Auto & Bike Blog: 2018 Lexus ES 300h Review

Monday, 6 August 2018

2018 Lexus ES 300h Review

There are some cars that are ideal for those business trips and meetings, and the 2018 Lexus ES 300h is one of the best. The Lexus ES falls into the luxury class and it offers the amenities both owner and client will appreciate. Over the weekend, we test drove the 2018 Lexus ES 300h sedan, which came equipped with a plethora of options to make life a whole lot more comfortable.

What’s New For 2018

The Lexus ES 300h receives no major changes for 2018, although some tweaks are expected for 2019.

Features & Options

The 2018 Lexus ES 300h comes standard with 17-inch, five-spoke wheels, LED lighting, a sunroof, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system with automatic braking, and lane departure warning and mitigation. Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate controls, eight-way power front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a rearview camera.

On the infotainment front, the ES 300h comes with a driver information display, an eight-inch central display screen, Siri Eyes Free (iPhone voice control integration), and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, USB port, and satellite and HD radio.

The Navigation package ($2,615) added the mouselike Remote Touch interface, navigation, voice controls, a second USB port, and the Enform suite of smartphone-connected apps and concierge services. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system is also included.

The Ultra Luxury package ($3,000) included heated and ventilated front seats, a driver seat-cushion extender, driver and passenger-seat memory settings, upgraded leather upholstery, power door sunshades, and ambient lighting. Total MSRP including destination: $51,129.

Interior Highlights

Stepping into the ES 300h reveals a comfortable cabin with lots of leather and wood. It’s a great place to escape the noisy outside world. Just crank up the premium audio system and the world seems like a much nicer place. It’s easy to be pampered with the heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, and 10-way power driver’s seat.

The power trunk closer is especially convenient for business owners who need the trunk to carry important papers or equipment. Just push the button and the trunk opens or latches to make life a little easier while on the move. Owners who use this ES 300h for hauling clients will have very happy customers.

There is ample room and plenty of comfort for rear passengers to enjoy the ride. If the sun gets too hot, just pull up the side window shades, and the driver can even raise the rear window shade with the touch of a button. The ES 300 cabin is extra quiet while driving, allowing conversations to be had with ease.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

The 2018 Lexus ES 300h is powered by a 156 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, along with electric motors and a 245-volt NiMH battery pack. Combined output is 200 horsepower. The combo sends power to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

EPA fuel mileage estimates are 40/39 city/highway and 40 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics

As we drove the 2018 Lexus ES 300h around town this weekend, we didn’t even notice it was a hybrid. The luxury sedan shifts seamlessly between electric and gasoline power. While driving through stop-and-go traffic in Denver, the Lexus ES 300h will run in electric-only mode. Gentler rates of zero to 25 mph can be achieved on battery power alone.

If you are late for an appointment, the zero to 60 time is just one second lower than the ES 350 gas. Plus, with the hybrid’s fuel stingy technology, you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg at the gas pump either.

Conclusion

Whether you use the 2018 Lexus ES 300h for business or pleasure, it’s a comfortable place take clients to lunch, or the family on an all day excursion. The cabin is spacious, especially for passengers seated in the back and there’s plenty of premium level options that will shout success to your clients. The ride quality is smooth and tranquil and passengers won’t be exhausted at the end of a long day on the road

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy