Lexus Hybrid Cars in India (3)

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Given your priorities of long-term ownership, reliability, comfort and low running costs, the Lexus ES Hybrid 350h is the most sensible choice. The hybrid powertrain is refined, efficient and well-proven, and Lexus has a strong reputation for reliability and low ownership costs over a 10-12 year period. The new-generation ES that's just been launched is also a genuinely comfortable and luxurious car, with a focus on refinement and rear-seat comfort that suits your usage perfectly.The BMW 530Li LWB and Mercedes E-Class are both excellent cars, and the Mercedes in particular has the strongest brand pull in India. However, as you've pointed out, this Mercedes-Benz car is significantly more expensive than the well-priced Lexus. Similarly, the BMW 530Li LWB is priced higher and offers a more engaging driving experience, but that does not seem to be your primary requirement.If you are genuinely happy with the Lexus car, we would not let brand perception override that decision. The ES 350h is genuinely a premium sedan, and over a decade of ownership, the satisfaction of a reliable, comfortable and refined car will matter far more than the badge on the bonnet.

BMW 5 Series LWB

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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For the moment, there's no hybrid sedan that fits your requirements. The Lexus ES 350h hybrid is due for launch, though.The Lexus ES is already on sale in a full electric Lexus ES 500e avatar. It packs in crisp styling, a lot of features and the promise of a reasonable range. However, we have yet to drive one and cannot comment on ground clearance at this time.Since you are open to buying electric, an enticing option is in the works. BMW is readying a long wheelbase version of the all-electric i5, and a key engineering job on the project is to ensure ample ground clearance for Indian conditions. The BMW i5 M60, sold in short wheelbase form, was notorious for scraping its belly on speedbreakers and bad roads, and the promise is that this won't be an issue on the i5 LWB. The model is expected to go on sale in the coming months and could be an exciting option to look for.

Lexus ES

BMW i5

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At your price range, there aren't any full-size hybrid luxury SUVs, but you do have a few options to upgrade from your Audi car. You could consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which, while not from one of the traditional luxury brands, offers comparable tech, space, and interior appointments to a full-size luxury SUV at excellent value for money.Alternatively, you would have to move a size down, but you can get an excellent, strong hybrid SUV in the form of the Lexus NX. It has a uniquely Japanese take on luxury, and its reputation for rock-solid reliability and low running costs means it will last you 15 years with little issue.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Lexus NX

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The new i5 LWB is expected to be a thorough revision of the current model based on the CLAR platform, with Neue Klasse-inspired styling and perhaps battery and motor updates, rather than an outright shift to the Neue Klasse platform of the i3. This is similar to what was done with the BMW i7, which also shares the CLAR platform, as both are only halfway through their life cycles. Besides, that is still some time away, and the only i5 you can buy now is the sporty (and low-slung) M60. You're right about rapidly advancing EV tech, but whether you choose today's i5 or the incoming LCI or LWB, you'll still have a luxurious, comfortable, refined and powerful EV.As for the Lexus, if you're choosing the hybrid, know that it is about half the price of what the i5 LWB will likely cost. There is also the ES Electric, which is closer in price and concept to the i5. Either way, the ES seems like the better choice for you if you plan to purchase today, since as you mentioned, it is presently the more contemporary option. That said, depending on which camp you fall into, a hybrid may already be behind in terms of relevance compared to any EV, so it really comes down to the nature of your usage. For now, in India, pound for pound, a hybrid makes more sense than an EV, so if you're keen on the new ES hybrid, you should go for it.

BMW i7

BMW i5 LWB

Lexus ES Electric

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Since mileage is key, most petrol-powered luxury SUVs available in this price will deliver single digit figures, especially given your average speeds of 20kph. The Lexus RX is a car that might interest you. Being a hybrid, fuel efficiency is likely to be impressive. Further, this Lexus car isn't too large to feel cumbersome to drive in the city. Also, it is well-equipped with powered tailgate and ventilated seats that you're looking for.If you're looking for something that's a bit more fun-to-drive, and you don't mind opting for a diesel, you could pick between a BMW X5 and a Mercedes-Benz GLC. The BMW car will be a bit nicer to drive but it misses seat ventilation, while the Mercedes' interior is very impressive, and it packs in the features you're looking for. Hence, it is the GLE 300d that would get our vote.

Lexus RX

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5