Toyota is offering a sneak peek of the North American version of the redesigned 2016 Lexus ES 300h, which will officially debut in a few months. Numerous updates were made to the exterior design to make this premium hybrid sedan more attractive to customers including exclusive 17” wheels and new body colours.
Under the hood, a 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine combines with an electric motor to produce 200 total horsepower. In EV mode, the ES 300h can be driven short distances at reduced speed on battery power alone.
A host of driver assist systems
With regard to safety, the updated Lexus ES 300h has a lot to offer starting with 10 standard airbags. There are many driver assist features available including the new optional Safety System+ Package which comprises the following:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS);
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist;
- Intelligent High Beam (IHB);
- High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
The optional Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) has the driver’s back.
Connected car interior
For 2016, the Lexus ES 300h offers a luxurious, functional, and ergonomic interior with soft-touch materials, new colours, piano black door accents, a sportier-looking steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and more.
In terms of amenities, you’ll find a Display Audio system with standard 7” touchscreen, Bluetooth audio, automatic phone book transfer, and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio Bluetooth connectivity. You can even pause radio for up to 15 minutes if you don’t want to miss your favourite songs.
Also new for 2016, the ES 300h can tell you what it needs, and when, through standard Lexus Enform Service Connect. A warning light will alert the driver and the dealer of a specific factory recommended maintenance for a specific maintenance interval.
Moreover, with the navigation option comes the Lexus Enform App Suite, so you can use voice-enabled apps to search the Internet, make restaurant reservations, get movie tickets, listen to Internet radio, search business review, or check in on Facebook Places, for example.
The available 8” Display Audio screen that comes with the Navigation option can be divided into up to three sections to show different functions simultaneously. You can view navigation/map on one section while also having a window for audio or another system. The Lexus Navigation system acts as a co-pilot, providing 3D map with bird’s eye views, predictive traffic information, detour preview, ETA calculation, and fuel station locations.
Canadian specifications and equipment for the 2016 Lexus ES 300h have yet to be announced, but they should closely mirror the U.S. specs. The exact on-sale date as well as pricing info will also be disclosed at a later date.
