2013 Lexus ES300H
	Price: TBA
	Engine:2.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder, 105 kW electric motor – 200 horsepower combined. Transmission:Continuously Variable (CVT)
	Fuel economy, litres/100 city/highway:4.7 / 5.1

NEWBERG, OR – To this point, Lexus has used electric motors to supplement gasoline engines in its cars. The goal and result has been to boost performance. The GS 450h and LS600h both had this combination. The six-cylinder GS with electric assist offered V8-like performance. The V8 and motor in the LS600h acted like a V12.

But Lexus learned that Toyota had the right idea – use the electric motor/internal, combustion engine combination to boost fuel mileage instead of performance. While very few folks were opening their wallets for a Lexus GS or LS hybrid they liked the RX and the variety of Toyota products using that more traditional approach to hybrids.

Enter the 2013 Lexus ES300h which utilizes the Camry Hybrid system – a four cylinder engine, Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system and a Continuously Variable Transmission. In comparison to the conventional Lexus ES350, there are 68 fewer horses in the corral but fuel economy is a whopping 50 per cent greater.

This is the sixth generation of the ES which has become the mainstay of the Lexus car line. The RX SUV is the biggest seller overall and the success of the hybrid version has allows Lexus to make the claim that one in every five vehicles the division sells is as hybrid.

The 2013 ES will arrive in Lexus stores next month wearing the same new look as its conventional roommate the ES350. The new ES is longer and rides on a lengthened wheelbase, allowing more interior space. The new look begins up front with the Lexus “spindle” grill that is working its way into the entire lineup and giving the ES a more purposeful look. Apart from the front end, the remainder of the ES varies little from the Camry. The interior is a different story, one where luxury and elegance rule. We expect Lexus products to be assembled with the precision of a Swiss watch and this one does not disappoint. In addition to a completely different instrument panel the ES has a far more upscale air than the Camry – which in itself is no slouch in this respect. 

The additional 45.7-mm in wheelbase has translated into 540 litres of additional space inside the car, much of it in the rear seat area which gets 107-mm more legroom and 71-mm more knee room.

The new ES300h is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine operating on the Atkinson cycle which means it surrenders some power for increased fuel efficiency. The notion is that the electric power will make up for the power loss, especially as electric motors generate maximum torque or power at idle. The driver can use a button to select from Eco, Normal or Sport modes. Pushing that button alters the settings of the electric power steering, drive-by-wire throttle and in ECO mode, the air conditioning system.

The ES300h is no screaming demon at any time because of the dearth of power and its sheer size and weight. But in Eco mode it is simply slow. Maximum mileage yes, enjoyable driving no. Admittedly I spent most of my seat time in Sport mode as that provided the best chance of maximizing performance and driving enjoyment.

Having said that, the ES300h can run for short periods of time, under certain conditions, under electric power alone – such as in parking lots and garages and when creeping along in traffic. Under normal conditions the engine and motor work smoothly in conjunction with one another. Lexus - nee Toyota - has this hybrid business down to an art.

One of the key components in a luxury car is silence, the lack of wind and road noise. The ES300h has this in spades thanks to everything from aerodynamics that encourage the air to move past with minimal disruption to a variety of sound deadening material applied in all the right places.

The ride is supple without being too pillow-soft. The stiffened chassis of this new ES contributes to the ability to allow the suspension to absorb imperfections rather than passing them along to the occupants which often happens with less rigid structures. The electric power steering retains a modicum of feel but is generally too light for my tastes.

Braking this hybrid requires some patience, not in terms of the ability to stop, but in getting used to the regenerative systems that captures energy created by the heat generated by the friction between pads and rotors. Coming to a smooth stop without alerting your passengers something is afoot, requires early and variable pressure on the brake pedal.

Toyota owns the hybrid sector. Applying that knowledge and experience to the best-selling car in the Lexus camp secures that dominance.