Lexus, a luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota, has unveiled the new 2013 ES 300h hybrid sedan with a new design and improved handling.
The new ES 350 hybrid is powered by a 2.5litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and an integrated hybrid electric motor/generator, which generate a combined output of about 200hp.
Safety and security features of the new hybrid includes an optional blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), lane departure alert (LDA), pre-collision system (PCS), ten airbags and whiplash injury lessening (WIL).
The new hybrid also features enhanced roadside assistance, an emergency assistance button (SOS), stolen vehicle location services and automatic collision notification.
ES 350h offers drive mode select feature, which include normal, eco, sport, and electric vehicle (EV) modes that enables drivers to modify their driving experience.
In normal mode, the hybrid offers a combined performance and efficiency suited to regular driving, while eco mode adjusts throttle mapping and climate control systems as well as improves fuel economy.
The company claims that when the hybrid is operated in sport mode, powertrain and steering responsiveness will be improved, while in EV mode, the vehicle will be powered only by the hybrid battery pack which enables driving for short distances, at reduced speed.
According to the carmaker, the new hybrid sedan offers an EPA fuel economy of 40 mpg combined.
