Lexus South Africa expanded its model range with the all-new ES250 and ES300h. The ES is the luxury marque’s best selling Lexus sedan since its introduction in 1989 and we will see this sixth-generation in South Africa in November.
The reason behind bringing the ES to local market, according to Vice President of Marketing for Lexus SA, Glenn Crompton, is due to the demand for a value-orientated luxury offering from Lexus that’s more accessible to a wider audience. Price-wise the ES comes in just below the IS range but it offers space closer to that of the GS range, “…think of it as the spacious and comfortable alternative to the more dynamically focused IS and GS ranges, says Crompton.”
The ES adopts the firm’s L-Finesse design language, with a prominent take on the now-signature spindle grille flanked by headlamps with daytime running lights and rolling on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior sees the steering wheel angle improved from the outgoing model, which is not available in South Africa, and the front seats can now be lowered by a further 15mm for better headroom while rear knee space has been increased by 60mm. Among the interior features iare the second-generation Remote Touch interface with eight-inch colour monitor, satellite navigation and leather trim. Optional extras include a moonroof, smart entry, electric seats with heaters, and reverse camera. The console trim can be had in a choice of Piano black or Champagne Silver finishes.
Among the standard safety features aboard the ES are 10 airbags, Lane Change Assist with blind spot monitor, vehicle stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist. The driver can select Eco, Normal or Sport drivetrain settings where Eco sees the throttle response and air conditioning moderated for optimum efficiency.
The ES250 is powered by a new 2,5-litre, Dual VVT-i, twin-cam four-cylinder engine developing 135 kW and 235 N.m of torque. It is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The ES300h will be available on order and comes with a 2,5-litre single VVT-i twin-cam Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit producing 118 kW and 213 N.m of torque combined with a 105 kW electric motor for a total power output of 151 kW.
Pricing:
ES250 R435 900
ES300h R515 000