Toyota luxury brand Lexus has unveiled information about its new 2014 ES 300h hybrid luxury sedan, which first debuted just last year. Chief among what’s been announced is news of its EPA fuel economy ratings, which play out at 40 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined.
Lexus said of the ES 300h that its hybrid system
combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with an electric motor to generate 200 total system horsepower. Teamed to the system’s electronic continuously variable transmission, the powertrain can move the ES 300h in rapid fashion, with zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
The ES 300h driver can exert control over the car’s responses by selecting from among four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and EV. In certain conditions, while in EV mode, the car can be driven short distances at reduced speed, using only the power from the hybrid battery pack. Normal mode provides an ideal blend of performance and efficiency for everyday driving. Eco mode favors fuel economy, and Sport mode increases powertrain responsiveness for a more engaging driving experience.
Like in the GS 450h, this Lexus hybrid has a number of new features, including integrated Apple technology. Dubbed Siri Eyes Free Mode, it is compatible with select iPhones and lets one “call contacts, select and play music from iTunes, get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple maps, and much more.”
image via Lexus
Also new for the 2014 model are LED fog lamps included with HID headlamps and heated/ventilated front seats in perforated NuLuxe trim. Beyond this, you get all the trappings typical in a luxury Lexus model, such as automatic climate control, a system controller in the central console that allows for easy control of many vehicle comfort options, a 15-speaker, 835-watt audio system and expanded connectivity options for things like streaming audio wirelessly.
Lexus did not mention specific pricing or availability for the ES 300h as of yet.
