2018 Lexus ES300h Engine & Performance

The new ES300h is powered by a 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine that now puts out 178 horsepower and 221 Nm of maximum torque. Combined with the petrol engine is a fourth gen electric motor putting out 120 horsepower. The total power output from the hybrid power train is 218 horses that is 15 more than before. Push the start button and there isn’t a sound. The car starts up and gets going in electric mode as long as there is enough charge on the battery. The silence remains when the petrol engine kicks in highlighting the refinement of the motor. The Active noise cancellation just cocoons the occupants from the outside chaos. Acceleration is extremely smooth and the E-CVT gearbox works well with the powertrain. The rubber band effect still exists but thanks to the fantastic insulation you really don’t hear anything inside the cabin. There are steering mounted paddle shifters too just in case you wish shift manually. The ES does the 0 to 100 sprint in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of only 180 kph. There are three drive modes as well: Eco, Normal and Sport. While Eco mode holds back the power, there is good punch in Sport. But honestly, the refinement and smoothness of the car will make even the most hardcore enthusiast drive in a sedate manner. The car just wafts along in total silence keeping you secluded from the world around you with only the Mark Levinson for company.

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