The ES 300h is the new hybrid version of the equally all-new 2013 Lexus ES.
Introduction
There have been five Lexus hybrids to date, but
only the RX crossover has connected with car buyers in a significant
way. The others were either not fuel-efficient enough or just didn't
possess the premium look and feel expected from Lexus. With the new
2013 Lexus ES 300h, however, it certainly looks as if the brand has
finally come up with another winning formula.
It starts with the 2013 Lexus ES, which represents a complete
redesign. The new ES is a bit larger, and Lexus has overhauled the
suspension and steering for improved car control, and revised the
interior for more modern design and additional high-tech features. At
the same time, the new ES maintains the model's reputation for
reliability, solid construction and a supremely comfortable ride.
The ES 300h owns these same qualities as well, but that little "h"
represents big differences under the hood. Unlike past Lexus hybrid
sedans that used hybrid technology as a means to achieve greater
performance while maintaining the fuel economy of a regular gasoline
model, the 300h is a hybrid in the classic sense. In other words, it's
all about fuel economy, which in this case means an EPA combined rating
of 40 mpg. A Prius it's not, but that's 5 mpg better than the
not-so-dearly departed
Lexus HS 250h and basically even with the Toyota
Camry Hybrid.
Given the model's historically strong sales, the Lexus ES is
obviously a car that has resonated with consumers. The addition of a
hybrid model that actually does what people expect a hybrid to do --
sip fuel -- should only increase its appeal. However, this doesn't mean
the 2013 Lexus ES 300h is the only show in town. The sleek, equally
new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
is similar in concept to the ES, but should be sharper to drive and is
likely to match or slightly surpass its fuel economy. You may also want
to consider a fully loaded Ford Fusion Hybrid or Toyota Camry Hybrid.
However, Lexus is the brand people most likely associate with luxury
hybrids, and the ES 300h is the first Lexus hybrid sedan that actually
lives up to expectations.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2013 Lexus ES 300h is the hybrid version of the Lexus ES 350 luxury sedan, which is reviewed separately.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic
headlights, foglights, LED running lights, a sunroof, heated mirrors,
keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate
control, eight-way power front seats (with two-way lumbar adjustment),
"NuLuxe" premium vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering
wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Lexus Safety Connect emergency
communications, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with a
six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an
iPod/USB audio interface.
The Display Audio package adds the Lexus Remote Touch electronics
interface, a rearview camera, Bluetooth streaming audio and enhanced
phone capabilities, a single-CD player, HD radio and iTunes tagging.
The Navigation package includes all of the Display Audio items plus a
navigation system, voice controls and the Enform suite of
smartphone-connected apps. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound
audio system with DVD-audio capability can be added to the Navigation
package.
There are several packages available on those cars already equipped
with either the Display Audio or Navigation packages. The Premium
package includes a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory
functions and wood trim placed on the steering wheel, shifter and other
interior surfaces. The Luxury package includes all the Premium items
plus xenon headlamps, parking sensors, heated and ventilated front
seats, leather upholstery and a power rear sunshade. Finally, the Ultra
Luxury package includes both the Premium and Luxury package items,
plus automatic wipers, a power-closing trunk, a 10-way power driver
seat, a heated steering wheel, passenger seat memory functions, manual
rear side sunshades and ambient lighting.
All of the Ultra Luxury package items (minus the extra driver seat
adjustability and passenger seat memory) are available as stand-alone
options. Others include a blind spot warning system that includes rear
cross traffic alert, a lane departure warning system that includes
automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control that includes a
pre-collision system.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2013 Lexus ES 300h features a hybrid
powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an
electric motor that together produce 200 horsepower. Front-wheel drive
and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are standard.
According to Lexus, the ES 300h will go from zero to 60 mph in 8.1
seconds, which isn't quick for an entry-level luxury sedan but pretty
good for a hybrid.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is an excellent 40 mpg city/39 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined.
Safety
Every 2013 Lexus ES 300h comes standard with
antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side
airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Also included is
Lexus Safety Connect with automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle
location and an emergency assist button.
Optional equipment includes parking sensors, a lane-departure
warning system and a blind-spot warning system that includes a rear
cross-traffic alert system. The optional adaptive cruise control
includes the pre-collision system, which primes the seatbelts and
brakes when it senses an impending collision.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2013 Lexus ES's cabin presents a far more
modern, stylish environment than that of past models. There's still
wood trim available, but it's more subtly applied and looks more like
the genuine article. The hybrid's bamboo is especially fetching. The
analog clock in the center of the dash is a classy touch that breaks up
the otherwise high-tech environment. Of course, the quality of
materials depends on whether you opt for one of the luxury packages,
but build quality is excellent in typical Lexus fashion.
The climate controls are still quite simple to use, but those for
the audio system have become more complicated than past Lexus models
due to the increased number of available media types. When you opt for
the Display Audio or Navigation packages, you get the Lexus Remote
Touch system, a mouselike device that controls a cursor on a large,
centrally located screen. It does some things very well and others less
so, and like every brand's electronics interface, we highly recommend
trying it out on a test-drive to see if you could live with it every
day.
There's little doubt that the ES cabin should be spacious enough for
most drivers and passengers. The latest model is now closer to the
full-size Avalon rather than the Camry, and as a result provides
generous amounts of leg, head, hip and shoulder space. The trunk is
merely average, with 15.2 cubic feet of space.
Driving Impressions
The 2013 Lexus ES 300h delivers a refined and
serene driving experience that is bolstered by the quiet all-electric
operation at lower speeds.
Although no one will ever deem the ES to be remotely sporty, its
more precise steering response and feel are a welcome improvement
relative to the outgoing model. There is a Sport mode that further
sharpens the steering and throttle response, but we can't say it makes
an appreciable difference.
At highway speeds, the cabin remains remarkably silent and is
largely devoid of wind or road noise. Bumps and ruts in the road are
well absorbed, with barely a hint of their presence reaching the
passengers.
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sumber/source : http://www.edmunds.com/lexus
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