare in this segment. Therefore, the exotic sedan becomes a value proposition for most buyers.

The Lexus ES 300h in India is a benchmark for luxury sedan efficiency. It features a 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid powertrain. It boasts an ARAI-certified mileage of roughly 22.5 kmpl. In real-world Indian city driving, you can expect a practical fuel efficiency of around 15-18 kmpl, which often improves on highways. Its 50-litre fuel tank, paired with the electric motor's efficiency, offers an impressive range, making it remarkably economical for its segment. 

The Lexus ES follows the brand’s signature elegant yet distinctive design language. The classic luxury sedan silhouette incorporates a low-slung stance, flowing curves on the body and some striking elements to infuse an imposing road presence.

At the front, the large spindle grille covers the entire fascia and is flanked by sharply sculpted LED headlamps with integrated L-shaped daytime running lights. The bonnet flows seamlessly into the grille, giving the ES a planted and sophisticated stance.

From the side, the elegant alloy wheels, long wheelbase and smooth character lines highlight its executive sedan proportions. The gently sloping roofline enhances aerodynamics without compromising rear headroom. Finally, the tail section contains sleek LED taillamps connected via a chrome belt, a bootlid-mounted spoiler and a chrome element underneath the sporty bumper. All in all, the sedan oozes luxury vibes.

Key exterior highlights include: Signature spindle grille with chrome detailing, Triple-beam LED headlamps with integrated DRL, 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, Chrome window surrounds and subtle character lines and Elegant LED tail lamps with horizontal emphasis.

The cabin of the Lexus ES luxury sedan reeks of a premium quotient with the kind of amenities, materials and technology on offer. The cabin feels airy, refined, and exceptionally well-finished. Lexus uses high-grade leather upholstery, soft-touch materials and genuine wood inserts to create a calming environment.

This attention to detail reinforces why the Lexus ES is often regarded as one of the most comfortable luxury sedans in its class. By virtue of being a popular chauffeur-driven executive sedan, the rear-seat comfort is where the Lexus ES truly shines. The long wheelbase translates into generous legroom, making it ideal for the owners to travel in the back. The rear bench offers excellent under-thigh support and the back-seat angle is tuned for relaxed cruising.

The higher trims offer powered rear seat recline, along with a central armrest that houses seat controls, cupholders and audio adjustments. As a result, the rear passengers can control the in-cabin operations. They also benefit from dedicated climate vents and sunshades that enhance comfort during hot Indian summers.

Apart from the tech amenities, the practicality is well addressed with a large boot suitable for airport runs and long trips. Storage spaces are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin, reinforcing the ES’ daily usability.

The front seats are wide, well-cushioned and electrically adjustable with memory function. The highlight of the dashboard is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system positioned for easy visibility. The interface supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a dedicated touchpad controller adds precision during operation.

Tech highlights include: 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium audio system, Electrically-adjustable seats with memory, Ambient lighting with subtle illumination zones, Dual-zone climate control with Nano air purification, Lexus Touch Interface with touchpad control, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, fully digital instrument cluster, Mark Levinson premium surround sound system and Wireless smartphone charging.

It is understood that technology and connectivity are at the very core of any new vehicle, regardless of the cost it is offered at. Therefore, the Lexus ES price in India certainly makes buyers hopeful that the cabin will bear all the bells and whistles.

Yet another imperative aspect for new car buyers is the safety equipment on offer on their automobiles. Thankfully, safety is a major focus for Lexus too, and the ES comes equipped with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems under the Lexus Safety System+.

Safety highlights include: Adaptive cruise control, Lane departure alert with steering assist, Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, Blind spot monitoring, 360-degree panoramic camera and Vehicle stability control and traction control

The Lexus ES locks horns in India with the likes of the:

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class: The segment leader for rear-seat luxury, it features a long-wheelbase (LWB) design and the tech-forward MBUX Superscreen.

• BMW 5 Series: Known as the driver's choice, it delivers a balanced driving experience with sharp handling.

• Audi A6: The most affordable of the lot, it emphasizes modern digital aesthetics with its dual-touchscreen Virtual Cockpit and a highly refined turbocharged petrol engine.

Regardless of the price, prowess and premium appeal of any vehicle, there are some strengths and weaknesses associated with it.

The potential buyers of the Lexus ES are generally the ones who value comfort, refinement and peace of mind in terms of long-term ownership. Also, the customers who want an efficient hybrid mill with impressive mileage even in this segment will naturally get drawn towards something like the ES. The Lexus ES price in India may appear premium, but what it delivers in return is unmatched serenity, craftsmanship, and reliability.