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The Lexus ES 300h is like that one suave guest at a party — quiet, composed, but always leaving an impression. To keep this premium sedan fresh and firmly in the spotlight, Lexus has rolled out a new variant called the ES Luxury Plus Edition. Starting at INR 69.70 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s a notch above the standard ES 300h, with an additional INR 6.6 lakh price tag, but it comes with a few tricks up its luxury-laden sleeve.

Let’s start with what’s new on the outside. While the core design of the ES 300h remains the same (because why mess with perfection?), the ES Luxury Plus Edition distinguishes itself with a silver-finished grille, a chrome garnish for the tail lamps, an illuminated scuff plate, puddle lamps, and, for your lounging pleasure, a rear-seat pillow. Essentially, it’s the same suave sedan, now with a few extra accessories to make you feel a little more pampered.

No changes under the hood, but who’s complaining? The ES 300h Luxury Plus still houses the same 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid engine, delivering 214.5bhp and 201Nm of torque, paired to a CVT gearbox. And yes, it comes with a dedicated EV mode, so you can cruise quietly like a high-tech ninja when you feel like it.

In the gadget department, the ES Luxury Plus doesn’t skimp. It packs in a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (because why not make your road trip an acoustic adventure?), a 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen, cornering lights, a moonroof, active noise cancellation, wireless smartphone charging, and a head-up display. It even comes with a CD player — a little nostalgic throwback for those who miss simpler times.

If you’re in the market for a premium sedan but want to stand out from the sea of German badges, the Lexus ES 300h does that effortlessly. With its hybrid heart and a level of exclusivity that whispers ‘you’ve arrived’. It’s perfect for those who like to mix luxury with a dose of eco-consciousness. In a segment dominated by the usual suspects, the ES 300h proves it’s more than just another pretty face.