Which Lexus ES is better: petrol or hybrid?

Initially launching with only two trim levels, each with a distinct power unit and equipment package and with the hybrid variant as the high-end offering, the Lexus ES range was recently expanded to include a lower-trim hybrid as well. By sacrificing some of the high-spec “SE” trim’s luxuries, the ES hybrid’s price dropped by almost R 135 000, almost exactly splitting the difference between the petrol-only “EX” derivative and the SE hybrid. To maintain spec parity, we’ll only consider the EX hybrid in this comparison.

Related: The top 3 things you need to know about the Lexus ES range.

 

	Lexus ES 250 EX	Lexus ES 300h EX
Price	R 676 300	R 815 300
Power unit	2.5-litre, 4-cylinder non-turbo, 8-speed automatic	2.5-litre, 4-cylinder non-turbo hybrid, CVT
Outputs	152 kW/243 Nm	131 kW/221 Nm *
Kerb weight	1 680 kg	1 740 kg
Performance **	0 – 100 km/h in 9.1s, max speed 210 km/h	0 – 100 km/h in 8.9s, max speed 180 (governed)
Fuel consumption **	6.6 ℓ/100 km	4.6 ℓ/100 km

* Excluding hybrid system contribution.
** Performance and average fuel consumption according to official manufacturer’s claims.
 Pricing was accurate at the time of writing, but may change without any prior notice.

 

Analysis

Before we go into the details, it must be noted that the ES 300h’s total system outputs are only partially known. Lexus states that the hybrid’s petrol engine produces 131 kW and 221 Nm, with the electric drive system upping that power peak to 160 kW (but quotes no system totals for its torque output). 

However, seeing as the hybrid version has slightly quicker acceleration than the base variant in spite of its added weight, it follows that the ES 300h should have a similar total torque advantage. It does post markedly lower claimed average consumption figures, although both derivatives’ official numbers are unlikely to be met in real-world usage.

Related: Find out about the initial Lexus ES model range in this launch report.

 

Which one is better?

Deciding which one to buy will depend on the owner’s projected usage pattern. If plenty of long-distance driving on open freeways is on the cards, it’s probably not worth shelling out the extra money for the ES 300h instead of a normal ES 250. This is because high-speed cruising isn’t really ideal for hybrids to do their best work, making that significant price premium unlikely to be offset in this usage scenario.

However, for city-bound executives who rarely take to the open road, the hybrid will have definite benefits: its CVT is even smoother in low-speed driving than the 8-speed automatic, and congested driving is where the hybrid system will save a fair bit on fuel. It will still take quite a few years to recover the added financial outlay for the hybrid variant, though.

Related: Steampunk-style land yacht - we reviewed the Lexus ES 300h SE.

 

Verdict

While the hybrid’s benefits on congested roads and in low-speed driving are undeniable, it’s still difficult to look past the hybrid EX’s price premium over the petrol-only EX derivative. Putting it bluntly, you’ll need to encounter mostly heavy traffic for a number of years before the hybrid’s claimed efficiency advantage can justify the increased outlay. 

In this case, choosing the hybrid will happen for other reasons: the desire to try save the planet, or perhaps the enhanced smoothness of the driving experience. But, when it comes to Rands and common sense, the base Lexus ES 250 EX is still the best buy in its model range.

Related: New vs used Lexus ES - we highlight the top 4 differences.

 

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