When is the last time you got excited about a small Lexus sedan? The Japanese automaker says the new ES unveiled in New York is class-leading, and no longer a entry level luxury model. They’ve made it sportier and also roomier inside, with rear legroom growing by a massive 4 inches (10 cm).
If you’re not a Lexus fan, than the ES will always look like just another rebodied Toyota Camry. But the design, though not as bold as the GS, is interesting. The hood and lower grille are especially interesting. And they have managed to not screw up the design for the hybrid. The hybrid includes bamboo trim for the interior and hidden exhaust (we don’t like that).
The standard ES 350 comes with a 3.5-lite V6 with VVT-I and mated to a six-speed automatic. Meanwhile the 300h uses an Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter and an electric motor. It thanks to a stronger battery pack it can travel in electric only driving mode.
The standard ES 350 comes with a 3.5-lite V6 with VVT-I and mated to a six-speed automatic. Meanwhile the 300h uses an Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter and an electric motor. It thanks to a stronger battery pack it can travel in electric only driving mode.