The Lexus ES 300h Gets Easier On The Wallet Thanks to Localisation

Published January 31, 2020
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It is now offered in two variant trims

The new base variant is Rs 8 lakh less expensive whereas the flagship is Rs 3 lakh less than before.
Exterior design highlights include LED headlamps and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior equipment includes a 12.3-inch Electro Multi-Vision unit display, wireless charger, and a 17-speaker sound system.
Powered by a BS6-compliant 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine with 218PS of power.
Rivals the likes of the Volvo S90, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and the Jaguar XF.

While all eyes were set on the arrival of the gorgeous LC 500h coupe in India today, Lexus had another surprise in the bag. The carmaker has revealed that the ES 300h will now be localised and come at a starting price of Rs 51.90 lakh (ex-showroom India). Also, it will now also be offered in two variants: Exquisite and Luxury. Earlier, the ES 300h was available only in the Ultra Luxury variant, which started at Rs 59.95 lakh. Here’s the revised variant lineup:

Variant	Price (ex-showroom India)
ES Exquisite	Rs 51.90 lakh
ES Luxury	Rs 56.95 lakh

The above table reveals a massive price cut of over Rs 8 lakh with the localisation of the sedan. Even the top-spec variant is now Rs 3 lakh cheaper than before.

Aside from this, Lexus has also launched the NX 300h Exquisite variant in India for Rs 54.90 lakh (ex-showroom). It will sit below the NX 300h Luxury trim which is pricier by Rs 1.70 lakh and costs Rs 59.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The 300h F Sport variant remains unchanged at Rs 60.60 lakh as before. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol with two electric motors, giving it a combined output of 197PS and 210Nm of torque. It takes on the likes of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60 in Indian markets.

The Lexus easily distinguishes itself from others on the road with that massive Lexus signature grille. It also gets slim LED headlamps with ‘L’ shaped DRLs and 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. It is based on the company's front-wheel-drive Architecture–K (GA-K) platform.

Inside, you get a 12.3-inch Electro Multi-Vision unit display and a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and a fully adjustable colour head-up display. Other equipment includes a wireless charger, Eco, Normal and Sports modes, as well as centre console-mounted climate and audio controls. It also comes with adjustable and heated semi-aniline seats and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Pure Play audio system.

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Under the hood is a 2.5-litre petrol mill, paired with the fourth-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive System. It makes a combined output of 218PS. The engine makes 221Nm of torque, whereas the electric motor makes another 202Nm. All this power propels the sedan from 0-100kmph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 180kmph. A CVT gearbox takes care of transmission duties. Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, as well as a break-in and tilt sensor.

This variant rejig makes the ES 300h more affordable, and hence, a better competitor against the likes of the Volvo S90, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Jaguar XF in Indian markets.