Sprint Review: Lexus ES300h

VIEW THE ACCELERATION & BRAKE TESTS HERE

LexusES300h

Between the mad scramble for EV’ s, hordes of new bakkies and a bizarre resurgence of MPV’ s, this exquisitely elegant Lexus gifted us a week of peace and tranquillity. Text: Hanjo Stier Images:Nico Boshoff

You should know: OK, maybe elegant is a subjective term but I’ll defend my position about this being exquisite. Lexuses have always been luxuriously appointed but some of them – especially the previous ES range – just felt like a posh Toyota. This one, though. Oh boy. This one looks and feels amazing. More info: I’ll also let you be the judge on its crazy front grill or this daring colour combo but in my jaded journo eyes, they add lamboyance to a vehicle which really needed it. There are hints of Sonata, 7-Series or Lexus GS in its design details; but all of them in a subtle and pleasing way. What else? Besides a regular ES250, the Japanese manufacturer also sells this ES300h (mild hybrid) here in southern Africa. Your choice between two trim levels determines the inal price of either R815 000 or a full million bucks. The non-hybrid ‘250 comes in at a slightly more affordable R757 000. Why you shouldn’t: Some people may be intimidated by all the technology inside this vehicle, but that goes for all its rivals, too. This engine is “just a 4-cylinder” so it doesn ’t sound particularly inspiring; which is exasperated by the onegear-its-all CVT gearbox. Why you should: However, the combined power output of 160kW is commendable and that little electric helper bridges any low-speed/rpm hesitation. There ’ s even a dedicated electric-only mode at very low speeds, provided the battery is suficiently charged. Our best 0-100km/h sprint time (at sea level) was 8.33 seconds, almost half a second faster than the maker ’ s claim. In conclusion, with petrol prices hashtag reaching for the stars, it’ s great to see that Lexus is matching the favourite Germans by offering highly-eficient drive trains in striking luxury vehicles.

FULL SPEC SHEET

Engine: Drive Train: Power / Torque: Avg consumption: 0-100km/h: Top speed: List Price: 2 494cc i-4 petrol hybrid CVT, FWD 160kW / 221Nm 4.6L/100km* 8.33 seconds (8.9*) 181km/h (180*) From R813 600

* manufacturer claims