Lexus ES

Lexus India has introduced the updated ES 300h facelift in the country. The 2021 Lexus ES 300h facelift is priced from Rs. 61.60 lakh for the Exquisite trim, while the Luxury trim is priced at Rs. 67.90 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom). Compared to the pre-facelift version, the ES facelift is Rs. 10,000 more expensive. It gets minor cosmetic upgrades and more features added to the list.

The 2021 Lexus ES now gets the latest Lexus iteration of the spindle grille along with revised LED headlamps that are now slimmer. There are new 18-inch alloy wheels sporting a new design that looks smart. There are new paint options as well - Sonic Chrome and Sonic Iridium.

Upgrades to the cabin include the revised centre console with the new free-standing 12.3-inch infotainment display. It's also a touchscreen system now and is placed closer to the driver by more than 100 mm and tilted by 5-degrees. The other controls have been revised as well below the touchscreen display. The new screen also brings Android Auto ad Apple CarPlay to the car.

The cream upholstery has been replaced with a new black and brown cabin and comes with walnut brown trim inserts. Other features have been carried over including reclining rear seats, three-zone climate control, sunroof, head-up display, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, 360-degree camera, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, air purifier, and hands-free boot lid opening.

Power comes from the same 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine that is paired with an 88 kW permanent magnet motor. The combined output stands at 215 bhp. The engine is paired with an E-CVT automatic unit. The ES does not get a diesel engine option. The sedan can sprint from  0-100 kmph sprint in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of 180 kmph.

Lexus says there have been upgrades to the brakes and suspension for better ride and handling. The more equipped Lexus ES will compete against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo S90, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and the Jaguar XF.