Lexus Hybrid Cars in India (4)

autocar.india

•3w

For a primarily chauffeur-driven requirement with rear seat space, comfort and luxury as the top priorities, the Lexus ES 350h is the more compelling choice. The ES 350h is a full-size luxury sedan with a genuinely spacious rear seat, excellent ride comfort and a very refined hybrid powertrain that delivers a smooth, quiet and effortless experience. The hybrid system also brings a clear advantage in terms of fuel efficiency, especially in city driving, which helps keep running costs lower over the long term.The BMW 330i LWB is a very good car and the long-wheelbase version does offer improved rear seat space, but it is still fundamentally a driver's car at heart. The rear seat is comfortable, but it does not quite match the sheer space, comfort and sense of occasion that the Lexus offers. The BMW's turbo petrol engine is also less efficient in city driving and overall running costs are likely to be higher over a long ownership period.Where the BMW car does have an advantage is in driving dynamics and overall engagement, but for a chauffeur-driven brief that is less relevant. The Lexus car also has a strong reputation for reliability and ownership experience, which further strengthens its case.Overall, the Lexus ES 350h is the better fit for your requirements. It offers a more spacious and comfortable rear seat, lower running costs thanks to the hybrid system and a more relaxed and luxurious ownership experience. The BMW 330i LWB remains a very good car, but it is better suited to buyers who want to spend more time behind the wheel.

Lexus ES

BMW 3 Series LWB

autocar.india

•9w

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

autocar.india

•17w

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

autocar.india

•43w

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

autocar.india

•5d

The BMW 5 Series LWB is the more natural upgrade from your Superb. It offers a comfortable rear seat experience, while being more engaging to drive than the ES 350h. If you generally drive yourself, then pick the 5 Series. The ES 350h is a very refined and luxurious car, ideal for those who are chauffeur-driven for the most part. You'll also benefit from far lower fuel bills due to its efficient powertrain, as well as lower service and maintenance costs compared to the BMW.

BMW 5 Series LWB

Lexus ES