Lexus has launched the ES 350h in India with two variants. There is also an EV, but the core Lexus fanbase is all about the hybrid. It is bigger now and has arrived with a fresh, modern approach, but can it survive the cut-throat luxury market that is dominated by the German giants?
Lexus ES 350h Exterior Design and Engineering -
The eighth-generation Lexus ES is based on a new platform developed in conjunction with Toyota. Dubbed TNGA GA-K, it is engineered to accommodate both hybrid and fully electric powertrains within the same structure. The design is all-new, with a new language that focuses more on minimalism. Gone is the huge, chromed-out spindle grille, and in its place is a closed-off front end with a small slat for airflow.
The LED DRLs are striking to look at, with a split setup that allows the top half to remain a DRL while the bottom half converts into an indicator when required. The headlamps are placed on the bumper, with a piano-black surround to break the monotony. Towards the lower half, the tiny body-coloured rhombus elements add some drama.
Dimensionally, the ES has grown compared with the previous version. At 5,145mm, it is actually longer than the LWB E-Class, with almost the same wheelbase. Ground clearance is also better, as the Indian version gets an extra 20mm to tackle tough roads.
Sitting on 19-inch wheels, the ES is far from disproportionate, and the sloping roof that merges into the boot gives it a fastback look. There is also a strong character line on the side, which blends in on the black, but any other paint shade flaunts it aggressively.
At the rear, the sharp LED taillamps are joined by an LED light bar, and it is a fuss-free look overall. It is modern and sleek, but for a luxury sedan, a bit more bling would have helped its road presence.
Lexus ES 350h Interior Space and Comfort -
The gain in dimensions has resulted in a more spacious cabin. However, the minimalist theme continues here too. Like all modern cars, the new ES now focuses on a buttonless cabin, with a massive 14-inch touchscreen taking over the reins. The dashboard layout is clean, and the tan-and-black upholstery looks premium. There is also an option of an all-white interior if you want to be brave.
The seats are comfy, broad and supportive, and feature heating, ventilation and three memory settings. Visibility is also very good, even at the lowest seat height, thanks to the low window line and dashboard.
While there isn’t much wow factor, the quality of the materials, and even the hard plastics, is good, and everything you touch is padded. At the rear, legroom is plentiful and the seats are well contoured. The raised floor, however, means you are seated in a knees-up position, and there isn’t a recline function for the backrest.
A panoramic or even a split-pane sunroof would have helped open up the cabin during the daytime, but that is missing. Strangely, even sunblinds are absent from the 350h and are available in manual guise only on the 500e.
The rear seat also has access to the boot through a small cubbyhole behind the centre passenger’s backrest. Boot space stands at 377 litres, with a spare wheel tucked under the boot floor.
Lexus ES 350h Features and Safety -
Most of the features on the ES are crammed within the 14-inch touchscreen. However, you do get LED DRLs, LED headlamps and fog lamps, as well as an electric boot on the exterior.
Inside, the talking point is the semi-hidden HVAC panel that engages and turns on as soon as your hand comes into close proximity to it. It is a similar story with the steering wheel, which is buttonless as long as your hands are away. Get close, and the steering controls light up to display the essential buttons.
The digital driver’s display is sleek, uncluttered and legible, with only the necessary information. The touchscreen is the highlight, as you can operate the blower controls, drive modes, navigation and driver-assist functions too. The font is large, and operating it while on the move is surprisingly easy.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto run smoothly, and the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounds very good.
The rear seat misses out on the pampering you had with the older version. No seat controls, sunblinds, sunroof or media controls back here. For a car largely meant for chauffeur-driven customers, there isn’t much on offer. AC vents at the back with two Type-C ports are all that is available.
The safety kit is impressive, with eight airbags, the usual suite of electronic aids and Level 2 ADAS. The 360-degree camera also has an underbody view, which, at speeds under 10kph, displays the underside of the car.
Lexus ES 350h Performance and Refinement -
Powering the ES 350h is a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an e-CVT transmission. Off the line, the electric power assures instant response and, as long as the battery has juice, the 350h will not engage the engine.
In the city, you can easily run on pure electric power from home to work and never have to use fuel. A result of its silent running is the excellent refinement, which adds a layer of luxury to the experience. The cabin is well insulated and, in traffic, you are impressively isolated from the outside world.
On the highway, things aren’t the same. A gradual increase in pace is not a problem; however, if you expect a sudden response, you will hear the boominess that is typical of e-CVT powertrains. The engine revs, but the response to acceleration is slow and, while there is enough power at 247hp, the character of the engine is sedate and laid-back.
The paddle shifters for the CVT steps are responsive, but are far from the feeling or performance of an actual gearbox, so it’s best left in ‘D’. Changing drive modes will alter the performance, but the character will remain the same. In Sport, the engine offers more grunt, but the engine drone spoils the cabin ambience. Eco is too dull, so it is best left in Normal.
Once up to speed, however, the 350h can cruise with little effort and can hold its own rather well. 0-100kph takes 7.7sec, according to Lexus, but to a Lexus buyer, this statistic is of little importance.
Lexus ES 350h Mileage and Efficiency -
A hybrid’s strong suit is its range and its ability to skip fuel pumps. Being an expensive luxury sedan, buyers won’t prioritise saving on fuel, but it is a good bonus to have and takes a serious hit off the fuel bill.
On a full tank, you can expect around 800km of range. Depending on how you drive and where you drive, that number can go up or down. In the city, thanks to its ability to use electric power, you might even forget to fill up.
Lexus ES 350h Ride Comfort and Handling -
The ES 350h has a soft suspension setup, which, when paired with the 19-inch wheels with a tall tyre wall, results in a comfy low-speed ride. Sure, it isn’t going to corner with the confidence of a sports sedan, but for what it is, it makes sense.
Over speed bumps and through potholes, the 350h is impressive, to say the least. At highway speeds too, it feels composed and confident, with none of the floating usually associated with low-slung sedans.
The gain in ride comfort has obvious effects on handling, as the ES feels big and heavy in the corners. The suspension loads up and, despite switching the steering mode to Sport and adding more weight, there is little that this does to overall confidence. Sedate driving is what it does best.
Lexus ES 350h Value for Money -
At Rs 66.10 lakh for the Exquisite trim, the ES 350h is extremely well priced. Sure, it does not have the presence and sense of occasion inside a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and neither does it drive as well as the BMW 5 Series. But for someone who wants a spacious, refined and reliable car for the long run, it makes a strong case.
The Luxury trim at Rs 71.80 lakh gets a decent feature kit too and is still considerably less expensive than similarly sized rivals. For those not chasing badge value and who value longevity over flash, the ES 350h is worth strong consideration.