The Lexus ES is a three-decade-long success story. The premium brands mid-size sedan has helped cement the Lexus name in the hearts of luxury-minded consumers, and with the 7th incarnation just around the corner, Lexus has certainly filled some big shoes.
Being a modern Lexus, the designers have given the ES a redesign that still carries the brands current and rather extreme design language, in part mainly to that stylised hourglass-shaped front grill. Dare I say, the German competitors look somewhat, too conservative when compared to their Japanese counterpart? This new, far more exciting design was made possible thanks to Toyotas GA-K Platform which places the engine lower in the chassis, allowing for a much lower bonnet line giving the ES a unique silhouette and lower stance than one would not expect from a sedan of this size. Apart from the updated styling, where the ES also succeeds is in the details, and even though different trim levels do feature slight changes, owners can still enjoy the slimmer front lights with either single or three LED lighting arrangements. When it comes to wheels, Lexus is offering buyers a choice of two 17-inch wheel designs and an 18-inch wheel option.
The ES exterior styling is only one part of the models upgrade and if you really want to experience luxury, then the newly designed cabin is where you want to be. The interiors design draws inspiration from Lexus Future Interior concept, blending a driver-centred cockpit layout with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. This design puts all controls within easy reach of the driver making for a more involved, albeit luxurious driving experience.
Design aside, the interior also features a host of accessories that enhance both the user experience and passenger comfort. Starting at the front, you will find the new 12.3 high-resolution touch-screen display which has been moved forward by 100mm when compared to the previous model to improve ease of use. The seats have also been given the once over, and you can order the SE model with seat warmers while the Hybrids drivers seat comes equipped with 10-way adjustment!
The Steering wheel is also positioned at a more natural angle and the unit itself is shared with the range-topping LS full-size sedan. Being a Lexus, the wood-trim finish along the dashboard and side panels is nothing short of exquisite and the lighter finish is a welcome break from the dark woods usually found in luxury cars. Apart from the excellent and refined fit and finish, the inside also features tons of tech, which includes 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.
Powering the new ES are two engine options; the ES250 and the ES300h. Both of these models are equipped with a high-efficiency, direct-injection 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. In the ES250, you are given 152kW and 243Nm of torque to play with, which endows the car with a 0-100km/h time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h while still enjoying 6.6L/100km.
The ES300h makes use of Lexus fourth-generation, self-charging hybrid system. The combined system output is 160kW with a 0-100km/h time of 8.9 seconds and the top speed pegged at 180km/h.
Apart from performance and luxury, the ES is also, unsurprisingly, loaded with safety features, and despite the fact that you would probably never want to use them, its nice to know that you have them. So what exactly do you get? Well, how do 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 all sound?
The car is also equipped with a rear-view camera with park distance control, all-speed active cruise control, blind-spot monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Pre-crash System, Lane Keep Assist and LED-Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) depending on the model you choose.
Being a Lexus, you can also expect an amazing warranty, and not to disappoint, the ES comes standard with a best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan while vehicle service intervals are pegged at every 15,000km, alternatively once a year.
Pricing starts at R719,400 for the ES250 EX and the ES300h EX comes in at R774,400. If you want to spoil yourself, the top of the range trim level retails for R948,400.
Looking to buy a Lexus? Make sure you visit the ClickaCar Virtual Showroom and find your perfect car