Bitcar Original For a long time, the two attributes that Chinese people cannot refuse when choosing a car are: First, imported cars. Second, lengthen. But as the current car-buying user group becomes younger and younger, I think a third point may need to be added, a sporty atmosphere. For the Lexus ES, as one of the second-tier luxury brands with a win-win reputation and sales, the first two points are undoubtedly unquestionable, but you have to ask what is the most notable thing about its model label? The first reaction of most people is moderation and calmness. If you want to make further progress, then the question becomes, how to make Lexus ES sporty?

In fact, there are two product points that Lexus ES cannot give up. First, design and luxury. Second, it is worry-free and affordable. Sports seems to be the little transparency in the Lexus ES arsenal. Even though there is F SPORT at home, only the ES260 has an F SPORT version among the 2020 models, but the ES300h, which has the leading hybrid system, does not. How can that be done? When Lexus comes back to its senses, the mid-term facelift of the Lexus ES 300h F SPORT is here!

1. What is the difference in appearance?

First, let’s take a look at the difference between the F SPORT version and the regular version. Let’s look at the appearance first. On the front face, the most obvious change is the air intake grille. Although it is also spindle-shaped, the middle grille of the F SPORT version is filled with a diamond grid-like interior. But this is not the case with the regular version of the Lexus ES 300h. In addition to the familiar vertical padding, horizontal internal padding is also added. This is also a major difference between the new and old versions of the regular ES.

The upper part is the old regular version, and the lower part is the new regular version

I believe those with sharp eyesight It was also discovered that the more compact LED headlights and shorter hook-shaped daytime running lights are also one of the differences between the old and new versions of the regular ES.

The upper half is the new model and the lower half is the old model

In addition, the frame of the air intake grille of the F SPORT version has also changed from the silver chrome plating of the ordinary version to a blackened style. Also changed are the small fangs on both sides of the lower surround. Styled sporty appearance package.

The upper part is the F SPORT version, and the lower part is the regular version

Coming to the side, the F SPORT version is equipped with 19-inch double five-spoke blackened wheels., while the regular version of ES has a 17- or 18-inch silver and black contrasting double-stack design that is different from the old model. This small change also brings a lot of sportiness to the entire side of the F SPORT version.

The upper part is the old regular version, and the lower part is the new regular version

2. What is the difference between the interiors?

Coming to the interior, I have to say that it is a bit regretful that the test car we got did not choose the exclusive black and red interior of the F SPORT version. After all, the black and red combination not only adds a lot of sportiness to the entire vehicle, but is also very classic.

The picture shows the black interior of the test car F SPORT

The picture shows the exclusive black and red interior of the F SPORT< /h5>

The interior color scheme on the regular version is warmer.

The picture shows the interior of the regular version of the model

In addition, the aluminum trim on the center console is also the same as the wood grain trim of the regular version. Big difference.

The upper part is the aluminum grain veneer of the test car, and the lower part is the ordinary version of the wood grain veneer

Exclusive seats for the F SPORT version The chair design and movable instrument panel are all derived from LC design, allowing you to have a better tactile and visual experience while driving.

Secondly, the logos under the steering wheel and on the seat headrests of the F SPORT version are also the basis for highlighting its unique identity.

The most important thing is that the 8-inch and 12.3-inch central displays on the new Lexus ES can not only be controlled through the Remote Touch control panel Operation, also realizes touch function.

In addition, the display screen of the new car has been moved forward by 112 mm and tilted closer to the driver. 5 degrees, not only effectively reduces reflections caused by direct sunlight, but is also more convenient to operate.

It stands to reason that we have finished introducing the exterior and interior here, but if youIf you have to ask what the difference is between the old and new F SPORT models, the first is the ES 260 F SPORT model. In terms of design, the difference is the internal structure of the headlight group and the position of the central control screen. In terms of configuration, the new model has an adjustable suspension function. Finally, the newly added 300h F SPORT version is equipped with the only adaptive adjustable suspension AVS in the entire series.

3. Let’s take a hard-core test. Can it withstand it?

Acceleration results

The starting speed of this car can be controlled to 2500 rpm, the front of the car will rise significantly, and the suspension is not too exaggerated. During compression and acceleration, the overall pushing feeling is not strong, but the entire acceleration is very linear, and the two front wheels do not slip. In the end, the Lexus ES300h F SPORT's 0-100 mph time was 8.6 seconds, which is better than the official calibration of 8.9 seconds.

Brake test

I have to say that the braking posture of this car is still a bit awkward, and the front suspension The support is still relatively soft. Fortunately, the rear of the car is relatively stable and there is no sense of instability.

During full braking, although the brake pedal stroke is relatively long, the release of force during the entire braking process is still relatively linear. The final braking score of the Lexus ES300h F SPORT was 39.5 meters.

Fuel consumption test

After starting with a full tank of fuel and driving a total of 187.9 kilometers, the average vehicle speed was 45km/h. At the end of the test, the fuel consumption was 5.4L /100km.

Finally, it was filled up with 10.55L of fuel, which cost 79.76 yuan. Based on this calculation, the actual measured fuel consumption of Lexus ES300h F SPORT is 5.6 L/100km, the average cost per kilometer is 0.42 yuan. This fuel consumption is almost the same whether it is compared with the officially calibrated WLTC combined fuel consumption of 5L/100km or the indicated 5.4L/100km.

4. Is it okay to drive it on a daily basis?

The Lexus ES300h F SPORT uses a hybrid system with a 2.5L engine and an electric motor. This 2.5L engine from Toyota, codenamed A25B-FKS, has firmly entered the ranks of high thermal efficiency internal combustion engines with a thermal efficiency of 41%. In this powertrain, the engine has a maximum power of 131kW (178Ps)/5700rpm and a maximum torque of 221N·m/3600-5200rpm. In addition, the electric motor on the front axle of the vehicle also has a maximum power of 88kW and 202N·mThe maximum torque of the hybrid system is 160kW.

Specifically in daily driving, this hybrid system can not only provide you with extremely quiet crawling or traffic jam driving conditions, but also can drive at speeds below 60km/h and When the road is relatively smooth, it can maintain pure electric driving, which also greatly ensures the fuel economy of the entire vehicle.

When you step on the accelerator deeply to overtake, you can feel that the alternation between the electric motor and the engine has no negative impact on the smoothness of the power connection. The sound and vibration when the engine starts is very slight. But if you hold the accelerator to the bottom at this time, it is common for the ES 300h F SPORT to create a certain push-back feeling when the hybrid power is output at the same time. Generally speaking, the energy control unit of this car does a very good job of predicting driving intentions and intelligently allocating the power output of the engine and electric motor.

If it is cruising at a high speed of 120km/h, and the motor power part completely stops working and is completely taken over by the 2.5L engine, the power performance of the entire car is still very calm.

In terms of transmission system, ES 300h F SPORT is matched with an E-CVT electronic continuously variable transmission, which greatly gives a smoother acceleration experience in daily driving. However, it has to be said that perhaps this transmission focuses too much on economy, which causes it to fail in many cases. , even through the shift lever or the shift paddles behind the steering wheel, it is impossible to switch to the simulated gear. This performance is indeed not good news for driving pleasure, but looking back, after all, this is A Lexus ES.

This car has five driving modes, namely S, S+, Normal, Custom and Eco. In fact, to be honest, the difference between SPORT and SPORT+ is not very big, but the throttle response will become more sensitive and coupled with the efficient transmission of the E-CVT gearbox, the overall power experience will be stronger than Normal. However, if in Eco mode, the response of the accelerator pedal will be much lazier, and there will be no obvious acceleration feeling until basically half the stroke.

Specially speaking, the adjustment of the brake pedal has been greatly improved compared to the old model. The front half of the foot no longer feels soft, and the release of braking force is also more linear, which can give Drivers have considerable confidence.

In terms of chassis, this ES 300h F SPORT is equipped with the entire series’ unique AVS adaptiveThe suspension is adjustable, and the overall driving feel is very thick and luxurious like Lexus. What’s even more amazing is that although this F SPORT version uses tires with a lower aspect ratio and larger sizes, after being filtered by the suspension and vibration damping, it does not have a particularly negative impact on the comfort of the entire vehicle. Retains a clearer road feel.

As for the steering part, many owners of the old models complained that the steering force was a bit heavy, but the performance of the new car is basically similar to the old model, but in this way On the contrary, it echoes the identity of this car F SPORT. In terms of steering accuracy, this car is still at a relatively good level among family cars. There is basically no empty position, and the response of the front of the car is fast enough. In this regard, it still feels sporty.

Summary

Back to our original question, can the newly added Lexus ES 300h F SPORT bring a sporty atmosphere to the entire model? I think it is ok, after all, in terms of appearance and interior alone, its sporty atmosphere is much stronger than that of the regular version.

As for the dynamic part, it may be different from what many people expect, but I think it not only ensures the original advantages of Lexus ES, but also has some sporty adjustments, which is still very good. After all, this is an F SPORT, not a pure F high-performance car.

In general, the Lexus ES 300h F SPORT has indeed neutralized the overly mediocre model label of the entire car series to a certain extent, but can it bring new sports genes to Lexus? I think it still needs some heat. But now it seems that for a model whose sales account for half of the Lexus brand, such changes and freshness are enough, right?