First Drive|12 Sep 2018
2018 Lexus ES 300h review, test drive
Delhi
Delhi
Last Updated on: 23 Feb 2026
Lexus ES
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โน72.52 - โน78.96 Lakh
On road price, Delhi
Delhi
Startingโน1.05 Lakh/month
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Lexus ES Features and specifications
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Lexus ES price & variants
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Lexus ES Official Brochure
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Lexus ES expert review
Autocar score
We like
Smooth, refined, efficient
Comfortable seats
We don't like
Not as well-equipped as rivals
Dull to drive
The ES 300h remains an elegant sedan with subtle updates. The Z-shaped LED headlamps get revised internal elements, the massive spindle grille features new L-shaped details, and the 18-inch alloy wheels have a new design. Overall, its coupe-like silhouette and clean lines add to its appeal.
A new 12.3-inch touchscreen is the cabinโs highlight, now touch-enabled and angled toward the driver. Lexus retains physical buttons and adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Open-pore walnut trims, a premium analogue clock, and plush leather seats enhance the luxury. Rear passengers enjoy a reclining backrest, three-zone climate control, sunshades, and infotainment controls.
Its 218hp petrol-hybrid powertrain with an e-CVT excels in urban use, often running in silent EV mode. The transition between electric and petrol is seamless. While smooth and quiet when driven gently, it becomes vocal under heavy throttle and lacks the dynamic edge of German rivals.
A standout feature, the ES 300h returns a claimed 22.6kpl. Lexus says over 50% of city driving can happen in full-electric mode, giving it best-in-class fuel efficiency.
The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads. Even with 18-inch wheels, the ride is plush, and cabin insulation ensures a hushed drive. Updates to rigidity also improve overall refinement.
The ES 300h is loaded with features: 10 airbags, ambient lighting, digital instrument cluster, powered rear seats, and a powered boot. It delivers well on tech, comfort, and safety.
Priced at โน64โ69.7 lakh (ex-showroom), the ES 300h undercuts some German competitors while offering top-notch efficiency and comfort. Though it lacks the brand equity and widespread service network of rivals, it makes a compelling case for buyers seeking eco-luxury and refinement without shouting for attention.
Reviewed by: Saumil Shah
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Transmission
CVT Auto
Engine
2487 cc
Fuel type
Petrol-Electric Hybrid
Mileage
22.37 kmpl
Transmission
Torque Converter Auto
Engine
1993 cc - 2999 cc
Fuel type
Petrol, Diesel
Mileage
-
Transmission
Torque Converter Auto
Engine
1998 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Mileage
15.7 kmpl
Lexus ES mileage
| Fuel type | Displacement | Transmission | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol-Electric Hybrid | 2487 cc | CVT Auto | 22.37 kmpl |
Lexus ES news
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Lexus ES FAQs
The Lexus ES starts at โน 62.65 lakh for the 300h Exquisite variant and goes up to โน 68.23 lakh for the 300h Luxury variant (ex-showroom).
The Lexus ES offers a mileage of 22.37 kmpl across its variants.
Yes, both the Exquisite and Luxury variants of the Lexus ES come equipped with a glass moonroof with tilt-and-slide functionality.
The Lexus ES is currently available in 2 variants, with 300h Exquisite as the entry-level trim and the 300h Luxury as the top-spec.
Yes, the Lexus ES 300h is a self-charging hybrid electric vehicle that combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery.
The Lexus ES is equipped with 10 airbags as standard, including dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, knee airbags, side airbags, and curtain shield airbags.
The top-spec Lexus ES 300h Luxury variant is the most expensive, priced at โน 68.23 lakh (ex-showroom).
Need an expert opinion on your car related queries?
Trending Questions on Lexus ES - Answered by Autocar Experts
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Asked by: Rishabh Singhon Dec 27, 2025
Hello Autocar India, having recently sold my Mercedes GLC, I am looking to transition to a sedan that offers superior rear-seat comfort, lower maintenance costs, and stronger resale value. My absolute priority is the rear-seat experience for my parents, specifically a model with significant power-recline and a smooth ride. Considering the Camry, Lexus ES 300h, and German rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A6, which offers the best โboss-seatโ experience?
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.
D
Asked by: Dipojjal Sahaon Dec 7, 2025
I am planning to sell my Hyundai i20 and am confused between the Lexus ES and the Honda City Hybrid. Please advise which one I should buy.
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.
J
Asked by: Jagdish Sharmaon Dec 3, 2025
I drive less than 200 km a month, and my current Nexon (petrol) has run only 40,000 km in 7 years. I want to upgrade and keep my next car for at least 7-8 years. I can wait until 2027 or 2028, as there is no urgent need. We are a small family of two adults and a 10-year-old child. My heart says sedan, but I am open to other body styles. My priorities, in order, are safety, comfort, style, AWD and a brand with good service and maintenance. My budget is within โน1.5 crore. I like the upcoming Tesla S, Volvo S90/ES90 and Lexus 350h. If Ford launches the Mustang, then only Mustang.
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.
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