All-new Lexus ES 250 to debut

The Johannesburg International Motor Show at Nasrec from October 18 to 17 will be the first public outing for this model.

Justin Ryan, general manager of Lexus SA, said the addition of the new ES served to reinforce the Lexus ongoing commitment to customers and innovation.

“The introduction of ES to the local market is a direct result of customer demand for a more accessible, value-oriented luxury offering from Lexus.” Ryan said.

“We are pleased to have secured not one but two options for them while simultaneously expanding our innovative hybrid vehicle portfolio with the ES 300h initially available on order.

“Price-wise the new ES slots in just below the IS range but spatially it offers accommodation closer to that of the GS.

“Think of it as the spacious and comfortable alternative to the more dynamically focused IS and GS ranges.”

He added the new model was elegantly styled yet suitably bold, and the ES was underpinned by a chassis that offered satisfying driving qualities and an incredibly smooth ride.

This was matched by unprecedented levels of standard equipment, leading technology and a high quality interior bristling with all the latest luxury and modcon features.

The ES 250 is powered by a new 2.5 litre Dual VVT-i twin-cam four-cylinder engine that produces 135 kW at 6 000 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4 100 rpm. The Lexus ES 300h, which is only available on order, sees a 2.5 litre single VVT-i twin-cam Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit (118 kW at 5 700 rpm and 213 Nm of twist at 4 500 rpm) joining hands with a 105 kW electric motor that’s fed by a 650V nickel-metal hydride battery for a combined 151 kW output.