Category Archives: Executive

Electric/hybrid, Executive, Lexus

Dramatic styling gives Lexus the edge

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Lexus e300h
Lexus e300h

Lexus ES300h

By Bill McCarthy

When it comes to dramatic styling, Lexus has few peers and the ES300 embraces elegant styling with state-of-the-art technology.

Based on the firm’s Global Architecture-K  platform, it has what the Japanese firm describes as ‘Provocative Elegance’

The fourth generation self-charging hybrid system couples a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a compact electric motor to deliver 215hp/160kW and combined cycle fuel economy of a claimed 50.4 to 53.2mpg.

The latest revisions for 2022 deliver an upgrade to the multimedia system, interior changes and new colours.

Cloud-based navigation is now included with the multimedia system, together with improved recognition of voice commands and wireless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay. Annoyingly for Android users you still need to plug into a USB port.

The uprated navigation gives access to real-time road and traffic information and displays information such as local fuel prices and parking.

If cloud connection should be lost, an embedded navigation provided on higher grade models can be used.

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The upgraded data communications module (DCM) allows the vehicle to communicate with mobile networks and the internet and to access their car remotely using the Lexus Link smartphone app.

This can lock or unlock the doors, operate the hazard lights and set the air conditioning before making a journey.

Inside, the centre console has been revised, providing two cup holders and USB-A and USB-C ports for playback and device charging respectively.

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The exterior is still a bit of a showstopper, with a sculpted profile and signature spindle grille, while the F-Sport adds those sporty touches, without detracting from the overall elegance of the car.

F Sport styling includes sports front seats embossed with the F Sport emblem and striking aluminium trim.

The interior has a real premium feel, with high quality soft touch trim and a logical layout.The powered heated front seats are multi adjustable and all occupants are kept in comfort and shielded from outside noise with state of the art noise suppression materials.

The console itself features a somewhat fiddly track/pad mouse which controls the major functions through the central eight-inch display screen.

Despite the premium price tag, the list of kit represents good value and includes DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera, power-adjustable, heated front seats, power-adjustable steering column, sunroof, rear privacy glass and dual-zone climate control.

The list continues with the comprehensive safety kit to gain a Euro NCAP five star rating which includes 10 airbags, traction and stability control and on this model blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and new daytime cyclist and night-time pedestrian detection.

Space in the long, but shallow boot is only slightly compromised by the battery, but is adequate for the style of car at 454 litres.

It is a brilliant motorway cruiser, quiet but with plenty of power for rapid acceleration where needed, with the hybrid combo just a whisper in the background.

Handling is also excellent, especially in Sport mode where it dismisses twisting roads and bend with ease. It feels refined, with the advanced suspension soaking up bumps and potholes, and occupants are cosseted in comfort.The Lexus is a luxurious alternative to German dominance in the premium sector, being refined and fairly cheap to run.

Factfile

Lexus ES 300h F-Sport
Price: £47,095
Mechanical: 215bhp, 2,487cc petrol engine/battery hybrid, driving front wheels wheels via CVT  gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 52.9
Insurance group: 34E
CO2 emissions: 127g/km
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

BMW, Coupe, Executive

SUPER COUPE PACKS A REAL PUNCH

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BMW M440i Gran Coupe

By Bill McCarthy

When it comes to producing compact performance coupes, BMW has few peers. Stylish, desirable, pricey and offering, blistering performance together will all-wheel drive technology, there’s a huge amount to like, although this model will set you back north of £53k.

It’s not perfect, no car is, but it comes close. It gives a whole new dimension to the phrase ‘hot hatch.’, with its four-doors, hatchback and brutal pace.

The BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé, has a rather grand sounding name and no, doesn’t refer to shoehorning your gran into the car.

There are small things I am not keen on, like the flush door handles that can be fiddly in the rain and  I am unsure about the larger kidney grille. Actually though, I think I like it.

But it is a striking looking motor, with predatory stance, sweeping profile with short overhangs, cat’s eye type light cluster and that black honeycomb grille flanked just below by huge air scoops finished, like the grille, in high-gloss black.

An M-specific spoiler on the boot lid rounds off the distinctive appearance, as does the performance brake callipers painted in blue and the striking alloys.

BMW describes the interior as a driver-centric cockpit, the dash layout is familiar with the central touchscreen, while a sport leather steering wheel also controls various functions.

The classy leather interior is finished with neat blue stitching, while soft touch finish abound throughout the car offset with contrasting metal inserts.

There are five seats with three full sized to the rear which, despite the compact look of the car, offer decent legroom and reasonable headroom.

Controls are logical and intuitive with the familiar iDrive operating system linked with a central screen and 12.3-inch high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.

The central screen controls, infotainment, navigation and connectivity for smartphones, with built-in SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity and BMW’s  Connected Package Professional enabling remote digital information services.

It is pretty practical, being a hatchback, with 470 litres of boot space up 39 litres on the previous model, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1,290 litres while the hatchback features an automatic opening and closing mechanism.

There are various petrol and diesel models available, but the M version is all about performance and it doesn’t disappoint.

Powered by a three-litre, six cylinder turbo-charged engine it delivers blistering pace, hitting 60 mph in under five seconds, while the eight-speed automatic transmission slips seamlessly through the gears.

A mild hybrid system boosts electrics and adds to the engine power when required.

It is a thrilling experience to give it the full beans and all the while the adaptive M suspension works in the background together with the four wheel-drive to deliver maximum stability and a satisfying driving experience.

The driver can also select various drove modes from COMFORT, ideal for motorway cruising through to the most driver-orientated SPORT mode.

 Here you get the full roar and the spitting and crackling from the exhaust as everything sharpens up and you can give the car its head on the open road as it powers through bendy, twisting roads with ease. All within the law of course.

As you would expect, this model features a comprehensive list of safety kit, with full complement of airbags, traction, steering aids as well as cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking and speed limit information.

FACTFILE

BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe

 Price: £53,980

Mechanical: 374PS, 2199cc, six-cylinder, petrol engine driving all wheels via 8-speed automatic transmission

Max Speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 4.7 seconds

Combined MPG: 35.3

Insurance Group: 40

C02 emissions: 184g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles