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There is a slight difference between the two phrases, ¿Qué es esto? and ¿Qué es este?  that when you hear the explanation, most likely you are going to grasp the understanding that there is a difference, but being able to really understand it, is difficult. I think it is one of those concpets that you have to live with for a while and then you come to an understanding. Keep asking native speakers to explain the difference between ¿Qué es esto? and ¿Qué es este? and share your findings with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

         

This is what I came up with... for now.. but I am still seeking a clear explanation. 

When I am pointing to something that is close to me or touching it, I'll say, "¿Qué es esto?, and if I am holding a piece or a part of an object, I'll say, "¿Qué es este?. If it is far away, "I'll say, "¿Qué es eso? - What is that?

 If there were ten cars on a lot, and I didn't know what they were, I would say, "¿Qué es este? - What is this? but I think that, I may get the answer of, "It's a car dealership,", and not the answer "This is a car."or "Those are cars.".

or I'll just say which ever phrase I feel like, because the truth is, when I ask any of those three questions, I always get the answer to the question whether I say, ¿Qué es esto?,  ¿Qué es este? or even "¿Qué es eso?.

        

The difference between "este" y "esto" (both mean THIS), the word "este" is used accompanied by an object or feeling. Example: "ESTE hombre" (this man), "ESTE sentimiento" (this feeling), when the gender is femenine you must use "esta", like in "ESTA mujer" (this woman); "ESTA casa" (this house). Also "este" is used to indicate something you know and that's near you, so that you can see and touch. Example: "¿Qué coche te gusta? - Me gusta ESTE" (What car do you like? - I like this one). 
In the other hand, the word "esto" is used as a noun and replaces the name of an object or situation or any other subject. Example: "No me gusta ESTO" (I don't like this); ¿Por qué haces ESTO? (Why are you doing this?). It is also used to show or explain something. Example: "ESTO es un tren" (This is a train); "ESTA es una niña" (This is a girl).And finally if use the word "éste" with stress in the first E, it becomes a noun that replaces a subject (in english is like IT). Example: "No quiero ir al estadio. ËSTE está muy lejos" (I don't want to go to the stadium. IT is too far).