The Lexus ES has enjoyed three decades of success in the mid-size sedan category

The ES is more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before, and a new generation of customers is being introduced to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this market segment. A refresher about the ES The original ES launched the Lexus brand in 1989, alongside the LS flagship sedan. Since then, its popularity has been built on class-leading comfort and Lexus’ commitment to delivering a human-centred experience, expressed through intuitive driving behaviour and a driver-focused cockpit. Today, the ES is Lexus’ most popular sedan, having amassed more than 2.3 million cumulative global sales over the years. South African specs boast two hybrid model grades South Africa launches the minor-change ES with three model grades, ES 250 petrol EX grade, ES 300 hybrid SE and SE grades. These are the same model grades as the previous model since launching the entry-level EX grade for hybrid in 2020. The ES is powered by a new, fourth-generation self-charging hybrid system. Exterior design and the concept of ‘provocative elegance’ Yasuo Kajino, the ES’s chief designer, describes the car’s design as “provocative elegance”. “The ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this minor-change generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge buyers’ traditional expectations,” he said. The GA-K platform allowed for a lower bonnet line. The frontal design was revised with a new treatment of the spindle grille with fewer vertical bars and the introduction of L-shaped elements. Slimmer units were added for both the single and three-eye LED headlights. In a break with past generations, the design features a rearward-sloping fast roofline that emphasises the vehicle’s lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. Cabin design that represents the future of Lexus interiors When designing the look and feel of the ES’ cabin, the design team’s starting point was the Lexus Future Interior concept, which blends a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. The driver’s focus is kept on the road ahead by strategically locating the centre display screen and instrument panel. Lexus calls this concept “Seat in Control”, a simple idea that says from the moment you get in, all the controls you need are within reach and all the information you want is in plain view. A new high-resolution 12.3-inch widescreen display has been brought forward by more than 100mm compared with the current model, debuting touch-display functionality to increase usability options for the driver and front passenger. The hybrid models are equipped with Lexus Navigation EMV. Rear passenger comfort has long been a hallmark of the ES and the new model upholds this quality and has a sleeker, sloping exterior roof line. A lower hip point and carefully configured headlining preserve headroom, while the longer wheelbase ensures generous legroom. In the cabin, a new Mauve trim insert option has been introduced for the new hybrid SE grade, while the EX-grades have Hazel and Rich Cream trims as new. Also standard on the ES range are keyless smart entry, a moonroof, twin-front and twin-rear USB-C ports, DAB+ digital radio, 10-speaker audio (EX grades), Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio (SE) and both with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Powertrain and performance The ES 250 is available with a high-efficient, direct-injection 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. Outputs are pegged at 152kW and 243Nm. The fuel consumption on the ES 250 is 6.6 litres/100km. It dispatches the 0-100 km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds and lastly, its top speed is clocked at 210km/h. The ES 300h grades are equipped with Lexus’ fourth-generation, self-charging hybrid drive system that delivers exceptional fuel-efficiency. It’s also impressively responsive and has minimal emissions for a mid-size luxury sedan. It couples the aforementioned ultra-efficient 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with a lighter, more compact and more power-dense electric motor. Total system power is 160kW and combined cycle fuel economy is from 4.6L/100km. The ES 300h sprints from 0-100km/h in a laudable 8.9 seconds and is electronically governed to a top speed of 180km/h. Class-leading safety provisions It is equipped with a full suite of passive safety equipment comprising driver and front passenger airbags, two driver and front passenger knee airbags, two driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags and two front-to-rear side curtain airbags. Standard safety technology further includes a rear-view camera with park distance control and all-speed active cruise control. The EX-grade now also comes standard with blind spot monitor. The SE grade boasts the Lexus Safety System, which further includes Lane Departure Alert, Pre-crash System, Lane Keep Assist and LED-Adaptive High-beam System (AHS). Lexus prices and service information Pricing starts at R719 400 and includes a seven-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan. Source: MotorPress