Lexus has been gracious enough to loan me a wide selection of luxurious vehicles. I’ve become a fan of the Lexus look, feel and driving technology. The ES 300 hybrid has a 2.5 liter dual cam, in-line 4 cylinder engine with a high output permanent magnet electric drive motor. This motor pushes 200 total system horsepower which is about 50% more horsepower than other hybrid options. The all aluminum engine construction and VVT-I is connected to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and drive mode select with eco, normal and sport driving modes. These features all come together for optimum fuel efficiency and performance with ample power for driving on all types of highways, roads and traffic scenarios.Speaking about roads, there is one good thing about the inevitable road construction during the summers in Utah, when it’s all completed. The newly surfaced black asphalt with bright, freshly painted lines, make for a quiet and very smooth driving experience. Driving on highway 89/91 through Sardine Canyon from Logan to Salt Lake City is currently partially resurfaced. In fact, the 4-wheel independent MacPherson strut type suspension, with gas pressurized shock absorbers and front and rear stabilizer bars while rolling on 17” aluminum alloy split 5 spoke wheels really gives the occupants of the ES a very smooth ride at all times, no matter the road surface condition or age of the asphalt surface.
The ES 300 that I test drove came with over $9,000 of luxury and convenience options. Options like the blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, lane departure alert with intelligent high-beam headlamps, rain sensing wipers, power trunk closer and intuitive parking assist really added to the overall convenience and driving experience. SmartAccess with push button start/stop, one-touch open/close power tilt-and- slide moonroof and the navigation system with backup camera on an 8” VGA screen with Lexus Enform app. suite were also beneficial options that I thoroughly enjoyed when driving this Lexus.Good sound and entertainment systems while traveling in a vehicle on a longer trip to the Salt Lake area or even a daily short commute to work in Logan is very important to all drivers and passengers. I enjoy uninterrupted and commercial free music through SiriusXM or streamed music through my smart phone’s Bluetooth connection from MP3 files or specific genres of music through Pandora, Slacker or other satellite radio apps. All of this sound is provided by the 8 speaker Lexus premium audio system with a 6 disc in-dash CD changer and automatic sound levelizer.
Getting great fuel mileage while engulfed in luxury and comfort in ultra soft leather with your favorite song playing with premium sound quality is what this hybrid can provide.
Visit a Lexus dealer and ask them about a similar driving experience.
Base MSRP: $38,850
Price as Driven: $47,944
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