Lexus offers three saloons in the local market: the ‘entry’ level IS, the range-topping LS and between them the ES. The latest Lexus ES has just been introduced into the local market. We bring you all the necessary info and local pricing for the newcomer. Incidentally, the ES is Lexus’ most popular sedan with more than 2,3 million global sales accumulated worldwide.

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New appearance

This ES is the seventh-generation of the mid-level saloon. Lexus press material says that: The ES is more spacious, quieter, and safer than ever before, introducing a new generation of customers to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading safety technology, and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this market segment.

Click here to read our driving impression of the previous-gen Lexus ES300h.

An all-new Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, underpins the Lexus ES. A long wheelbase of 2 870 mm allows the wheels to be pushed closer to the car’s corners, resulting in wide front and rear tracks. 

The new car also has the company’s bold and eye-catching design. The frontal design was updated with a new spindle grille treatment that includes fewer vertical bars and the addition of L-shaped elements. Slimmer units for both the single and ‘three-eye’ LED headlights were added. Between the three ES derivatives, two different 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs are available.

Luxurious interior

The Lexus ES interior design is said to have a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. A new, high-resolution 12,3-inch widescreen display has been brought forward by more than 100 mm and now features touch-display functionality.

Read our driving review of the smaller Lexus IS saloon here.

Lexus Navigation EMV is standard on hybrid models. The ES has long been known for its rear passenger comfort, and the new model maintains this standard while also featuring a sleeker, sloping exterior roof line. 

Local line-up

Lexus South Africa introduces the ES in three variants: ES250 petrol EX and ES300 hybrid powered versions that are available in EX and SE grades. The ES250 has a 2,5-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Engine output is 152 kW/243 N.m. The ES300h versions are powered by a hybrid drive that works in conjunction with the 2,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Total system power is quoted as 160 kW, with a combined cycle fuel economy figure of just 4,6 L/100 km.

Prices

Lexus ES250 EX R719 400
Lexus ES300h EX R774 400
Lexus ES300h ES R948 400.

The 2021 Lexus ES comes with a best-in-class seven-year/105 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan as standard.