The new 2016 Lexus ES 300h hybrid gets some styling updates, including the front grille.
We got our first quick look at the updated Lexus ES at the Shanghai Motor Show a few months ago. Now, as it’s ready to roll into showrooms, the Japanese luxury maker is offering up more details about the ES 300h hybrid.
Some notable changes to the sedan’s exterior styling, along with updated safety and infotainment technology, should appeal to potential buyers. Whether they’ll be pleased to learn that the hybrid drive system goes unchanged is another matter.
The rollout of the 2016 Lexus ES 300h is part of a broader update of parent Toyota’s battery-electric line-up. An all-new version of the Lexus RX 450h was unveiled at the New York Auto Show, and the mainstream Toyota Camry Hybrid – which shares its underpinnings with the Lexus ES – has also been updated.
The luxury sedan’s most immediate visual change can be seen up front in the form of the new and much larger one-piece spindle grille, in keeping with models as diverse as the Lexus RC and the latest RX line.
The new ES 300 hybrid gets an exterior upgrade for 2016, including a unique trunk spoiler and a hidden exhaust pipe.
The grille is complemented by new, standard-issue LED headlamps. The 2016 Lexus ES 300h also sees its foglights moved to the corners of a new fascia that’s meant to accentuate the width of the sedan.
In the rear, the ES 300h also gets new L-shaped taillamps – perhaps for both “Lexus” and “LED”?
(Could Lexus be bringing back the SC? To find out, Click Here.)
As opposed to the conventional, gas-powered ES models, the 300h hybrid features a unique trunk spoiler, a hidden exhaust pipe and, of course, a “hybrid” badge.
The 2016 ES 300h retains the older model’s Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain – combining a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with twin electric motors. Fuel economy remains 39 City, 40 Highway and 40 Combined. The package develops 200 horsepower, sent to the front wheels. There’s no all-wheel-drive package planned for this line.
The new 300h retains the older model’s Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain – combining a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with twin electric motors.
Inside, the 2016 Lexus ES 300h looks less like an “entry-lux” model now. It benefits from the use of new trim and fabric pieces that look more refined and exclusive. There’s also a new steering wheel and a new shifter knob.
(Click Here to check out the 2016 Lexus ES.)
Suggests Lexus, “The 2016 Lexus ES 300h defies the ‘entry’ part of entry luxury, thanks to standard 10-way adjustable power front seats; automatic climate control; NuLuxe perforated upholstery; a power tilt-and-slide moonroof; power-adjustable outside mirrors with turn signals and defoggers; remote-linked power window and moonroof opening and Lexus Personalized Settings to customize select electronic functions.”
In terms of technology, the 2016 ES now adds Lexus Enform Service Connect which provides push notifications when it’s time for vehicle maintenance. It will send those notices directly to your Enform app if you have an Apple iPhone. The Enform system offers a variety of other services, including enhanced navigation, app linking and concierge features, as well.
The 2016 Lexus ES 300h also benefits from the new Lexus Safety System+ suite of technologies, including driver aids like pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, intelligent high-beam control and adaptive cruise control – bundled at an affordable price.
(Where does Lexus rank among America’s highest quality vehicles? Click Here to find out.)
The new hybrid will start at $41,860 including destination fees.