For drivers who appreciate the design and luxury of the ES 300h, Lexus is adding an F Sport edition, which enhances the mid-sized sedan with a package of tasty extras.

Although sedans – both mid-sized and large – are being outsold around the globe by SUVs such as the popular RX and UX, the Lexus ES 300h has held its own within the Lexus stable due to its refined handling, hybrid powertrain and exceptionally roomy cabin.

The ES 300h F Sport builds on those characteristics with a wide range of exterior and interior modifications. From a handling perspective, setting the F Sport apart is an Adaptive Variable Suspension which, when Sport or Sports S+ mode is selected, firms up the ride, tightens the steering and sharpens the response of the transmission.

Lexus New Zealand General Manager Neeraj Lala says the ES 300h F Sport is likely to appeal to a driver who prefers the low, sleek profile and wide stance of a premium sedan over the more upright stance of an SUV.

“The ES 300h F Sport delivers a great driving experience combined with an advanced hybrid system that delivers frugal fuel consumption. All this is wrapped around a refined and beautifully built interior that oozes luxury and a stylish Lexus experience,” he said.

The ES 300h F Sport has been crafted from top to bottom with exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, triple LED headlights, unique upholstery and leather steering wheel with memory functions.

To enhance the handling, the F Sport couples the Adaptive Variable Suspension with performance dampers front and rear. Drivers can choose from pre-set drive modes including Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom options. Other exterior additions are an all-black mesh F Sport grille and front bumper. Headlight cleaners, auto-retract and memory side mirrors and sequential front indicators all come as standard.

The interior of the F Sport epitomises the 2019 style of Lexus. NuLux and soft touch materials dominate with slashes of contrasting aluminium, reminiscent of a finely crafted samurai sword. The two front seats provide superior support and come with heating, ventilation and driver seat position memory. Rear seats are also covered with F Sport Nulux material and provide exceptional comfort and leg room for even the tallest passenger.

For the driver, the 8-inch F Sport instrument panel is configurable and so can be customised to suit the driver’s requirements. At the feet are aluminium F Sport pedals.

F Sport logos on the clock, gear lever knob, steering wheel and front headrests all add to the sporty feeling interior.

The infotainment system is controlled via a touchpad linked to a wide 12.3-inch screen that connects to either an Apple smartphone using Apple Car Play®* or Android phone with Android Auto™*. The vehicle also has a Qi wireless device charger, and four USB ports. Occupants are immersed in sound via an array of 10-speakers from the audio system.

The ES 300h F Sport has the latest Lexus Safety System + and includes All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Road Sign Assist function, Lane Tracing Assist, a dual stage Adaptive High-beam System, and the Lexus Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Other safety features include a comprehensive 10 airbag package, Blind Spot Monitor, Intelligence Clearance Sonar, a tyre pressure warning system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with braking.

All three models of the ES 300h (standard, F Sport and Limited) are powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid system that includes a four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor. Power goes to the front wheels via an E-CVT transmission.

The ES 300h standard and Limited grades each have a combined fuel economy of 4.6 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 104gm/km, while the ES300h F Sport has a combined fuel economy of 4.8 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 109gm/kms.

The ES300h is priced at;

ES300h 2.5 Hybrid sedan ECVT $77,300

ES300h 2.5 Hybrid sedan F Sport ECVT $88,700

ES300h 2.5 Hybrid sedan Limited ECVT $93,300