I went to the nearby Lexus dealer yesterday to take a real look at ES300h. The actual car is much nicer than photograph. You have to choose a deep color because this car is BIG! Well, actually, not as big as I thought it would be. The most striking view is from C pillar to the rear end of the car, absolutely beautiful evolution of the LS, in fact, much better looking. Short tail design, rather dynamic looking.
Allow me to report more about my feeling on this car. 1. Lexus did the right move. The new ES from inside and outside, is totally Lexus feel. Previous ES is too much an Camry, you can feel so sitting inside, not on this one. 2. Lexus did the right thing. Althought the car is big, Lexus beef up the interior, the seat are much thicker (luxury feel), the console are more elaborate (give you a more snug feel), they did a lot of good thing that makes the driver does not feel this car is big inside. Lengthwise, it is shorter than 5m, it is only the width that may give some problem to Taiwan street. Still, you feel this is a very comfortable and home-like feel inside, again, previous ES did not make me feel so. 3. Surprise!!! Lexus Taiwan must hear what the market is saying, the list price is very reasonable. This car is going to sell well to the 40+ people. Younger people will think it is too large. Personally, the like the 2.02M version because of some options.
I will be taking a test drive next week. To summarize, it is like using a almost 5 series BMW price to buy a 7 Series comfort and if size matters to you. I hope the ride would be better but I cannot say so unless I drove it.
My only problem is I cannot find a suitable color to this car. Lexus selection on color does not appeal to me and I hate to buy a black colored car. What Lexus is doing, is to gain market share in Taiwan. Poor Infinite, no offense, they are not going to survive if their car continues to be at over 3000cc. Forget about Infinite or Lexus engine that are less than 3000cc, eg ES250 or M25, you will cry very loudly when you fill up the gas each time. These cars are way too heavy to be powered by a low cc engine. Either diesel or hybrid can save these cars from being petrol thristy.
Almost going to place order for Volvo V60 diesel, now I may have second thought.