Lexus ES300h Interior

Step inside the ES and there is an airy feel to the cabin. The layered dashboard feels nice and has a two tone finish. The top part features the screen for the infotainment system and the instrument cluster while the lower half comprises of a whole bunch of buttons for various functions. The analogue clock in the centre looks classy in this digital age. Fit and finish is top notch and the interiors feel built to last, save for a few plastics which do not feel premium when you consider the European rivals it goes up against. Some bits like the power window switches and mirror controls come are straight from the Camry parts bin and that feels a bit disappointing. The infotainment screen is not a touch unit and is controlled by a joystick style knob. The knob is pretty sensitive and takes time getting used to. Even the display on the screen feel a little old school, but the fonts are large and easy to read. Surprisingly, the ES misses out on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay plus there’s no navigation either. The steering wheel finished in leather and wood feels nice to hold. Note the Toyota trademark stalk for the cruise control. Somethings never change. Other features include three zone climate control that works well, electric sun blind at the rear, sunroof reverse camera and a fantastic sounding Mark Levinson audio system with 15 speakers.

What we loved the most about the ES are the seats. The front seats are large and extremely comfortable. They are finished in leather and come with electric adjust, memory settings and cooling function. Cushioning is fantastic too. There is acres of legroom at the back and the rear seats will keep the chauffeur driven very happy. Strangely, the ES doesn’t get recline function for the rear seats which is present in the Camry. The boot is large at 425 litres and Lexus gets brownie points for giving a full size spare wheel tucked away in the wheel well under the boot.

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