Originally Posted by grp52

Panoramic glass roof on a ES 300h?

That has never been a feature option for this generation of all ES 300h model types. Every ES 300h of this generation is built with a power moonroof.

For the 2019 model year (and continuing through the 2022 model year) only the ES 350, ES 350 Luxury, and ES 350 Ultra Luxury model types had panoramic glass roof as an add-on optional feature. Starting with the 2023 model year the ES 350 F SPORT Design model type was added to the list of model types where the panoramic glass roof was a feature option.

Originally Posted by LexusBuilder

I recently test drove the ES 350 and ES 300h. I am in the market for one of these especially the 350 with the V6 engine with all the rumors on the next generation coming, in addition to other Lexus vehicles in the lineup that have phased out the V6 drivetrain.

I was fortunate to be able to drive both in the ultra luxury trim. I did like both of them but I am so used to feeling the transmission shifts and the smoothness of the natural aspirated V6 engine. Of course, this was the first time I drove a FWD so it doesn't handle like the IS 350 and it's pretty sensitive putting too much power down on those front tires. I didn't realize that eCVTs don't shift. It just goes and goes, gets louder and louder as you go from 0-60 on the highway. Now, when I say louder, I don't mean it's LOUD. It just sounds like the engine goes on forever with the noise until I lightened up on the gas pedal. That's where I was wondering when it was going to shift haha. It does get up to speed decently. I've grown to realize you just can't fly down the road unless you are the front of traffic at a light. My area is especially horrendous with slow drivers (It's not old people either!). My driving habits have matured.

The interior is well done. The updates from 2023+ fit the driver experience very well. The color was Palomino and was very fittingly luxurious. There is a good amount of room. I didn't have a lot of time to fiddle with the seats but they were good. The wireless charging is in a good spot to keep phone. Other storage spots are well placed. Features apple wireless CarPlay for a little bit of future proofing. I wanted to see the panoramic view monitor but couldn't get it set up. I looked up a video and saw how it works now. Definitely cool feature.

One of the things I noticed differently between the two besides the powertrain is the roof. The ES 350 ultra luxury comes with the panoramic roof and the ES 300h does not. Now, I'm old school. I don't care for the sunroof or panoramic roof because I don't utilize them for the fear of maintenance issues down the road as I plan to keep this car 10+ years. However, I am more concerned with the panoramic roof than the regular sunroof. You can't get one without it unless you can "special" or "custom" order it which isn't feasible in my area. The panoramic roof is nice and airy but it's not part of my experience for a car. I couldn't tell in my test drive if the panoramic roof caused more noise in the cabin or not. I don't think weight addition is going to be an issue since I won't whipping it around like a sports car.

If I decide to go with the ES 300h, I may wait and keep saving for a better down payment as hybrids will carry on regardless if next generation is here next year or not.

I want to go with the ES 350 ultra luxury for the wheel choice, options it includes with mark Levinson stereo and the option to have a little fun with power but I am hesitant with the panoramic roof durability long term. If anybody has comments on the more recent years of ES (2023+) with the panoramic roof, please share.