By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
Among all luxury brands, only Lexus offers five hybrid models, including the 2015 ES 300h. Such market leadership in this crucial technology is indicative of the brand’s overall focus on customer satisfaction.
Perhaps the only thing more alluring than the coupe like profile of the Lexus ES 300h is its EPA fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined. The ES 300h cabin gives up nothing to accommodate the hybrid technology. The car’s 40-inch rear legroom compares with larger luxury sedans. And, even with its dramatically sweeping roof line, the ES 300h offers ample rear seat head room.
New information and connectivity keeps the 2015 ES 300h ahead of the curve in this fast-moving field. Lexus Enform Remote, the latest addition to the Enform family of connected services, allows the owner to remotely view and control certain vehicle features using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Key features include remote door lock/unlock; remote stop/start for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more. The Lexus Enform App Suite, meanwhile, upgrades to iHeartRadio 4.0 and adds Slacker for more music-listening choices.
A new standard display audio uses a seven-inch touch-screen and also includes HD Radio, Bluetooth audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio.
The screen can be divided into up to three sections to display functions simultaneously. For example, when the car is equipped with optional navigation, you can view the navigation map plus audio, compass or other function. The navigation system features a bird’s eye map with 3D building views.
In addition, the Navigation system can help you reach your destination sooner with up to date and predictive traffic information, including detour preview, ETA calculation and low-fuel coordination with available fuel stations. Navigation also includes the Lexus Enform App Suite.
In the 2015 Lexus ES 300h, the ingenuity of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system is that it operates transparently. The system combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with an electric motor to generate 200 total system horsepower. Teamed to the system’s electronic continuously variable transmission, the powertrain can move the ES 300h from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
The ES 300h driver can tailor the driving experience by selecting from among four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and EV. In EV mode, the car can be driven short distances at reduced speed, using only the power from the hybrid battery pack. Normal mode provides an ideal blend of performance and efficiency for most driving situations. Eco mode favors fuel economy, and Sport mode increases powertrain responsiveness for a more engaging driving experience.
Lexus ES 300h offers cutting edge safety features, with 10 airbags and an array of available driver aids including a Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert. The optional Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert helps detect vehicles in side blind spots and can alert the driver to rear cross traffic when backing out of a parking space.
The available second-generation Remote Touch Interface puts control of numerous vehicle functions at your fingertips. Using the system controller on the center console, you can operate the climate control, audio system, phone, optional navigation system and more.
With its ultra-quiet cabin, the ES 300h presents the ideal listening room for the standard eight-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System, which plays from the in-dash CD player, USB/iPod connectivity and an integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver with an all-access 90-day trial subscription. Automatic Sound Levelizer adjusts system volume in response to ambient noise.
New for 2015 model year ES, the available Mark Levinson system integrates a new audio restoration technology that was introduced in high-end home systems only recently. The technology restores some of the clarity lost during compression for digital formats commonly used today. The result is a much cleaner sound that is closer to the original recording.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $40,430.00, the one I drove included the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, HID Headlamps with LED daytime Running Lights, Hard Disk Drive Navigation System with Backup Camera, 8 Inch VGA Screen, Voice Command, Single DVD/CD Player, Remote Touch Controller, Lexus Enform Remote, Lexus Enform Destination Assist, App Suite, Power Trunk Closer, Intuitive Parking Assist, Rain Sensing Wipers with Deicer, Bamboo and Leather Trimmed Heated Steering Wheel, Trunk Map, Cargo Net, Wheel Locks, Key Gloves and the Ultra Luxury Package, and it came in at $48,410.00 including delivery, processing and handling fee.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
