Lexus will launch the latest-generation ES 300h sedan in India in August 2018. The model made its global debut in April this year. The new ES is built on Lexus’ front-wheel-drive Global Architecture-K, which is a derivative of parent company Toyota’s TNGA platform.
The new ES’ look is bolder with Lexus’ trademark spindle grille having grown in size. The headlights, too, are larger and sharper in look, and there’s a clear visual link to the full-size Lexus LS. Lexus has also added more dynamism to the ES’ tail with a nicely sculpted boot and slickly detailed LED tail lamps.
On the inside, the new ES looks far more modern than the car it replaces and comes with a dashboard that’s slightly angled towards the driver. Taking pride of place on the dash is a 12.3-inch infotainment system that can be operated via a touchpad and voice-recognition tech. The gauges are digital as well and the ‘buds’ atop the instrument binnacle for the drive modes are a design element you can find in the LS sedan as well.
The new Lexus ES will come to India with more features than its predecessor, including a power-recline feature for the rear seats. Also new to the ES will be the option to slide the front passenger seat forward via a button on the B-pillar to free-up legroom at the back. Also included is a Mark Levinson 19 speaker sound system.
There is a pure-petrol version of the ES sold abroad but India will only get the ES 300h hybrid. Drive comes from a hybrid powertrain that’s based on a new 2.5-litre petrol engine. The combined system output is 218hp.
Like the earlier model, the new ES 300h will be imported into India as a completely built unit from Japan, so it will be subjected to full duty. Prices will be in the vicinity of the current car’s Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom), which means the Lexus will continue to be more expensive than rivals like the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class.
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