With word earlier in the year that Lexus was dropping the exclusively gas-powered UX (to be henceforth known as UXh, thank you very much) in favor of a hybrid, it really isn’t all that surprising for the brand to go almost all-in on the powertrain setup as it continues to transition to (and wait for markets to be ready for) fully electric mobility.
That seems to be the case even here as Lexus Philippines announced the introduction of an additional trim to its ES sedan model line. In a release, company said that the hybrid ES 300h Luxury is now available locally – growing the number of variants to three (one solely petrol-powered, and two hybrids).
This iteration of the executive sedan, with a tag of P4.218 million, slots pricewise in between the ES 350h Executive (P3.838 million) and the ES 350 Premier (P4.828 million).
Buyers of the hybrid variants will be able to, according to Lexus, benefit from the refined hybrid drive technology of the brand which is certainly known for its mastery of the powertrain setup. In addition, “current ES models are more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before, while a new generation of customers will find a saloon with sharp performance, class-leading safety technology, and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this market segment.”
As for the experience behind the wheel, the ES boasts the Lexus Driving Signature philosophy which extends to the driver more control and confidence, and makes vehicles more balanced and refined – promising heightened “linear steering, brake response, and optimized handling with exceptional ride quality.” A rear suspension member brace helps to improve torsional rigidity, handling stability, and ride comfort.
Meanwhile, the brake system on the ES boasts regenerative and hydraulic brake control of an electronically controlled brake system to enhance pedal feeling when the brake is released. The ES Luxury exterior also gets an updated front grille and headlamps, with the cabin colors becoming more similar to the range-topping Premier.
The new ES improves on the quality and elegance that has been well received by ES customers. The exterior has evolved into a more modern look by way of the updated designed front grille and headlamps, while the interior has adopted interior colors similar to the Premier variant.
Other niceties the Luxury trim shares with the Premier are a 235/45 R18 wheel-and-tire combination, rain-sensing wipers, smooth leather seats, 10-way power adjustment driver’s seat with memory, front passenger seat with eight-way power adjustment, kick sensor for the automatic trunk, and a 12.3-inch Electro Multi-Vision Touch Display.
The Lexus ES 300h Luxury is also fitted with Lexus Safety Sense (LSS), which boasts advanced safety features such as a pre-collision system, adaptive high beam system, automatic high beam system, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control. Lexus said that these functions have been fine-tuned to make their operation feel “more natural to the driver.”
Under the hood of the ES 300h Luxury resides a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with laser-clad intake valve seats – permitting increased airflow into the cylinder, and an intake port shape that improves the “tumble-flow turbulence of incoming air and fuel for high-speed combustion.” The power plant, which nets 178hp and 221Nm, also boasts thermal efficiency for robust power delivery with great response and fuel efficiency. Total system output is 218hp.
Lexus maintained that the hybrid system on the ES is able to achieve “excellent fuel efficiency and powerful acceleration due to the its hybrid transaxle with improved efficient internal power flow and a higher-efficiency power control unit.” A compact hybrid battery is located beneath the rear seats. The location and positioning contribute to an ideal weight balance and low center of gravity, even as it enlarges cargo space.
Boasting a fourth-generation hybrid battery, the new hybrid variants of the ES are given an eight-year HEV battery warranty, to go along with a standard drive train warranty of three years or 100,000 kilometers.