The ES 350h is powered by a 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 186 hp and 235Nm. This works alongside an electric motor rated at 201 hp and 270 Nm independently, with the combined system output peaking at 247hp.

Drive is sent to the front wheels through an e-CVT. The setup includes a new eAxle and an integrated Power Control Unit.

Lexus also claims 0-100kmph in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 200 kmph.

Lexus has not released ARAI-certified figures for the India-spec ES 350h at the time of launch. The previous-generation ES 300h, which used an older iteration of the same 2.5-litre hybrid system, was ARAI-rated at 22.5kmpl.

Based on how previous strong-hybrid Lexus models have performed in India, real-world returns in mixed conditions are likely to sit in the 16-20 kmpl range.

The ES 350h dashboard follows Lexus's Tazuna cockpit design, positioning controls to flow naturally toward the driver. The dashboard consists of a new three-spoke steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster housed in a hooded binnacle, and a standard head-up display.

A central 14-inch floating touchscreen manages most vehicle functions, allowing physical buttons to be nearly eliminated. In their place, the lower fascia utilizes hidden, proximity-sensing switches that illuminate only when approached.

The cabin also features a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital inner rear-view mirror, and dual wireless phone chargers.

Cabin climate is managed by powered, heated, and ventilated front seats, a three-zone climate control system, and rear window sunshades. The interior is trimmed in either White or Hazel synthetic leather, accented by multi-colour ambient lighting.

A power-operated bootlid rounds out the practical features, though notably, neither variant includes a sunroof.

The ES 350h gets a complete styling makeover, compared to its predecessor. The front fascia features a sealed, grille-free nose paired with twin L-signature LED headlamps.

These headlamps combine inward-facing L-shaped DRLs and outward-facing turn indicators to form a double-L motif, while the primary headlight clusters sit at the lower edges of the bumper alongside blacked-out vertical accents.

To the side, a rising beltline is accompanied by a Z-shaped chrome trim spanning the door panels. The roofline adopts a fastback slope to create a coupe-like silhouette, and 19-inch alloy wheels are standard across both variants.

The rear gets a continuous LED light bar that spans the width of the boot lid, featuring central 'Lexus' lettering and framed by twin L-signature lamps at the bumper corners.

Safety equipment on the ES 350h centers on the Lexus Safety System+4 (ADAS), which utilizes integrated radar and camera hardware. The Luxury variant adds a driver monitor function to the ADAS package.

Primary safety equipment includes 10 airbags and an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System. Additional standard driving and parking aids consist of a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and front and rear parking sensors.

As for crash test ratings, neither Global NCAP nor Bharat NCAP crash test ratings have been published for this generation of the sedan.

The E-Class leads on interior quality and MBUX cabin technology, and its long-wheelbase variant offers rear-seat space the ES does not directly match. The BMW 5 Series counters with sharper driving dynamics and a wider dealer network across India. Meanwhile, the Audi A6 brings Quattro AWD availability and a sportier character to the segment.

What the ES 350h holds over all three is a proven strong-hybrid powertrain. None of the German rivals offer a comparable HEV option at this price point. It also leads on warranty coverage with its 8-year or 2,00,000km package covering the vehicle and hybrid battery, and is the only locally assembled car in this group.