Lexus ES

autocar.india

•7m

The Lexus ES and Toyota Camry do share the same basic platform and hybrid powertrain, but the ownership experience is very different. The ES, being positioned as a more premium product, has a more luxurious interior with higher-quality materials, and better sound insulation and refined levels. Lexus also offers a stronger brand image and a more exclusive ownership experience, which is a big part of what you are paying for.The Toyota car, on the other hand, is the more rational choice. It offers the same hybrid powertrain, it is still very luxurious, and has a very comfortable ride at a much lower price point.Just a quick clarification: Toyota has been assembling the Camry at its Bidadi plant in Karnataka since 2013, and like other gens, even this one is brought to India as a CKD, not a full import.

Lexus ES

Toyota Camry

autocar.india

•32w

There is a huge difference between the Honda City Hybrid and the Lexus ES 300h. Though both are hybrids, the City is a mainstream mid-size sedan, and the Lexus ES is a luxury car.The Lexus is in a different league compared to the Honda car and costs around three times more than the City hybrid. So, if you can afford the Lexus, go ahead and buy it. It will offer you a far more luxurious experience and, thanks to its relatively low cost of ownership, is remarkably light on the pocket for a Rs 70 lakh-plus luxury car.

Lexus ES

Honda City

autocar.india

•8w

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

•27w

Given the requirements you've listed out, it's hard to go wrong with the Lexus ES 300h. It's the only one in this price range that offers the power recline function at the rear; its ride quality is superb. Also, being a Toyota underneath, maintenance and services are fewer and more affordable than those of other luxury cars. The Toyota Camry is, of course, even better value, but it doesn't have the same luxurious interior as the Lexus. With German brands having got significantly more expensive lately, the Lexus has somehow remained in the lower price bracket. Alongside the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series LWB, which only further enhances its value proposition.

Lexus ES

Toyota Camry

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

BMW 3 Series LWB

autocar.india

•33w

While 2027/28 is a long time away, and it's near impossible to gauge which launches will happen then, unfortunately, most of the cars you have listed are unlikely to be launched in India. This is simply because sedans, of which you are a fan, are not as popular anymore, and small-volume brands like the ones you have listed - Tesla, Volvo, Lexus and even Ford at this stage - are unlikely to take a risk launching a new sedan in an SUV-heavy market like ours.Of the lot, the most likely is the next-gen Lexus ES, which is a unique and tech-laden hybrid or EV alternative to the established luxury sedan set. It meets all your requirements, including an AWD option, though it remains to be seen the specification Lexus chooses for India. Lexus cars are known for their reliability and relatively low maintenance costs, so keeping the car for 7-8 years should not be a problem.

Lexus ES