2013 Lexus ES 300h

This is generation number 6 for the Lexus ES, which for years has been a midsize luxury sedan favorite among traditional consumers.  From its conservative styling to its nondescript drive, the ES has largely lived life as a pampered Camry.  But this new 300h not only gives Toyota’s well-to-do division yet another gas-electric hybrid, but it also has shed some of its introverted personality.  Its styling is a bit more conspicuous, the cabin showcases more elegance and its ride and handling impassion the driver to a noticeably higher degree.  The changes won’t alienate any of its loyal followers; in fact they should attract an even broader audience.

This ES 300h operates in the typical Lexus hybrid fashion; gasoline power emanates from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder running the usual Atkinson cycle for greater efficiency.  And it’s completely beltless design eliminates parasitic losses.  An electric drive motor fed by a nickel battery pack injects nearly 200 pound feet of torque when directed by Lexus Hybrid Drive.  Total system horsepower is 200 contributing to a sufficiently quick 0-to-60mph time of 8.1 seconds.  Allowing the driver to orchestrate the car’s various personalities is a Drive Mode select feature.  You can dial in normal, ECO, Sport or a brief EV mode and the differences between them are significant.  It’s in its least efficient mode, Sport, that the ES Hybrid really applies it newfound flavor.  The gauge cluster glows red and swaps its hybrid meter for a tachometer, throttle responsiveness is expedited and the steering feel becomes more excitable.  The entire array provides a nice spread of choices.  While no hybrid can match the organic feel we’ve come to love from the uninhibited marriage of gas and gears, the ES 300h elevates the genre to a level that can sway naysayers.  The ride is firmer and scrubs out the previous car’s suspension float though admittedly I had times where I questioned if Lexus went a hair too far with the more stout settings.  But in whole, I really enjoyed this car’s more precise feel including regenerative brakes that I didn’t hate.  Now the discussion point surrounding most hybrids is the reality of fuel economy.  Can you get the 40mpg city/39mpg highway rating the EPA test produces or will you end up closer to my weekly number of 32mpg?  If you hypermile I’m sure you can, but unlike in a Passat TDI where I can net 40mpg and drive however I like, the ES 300h requires babying and that’s a huge downside.

Lexus nails the interior, highlighted by their spectacular Bamboo Wood Trim, soft touch materials and intriguing design.  Besides front seats that offer too little cushioning and short bottoms, I love the look and feel of the cabin …it’s quiet, inviting and easy to navigate.  And rear seat passengers will love the huge increase in legroom and a flat floor that accommodates 3 across.  Trunk space is wide but not voluminous, taking a hit from its hybrid status at only 12 cubic feet with no pass through.  My loaded tester with almost all of the safety and convenience features Lexus offers on the ES…and that list is comprehensive…rises from just under $40,000 to $46,070 as seen here.  A much more engaging and capable car than its predecessor, the Lexus ES 300h keeps the brand in the green.