Pioneering hybrid electric vehicle recognized as finest in its class at prestigious annual award ceremony by panel of 19 independent automotive editors

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 11, 2019:  Lexus’ enduring commitment to excellence in engineering, innovation and driving dynamics has once again been highlighted with a prestigious industry recognition. The brand’s tireless pursuit of emotional design, exceptional comfort and class-leading performance was endorsed recently when the Lexus ES 300h was honoured in the ‘Best Midsize Luxury Sedan’ category at the 2019 Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards, one of the premier annual award ceremonies for the region’s automotive industry, which took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Combining class-leading handling with unparalleled luxury, the Lexus ES 300h was selected for the award by a judging panel made up of 19 independent senior editors from the Middle East and North Africa’s leading automotive publications. Each nominee was assessed according to a rigorous set of ten criteria including design and quality (exterior and interior); emotional appeal and driver satisfaction; handling and drivability; value for money (new purchase and resale); safety and durability; comfort and practicality; performance and capability; environmental friendliness; technological innovation; and regional appeal.

Commenting on the award, Mohammed Maktari, Managing Director at Al-Futtaim Lexus, said: “We are delighted that the Lexus ES 300h has been recognized as ‘Best Midsize Luxury Sedan’ at the annual MECOTY awards. The model’s winning combination of brave design and exhilarating performance is complemented not only by its luxurious interior but also its outstanding efficiency and green credentials.” 

The 2019 ES 300h is an electrified hybrid model that can be driven entirely by electrical ‎power with zero-fuel consumption and carbon emissions, or through a combination of a petrol ‎engine and two electric motors, depending on the vehicle’s speed and driver behaviour. In addition, batteries in the hybrid electric drivetrain are automatically charged by either the petrol ‎engine or when braking and decelerating, eliminating the need to plug in a power cord. 

The class-leading model enables customers to contribute to a sustainable future with a fuel consumption value of 22.4 km/L while enjoying the increased driving satisfaction and engagement provided by the ES 300h’s advanced technologies.

The all-new Lexus ES continues the expression of the brand’s design direction and commitment towards crafting vehicles with heightened excitement, emotion, and passion. The vehicle’s distinct personality is completed by its exquisite interior, which offers an array of advanced features that create a refined cabin experience.

These include a 12.3-inch enhanced in-vehicle multimedia display, 10.2-inch coloured and adjustable head-up display (HUD), 7-inch colour multi-information display (MID) in the gauge cluster, wireless charging system for smartphones, LED ambient illumination, the Lexus Climate Concierge with a 3-zone independent temperature control system, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, multi-adjustable power and ventilated front seats, power reclining rear seats, a rear armrest with multi-operation panel, and a hands-free power trunk lid.

The Lexus ES ensures complete peace of mind with Lexus Safety System+, an advanced safety technology package that includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pedestrian detection during daylight and certain low-light conditions, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with a new feature called Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and a two-stage adaptive high beam system (AHS). 

In addition, the car offers unparalleled protection for its occupants through a comprehensive array of safety features such as 10 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Parking Support Alert (PKSA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Active Cornering Assist (ACA), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), among many others.