Cars & Autos | Sunday 2 June, 2019 5:00 am |

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 honored 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.

Yugo Miyamoto, Chief Representative of Middle East & Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “We are delighted that the Lexus ES 300h has been recognized as ‘Best Midsize Luxury Sedan’ at the sixth annual MECOTY awards. This coveted accolade is testament to the model’s winning combination of brave design and exhilarating performance, which is complemented not only by its luxurious interior, but also its outstanding efficiency and green credentials – highlighting Lexus’ deep-rooted care for and consideration of the future needs of people and society. We extend our gratitude to our customers in the region for their loyal support, which remains an endless source of inspiration in our quest to develop vehicles that create amazing experiences and exceed the expectations of drivers and passengers.”

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 behavior. 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.