Lexus ES300h Engine and Performance
The hardware under the hood of the ES300h comprises of a 2.5 litre petrol engine and an electric motor that put out a combined output of 205 horsepower with maximum torque of 213 Nm coming up at 4500 rpm. Lexus claims a 0 to 100 kph of 8.5 seconds which is not bad at all for a hybrid. Push the start button and you are greeted with an eerie silence. That’s because the ES starts up in all electric mode, unless of course the batteries are drained out. Start off with a light foot and its amazing how the car moves forward without making a sound. The ES can run on all electric mode for a few kms with enough juice in the batteries. The energy monitor in the MID shows you exactly where power is coming from. We admit it does get addictive as you try to drive with a light foot to make it run in electric mode as far as possible. The engine kicks in whenever you push the accelerator hard or if the car detects less power in the batteries. Acceleration is very linear and the ES300h feels best driven in a relaxed manner. However mid range punch is good too. Transmission duties are handled by an eCVT gearbox that features three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. NVH levels are excellent and the engine isn’t very vocal even when driven in Sport mode. For more fun, there’s a manual mode too.
Ride quality on the ES is brilliant. The suspension is tuned for comfort and stiffness is not felt even in Sport mode. The car comes shod with 17 inch alloy wheels mated to 215/55 profile tyres which is very practical. Grip is also good but the Lexus is not something you would play ‘Twisty Corners’ with. Instead, it is an excellent cruiser that will cover long distances without a sweat. The light steering makes it easy to drive in city traffic as well.
The ES300h scores high on safety equipment. The list features 10 airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and Brake Assist.
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