ES 300h Gains Even More Range In Japan

Big Changes

Japanese buyers will find a host of updates in the Lexus ES 300h, the only powertrain available in Japan, for the 2021 model year. The biggest of which is the addition of a lithium-ion battery, which replaces the outgoing nickel-hydrogen unit.

Photos: Lexus

New vs Old

That single change apparently makes a big difference in the efficiency of the powerplant. The old 300h featured a fuel economy rating of 20.6 km/L on the WLTC combined cycle (48.4 mpg the U.S. or 4.8 l/100 km), while the 2021 model is rated at 22.3 km/L (52.4 mpg the U.S. or 4.8 l/100 km).

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the new JDM ES 300h's range right here in ClubLexus.com.

Same Power

This change comes despite the fact that the 2021 ES 300h provides the same power as the outgoing model, as its 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain delivers 178 PS (176 horsepower) and 202 Nm of torque (149 pound-feet).

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the new JDM ES 300h's range right here in ClubLexus.com.

Slick Option

Meanwhile, the Lexus ES F Sport models receive a new option in the form of side rearview cameras, which Lexus has offered on the base model ES since 2018. Unfortunately, these are not yet legal in the U.S.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the new JDM ES 300h's range right here in ClubLexus.com.

New and Improved

The cameras have received one big update for the 2021 model year, however, in the form of new digital reference lines that help the driver more accurately estimate the distance between their ES and other objects. 

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the new JDM ES 300h's range right here in ClubLexus.com.

Other Updates

For 2021, all ES models gain Parking Support Brake and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment, along with SmartDeviceLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capability, and a larger charging tray for wireless charging.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the new JDM ES 300h's range right here in ClubLexus.com.

Holding Up

The 2021 Lexus ES starts out at 5,990,000 Yen in Japan, or around $56,800 U.S. These new updates should help keep the slick-looking sedan fresh, as its styling has to help up quite well over the last couple of model years.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the new JDM ES 300h's range right here in ClubLexus.com.

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