Top 3 things you need to know about the Lexus ES
The Lexus ES has established itself as a spacious, luxurious and reliable large saloon car. We have a look at three things that we think you should know about this luxurious sedan.
The Lexus ES finds itself in a unique position within the market, offering a large saloon car package at the price point of a medium-sized sedan, but without compromising on features. The ES does sacrifice in the dynamic driving department by virtue of its front-wheel drive chassis and powertrain options though. That being said, the target audience for this product is likely to value comfort, refinement and quality over driving dynamics. Here are 3 things that you need to know about the ES range:
1. Petrol and hybrid options
The local Lexus ES range comprises of a three-model lineup, with the ES 250 EX starting things off at R653 200. The ES 250 features a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The powertrain sends 152kW and 243 N.m through the front wheels. This model consumes fuel at a claimed rate of 6.6 L/100km, providing a driving range of 909km while emitting 150 g/km of CO2. Acceleration is less impressive, with 0-100km/h coming up in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.
The other models within the lineup feature a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that uses a mildly detuned version of the 2.5-litre engine in the ES 250. The combined system output of the petrol engine and self-charging electric motor is 160 kW while the torque is rated at 221+e N.m. The hybrid drivetrain is paired with a CVT gearbox and is able to return significantly lower CO2 emissions of 104 g/km while consuming a claimed 4.6 L/100km. Performance for the hybrid is better in terms of acceleration, with 100km/h coming up in a claimed 8.9 seconds, but the top speed is lower than the petrol-only model at 180 km/h. The entry-level hybrid model is the ES 300h EX which retails for R789 800 while the flagship is the ES 300h SE which is priced at R929 100. All ES models come with a seven-year/105 000km warranty and maintenance plan as standard.
2. More connected
As of 2020, the ES range now comes with Apple CarPlay 2 and Android Auto 3 compatibility along with a free Wi-Fi hotspot for occupants. This smartphone connectivity is all managed through a 12.3-inch infotainment system and touchpad with audio playing through either the Lexus Premium audio system or in the flagship ES, a Mark Levinson premium audio system.
3. Colours and interior options
Luxury products often provide a plethora of exterior and interior colour and trim options and the ES range is no different. The ES range is available in exterior colours which include White Quartz, Platinum Silver, Opulent Blue, Morello Red, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey, Black, Olive Green and Ice Ecru. The interior trim colour options include trim Black, Chateau and Topaz Brown while the Rich Cream colour option is only available on the flagship hybrid variant.
