The future is now in this Lexus

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The future is now in this Lexus
The Lexus ES 330h

Published: Sun 23 Sep 2018, 2:09 PM

Last updated: Mon 24 Sep 2018, 2:14 PM

AS WE EDGE closer and closer to the total electric takeover, there will be an increasing number of hybrids coming to market. As battery-life extends, reliance on petrol engines will start to go out of the window, but we're not completely there yet in terms of affordable, wholly reliable electric transportation for all. Hybrid technology is a decent stopgap. When it comes to the electric-petrol game, Lexus has consistently been ahead of the curve. We remember giving their luxury compact CT 200h a go almost a decade ago and their dual-power history stretches even further back to the mid 2000s. Goodwill being exactly that - you trust a name with which you're familiar - by having arguably the best association with hybrid cars, Lexus could pretty much churn out anything and expectations would be high. Thankfully the top-end arm of Toyota rarely put out anything less that superb, especially when it comes to saloons. Thus we knew we were in safe hands with the ES 300h, for not only is it their latest sedan, it's their most advanced hybrid one too.
What's new?
It looks nicer than your average eco-warrior, don't you think? For this 2019 edition we believe they have paid far more attention to the shape and design because it's far more attractive than we thought it would be. Perhaps it's a mental block from being around the nascent hybrid models, but we always picture something rather boxy (unless it's a Porsche). The ES 300h, though, is angular, with a front that could feature on a razor advert it's so sharp. The 18-inch alloys round off the appearance nicely.
Anything new inside?
No, not really. The cockpit is a little more tech-heavy and sleeker, but for the passengers it's your usual Lexus comfort. The cabin is a smidge larger than the outgoing model and there's apparently almost 10cm more legroom, but we were never cramped in the old one. The boot has an over 450-litre capacity, which is nice, but all in all, it's exactly what you'd expect. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system is noticeable for its quality given The Kinks' All Day And All Of The Night playing on a morning commute last week never sounded so good.
Surely the drive is different?
If we had to summarise, we'd agree in part, but show us a Lexus that doesn't deliver a good to very good ride. Where this one stands out is with its efficiency. The ES 300h's 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine incorporates fast-burn combustion technology, which combines with the car's two electric motors. According to the stats it does 24.1km on one litre of petrol and is able to go 1205 kilometers on a full tank without having to stop by a service station. We didn't have it that long, but did close to 400km and were not even close to the half tank mark. The ES 300h reportedly offers over 80 per cent better fuel savings compared to the current generation petrol engine ES and that's what you're paying for.
Do you notice the electric engines?
To begin with, especially as the car fires-up silent. Press the start button and you could hear a pin drop. Set off and you don't hear much more. To be honest, the cabin build is pretty fine, so even a roaring engine wouldn't be heard all that much, but rolling off in complete silence takes some getting used to. Obviously with hybrid technology there is no need for external charging - the petrol engine and regenerative braking energy fills the batteries with juice - so aside from the lack of noise, no you don't notice the electric motors all that much once you're settled in.
The all important: would you get one?
We're convinced by the technology, looks and ride quality. Even the price isn't too bad for a new luxury car. But, it's down to personal taste, so no not for us just yet. However, for those that want to do more for the environment and avoid rising petrol costs, it should definitely be a consideration.
Specs
Engine: 2.5-litre plus two electric
Economy: 24.1km on one-litre of fuel
Price: From Dhs195,000
david@khaleejtimes.com 

By David Light

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From the side
From the side
Plenty of boot space
Plenty of boot space
Up front
Up front
In the back
In the back

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