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Lexus ES 300h

Luxury Pioneer: 2017 Lexus ES

November 28, 2016 by admin 3 Comments

2017 Lexus ES 350.
2017 Lexus ES 350.

The Lexus ES is a luxury sedan requiring no introduction. Now in its sixth generation, the ES line is one of two models that launched the Lexus brand in 1989 (the flagship LS is the other one) and remains Lexus’ top-selling model behind the RX SUV.

The ES line has always represented a front-wheel drive model powered by a V6 engine. Only since 2013 has a hybrid 300h variant been offered, a surprising fact to some given that nearly every other Lexus line has offered a gas-electric hybrid.

Model Year Changes

A 2017 Lexus ES 350 sedan was a recent weekly driver and there are several changes of note over last year. The standard equipment list now includes rain-sensing wipers and the Lexus Safety System+ package. The LSS+ features a pre-collision system, lane departure alert with steering assist, intelligent high beams, and radar cruise control.

Also new for 2017 is the Scout GPS Link to its standard display audio system. Lexus says that with the app on the driver’s smartphone, navigation maps, and turn-by-turn directions appear on the car’s central display screen.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

Made in the USA

As has been the case with previous ES models, this sedan typically garners attention from people familiar with the brand. Indeed, I’ve had friends, neighbors, and strangers ask me about the model and more than once they’ve said the ES is or would be their Lexus model of choice. That appeal meshes well with Lexus marketing as the ES remains one of the entry-point models for the brand.

The ES 350 has the distinction of being the only Lexus model built in the US (the RX and RX Hybrid are built in Cambridge, Ontario). In 2015, Lexus shifted ES 350 production from Japan to its Erlanger, Kentucky, manufacturing plant. However, the hybrid variant is still built in Japan.

Exterior Features and Options

Coinciding with the release of the current-generation model in 2013 is when the ES assumed its current design language. A refresh in 2016 only sharpened that look with a more distinctive spindle grille, new headlamps, and more pronounced embrasures for the fog lamps added.

Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, halogen headlamps, LED low beam headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and dual exhaust tips. All models also come with a power tilt and slide moonroof.

Factory options include 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, automatic high beams, and a one-touch power trunk.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

Interior Features and Options

The Lexus ES is classified as a midsize luxury sedan, but it seems larger than that. This model seats five in comfort with generous amounts of head, shoulder, hip, and leg room all around. This is where the sedan’s front-wheel drive layout works to the advantage of the ES — no big drivetrain hump interferes with leg space.

Plush and supportive bucket seats with 10-way power support are found up front. A three-place bench seat is in the second row with a pass-through to the trunk. By the way, the trunk measures 15.2 cubic feet or about average for this segment.

Standard equipment includes full power accessories; leather or imitation leather (NuLuxe) seats; wood, imitation leather, and piano black trim; an analog clock; personal lamps, puddle lights; and zoned climate control. This model also comes with a remote touch controller, a mouse-like device for controlling audio and navigation.

Tech & Safety

All models are outfitted with an eight-inch touchscreen display and are compatible with Siri Eyes Free. A rearview monitor, an eight-speaker audio system, CD player, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB and auxiliary ports are included. Lexus Enform is included with the available navigation system and brings in apps, safety features including automatic collision notification, and remote access via your smartphone.

Crash test results are pending for the 2017 model. The 2016 edition was an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ recipient. With the Lexus Safety System+ package now standard, we expect the 2017 ES will retain its top safety billing once again.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

On the Road

Lexus doesn’t mess with success when it comes to the ES powertrain. A 3.5-liter V6 engine making 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. No forced induction. No eight-speed transmission. And no optional all-wheel drive.

But with a curb weight of just 3,571 pounds, the ES is surprisingly lightweight and certainly well-suited to move the sedan. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds for the 2015 model, a number that comes in much lower than the 7.1 seconds time offered by Lexus. Figure your numbers will fall somewhere in the middle.

Stomp on the accelerator and the ES quickly comes to life. You’ll feel a slight tug of the steering wheel, but torque steer isn’t a significant issue. This sedan zips down the freeway entrance ramp with authority. When passing on the highway you’ll have just the right amount of power to squeeze past that semi. The transmission shifts seamlessly between gears and that’s everything you should expect in the ES.

The Lexus ES is tuned for the road, offering a quiet interior and a soft ride. The drive mode select feature can be dialed to the level of comfort that suits you best — eco, normal or sport. You’ll want to choose the latter for at least some level of driving feedback, otherwise don’t expect much engagement.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

ES Model Considerations

The 2017 ES 350 starts at $38,900; the 300h is priced from $41,820. The hybrid averages 40 mpg, an outstanding number for a vehicle of this size. Choose the ES and you’ll get 24 mpg. That 16 mpg difference is attained in part by the 2.5-liter four cylinder engine found in the hybrid along with the hybrid drivetrain.

If you are seriously considering the 300h, you need to determine whether the reduced level of power in the hybrid is fine for you — there is no escaping the fact that a performance difference is present — 200 hp v. 268 hp. On the other hand, the high mpg potential with the 300h is certainly attractive.

Both models are mono-spec — one trim level. However, package upgrades allow for further customization. Our test model came with two, including luxury ($1,670) — composed of heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade — and a navigation system with the Mark Levinson audio package ($2,590).

Individual options include such amenities as a heated wood and leather steering wheel ($450), panorama glass roof with power moonroof ($500), upgraded 18-inch wheels ($880), blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert ($500), and LED headlamps ($515). Quite easily, you can add upwards of $10,000 to your final price by claiming every package and choosing most options.

2017 Lexus ES 350.

Parting Thoughts

If you’re looking for the performance side of the Lexus sedan range, check out the compact IS and the slightly larger GS lines. Both models offer standard rear-wheel drive, available all-wheel drive and turbo options. Of course, if it is simply a matter of getting your first Lexus, the CT200h (hybrid), NX200 (SUV), and the IS lines are other places to start.

In all, the Lexus ES provides what the vast majority of luxury shoppers want — a comfortable, well-equipped sedan with high-quality materials, superior fit and finish, and a reliability record second to none. You get all this in more in the Lexus ES — your only dilemma is whether to go with the gas or hybrid model.

See Also — Experienced: 2016 Lexus LX 570

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: Car and Driver, front-wheel drive, IIHS, leather, Lexus Enform, Lexus ES, Lexus ES 300h, Lexus ES 350, luxury sedan, navigation, NuLuxe, Siri Eyes Free

Driven: 2016 Lexus ES 300h

June 5, 2016 by admin 2 Comments

Pillow-soft comfort meets hybrid efficiency.

Lexus ES 300h
2016 Lexus ES 300h.

Hybrid electric vehicles are a tough sell. But especially so when gasoline prices are low.

Manufacturers such as Toyota have invested billions of dollars in the technology and aren’t about to walk away. At some point fuel prices are likely to rebound, raising demand with it.

Lexus is Toyota’s luxury marque and has almost as many hybrid models (six) as does the eponymous Toyota brand (seven). Only one model, the CT, is a dedicated hybrid. The other five are based on standard gasoline-powered versions.

Under optimum conditions, all six deliver outstanding fuel economy, typically bettering diesels which Lexus does not offer. At least not in North America. Under less than optimum conditions (i.e., cold weather, icy roads, or using four-wheel drive), your fuel economy can drop by 31 to 34 percent, according to the EPA.

Driven: 2016 Lexus ES 300h

A 2016 Lexus ES 300h was a recent weekly driver, the hybrid version of the Lexus ES 350, a front-wheel drive midsize luxury sedan. Whereas the ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 making 268 horsepower and a combined 24 mpg, the 300h has a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, and an electric-drive motor. Fuel efficiency is this model’s strong suit, coming in at an EPA-rated 40 mpg.

The Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h have a solid pedigree, underpinned by a modified version of the platform powering the Toyota Camry as well as the similar Toyota Avalon. There is no front-wheel drive variant and that means torque steer is evident at times, but it is hardly an issue. That fact should be much comfort for people who want a roomy luxury car, but don’t want the disappointment of a handling issue.

And if handling is your be all and end all, then the slightly smaller rear-wheel drive IS line should be your choice. Alas, there is no IS hybrid for your consideration — you’ll need to step up to the rear-wheel drive GS Hybrid sedan to enjoy that advantage instead.

Mid Product Cycle Refresh

The ES line is one of two models which helped Toyota launch the Lexus brand in 1990. Six generations of this sedan have been built, but it was only with the 2013 launch of the current-generation model a hybrid variant has been offered.

For 2016, both versions are refreshed with plentiful updates accomplished in and out. Rolled out are four new colors and expanded standard features in an effort to keep Lexus’ best selling sedan relevant. And despite sedan sales falling as much as 20 percent this year as consumers continue to pursue SUVs in greater numbers, ES sales are down by only 6 percent.

The most significant changes for the 300h this year include the addition of standard LED headlamps with daytime running lights. The spindle (hourglass) grille is back and now features a one-piece design. Even the 17-inch wheels were reworked to showcase an all-new look.

Cabin Updates and Safety Considerations

Inside, the cabin remains as quiet, elegant, and well-fitted as before. The instrument panel now offers a standard 4.2-inch color multi-information display, utilizing a thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal design for optimum clarity and contrast. Cabin finishes include flaxen, dark mocha wood, piano black wood, and bamboo with a matte finish.

The test model (base $40,920 sticker price) came with the ultra luxury package wood trim interior ($3,000 upgrade) delivering a wood and leather-trimmed tilt and telescopic steering wheel/column; heated and ventilated front seats; power memory seats up front; power rear and manual back side window screens; a driver seat cushion extender (a must have for long trips); and ambient lighting. This package lifts the ES to another level, bringing top-end Lexus comfort to this mid-range offering.

Another change made in 2016 involves the availability of the latest Lexus Safety System+ ($1,015 upgrade) combining a pre-collision system, high-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and assist, and intelligent high beam control. If you want a taste of semi-autonomous driving and an improved level of safety, then add this package.

The 2016 Lexus ES also secured the highest test rating (Top Safety Pick+) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also secured a “superior” score for an available crash avoidance & mitigation system — Lexus Safety System+.

Other luxury touches include puddle lamps, available illuminated door sills ($379), a power tilt and slide moonroof, Siri Eyes Free, navigation (or enhanced navigation with a Mark Levison sound system ($2,650), and an assortment of tech features, including Bluetooth connectivity.

My test model added these features as well as a blind spot monitor ($500), intuitive parking assist ($500), a one-touch power trunk ($400), rain-sensing wipers ($135), as well as the wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel ($450). The final price for my weekly driver came in at $51,164.

Four Plus Hybrid

Manufacturers continue to equip larger vehicles with smaller engines. It is a trend that began after the last recession and gained traction as gas prices pushed ever higher. And with a federal 54.5 mpg fleet average fuel mandate for 2025 fast approaching, smaller engines are here like them or not.

The ES 300h is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine making just 156 horsepower and is paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. When combined with the electric motor, there’s 200 horsepower at the ready. That’s still a far cry from the 268-hp rating for the V-6 engine, but the combination is an effective one when maximum power is required.

More than once I set the tires spinning as I sought to get the upper hand while switching lanes or when picking up speed on a highway entrance ramp. These incidences weren’t planned and the sedan’s response was a pleasant surprise. Hybrids are still widely misunderstood — such models are efficiency kings, but they’re certainly no laggards. Also working to the ES 300h’s advantage is its 3,660-pound efficiency — that’s just 89 pounds heavier than the standard model and several pounds lighter than competing models.

Lexus vehicles do not offer uniform steering and handling across the product line. Some models such as the IS, RC and the GS are engineered with handling in mind. Many others, including the ES, place an emphasis on comfort and safety. Let’s just say Lexus has carefully surveyed the market to understand what consumers want. As one of the best selling luxury brands in the US, Lexus reads consumer sentiment remarkably well.

The IS, RC, GS, and LS offer standard rear-wheel drive and come in closer to an ideal 50-50 front-to-rear weight distribution, what usually ensures a much more balanced drive. On the other hand, front-wheel drive models such as the ES have more weight sitting over the front wheels, in this case a 59-41 ratio found in the ES. That difference becomes more noticeable when tackling twisty roads or when pressing the pedal to the metal.

Steering and Handling

Steering is uninvolved and some might say it is vague. Remove all expectations of a fun-to-drive experience here as everything about this sedan is built around a plush cabin, a soft ride, and fuel economy optimization. Otherwise the IS sedan or better yet the RC coupe will satiate your need for handling optimization.

The hybrid’s back seat is roomy and seats three comfortably. The ES is a true, no comprises five-passenger model.

One big difference between the gas and hybrid versions is in trunk space. The hybrid’s battery is found under the rear seat back and intrudes into the trunk. That means the 15.2 cubic-foot trunk in the ES 350 shrinks to just 12.1 cubic-feet in the hybrid. Keep this in mind if you need maximum packing space.

Lexus ES 300h Concluding Thoughts

It is hard to make a case for a hybrid when fuel prices are so low. The ES hybrid carries a $2,920 price premium over the standard model, a cost premium not easily recouped these days.

Unlike some luxury brands, Lexus typically doesn’t run nationwide sales events — discounting can vary, depending on where you live. A lease deal and low-rate financing are usually offered, but the cash difference remains. What you want to do is close the price gap between standard and hybrid models to make the latter a value proposition you can live with.


 

 2016 Lexus ES 300h

 

  • Sticker price from $40,920
  • Price as tested: $51,164
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.5-liter 16-valve four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 156 horsepower @ 5,700 RPM
  • Net 200 horsepower
  • 156 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,500 RPM
  • 3.54 inches bore by 3.86 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 12.5-to-1
  • Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
  • Wheelbase: 111 inches
  • Length: 192.7 inches
  • Width: 71.7 inches
  • Height: 57.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: 100.1 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 12.1 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline required
  • Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,660 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good: moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Hybrid warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Kyushu, Japan

See Also — The Full-Bodied 2016 Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck


2016 Lexus ES 300h photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.


Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 cars, front-wheel drive, hybrid, Lexus ES, Lexus ES 300h, luxury, sedan

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