2019 Lexus ES (7th Generation)

Lexus ES gains extra safety kit and interior upgrades in South Africa

Lexus South Africa has announced a raft of minor changes to its ES range, including extra safety kit for the midsize sedan. Pricing (which you can see at the bottom of this story), however, is unchanged.

The Japanese firm’s local arm says standard safety specification across the range now includes intelligent clearance sonar and rear cross traffic alert (the latter complete with a braking function).

In addition, blind-spot monitoring is now standard on the ES300 EX and ES300h EX variants, having previously been available only on the top-spec SE hybrid derivative.

Pricing:

Lexus ES300 EX: R663 000
Lexus ES300h EX: R799 600
Lexus ES300h SE: R931 400


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Lexus upgrades safety spec of ES

For Lexus South Africa, 2020 has been a year of running updates and derivative additions; the ES executive sedan is the latest range to benefit from a safety equipment upgrade.

In April, the Japanese premium marque's local subsidiary rolled out minor improvements to the NX, RC, LS and outgoing IS. A couple of months thereafter, a new entry-level hybrid derivative joined the UX premium crossover range, the LC 500 coupe was updated with new colours, improved infotainment and updates to its dynamic handling systems and, in November, the LX, RX and NX crossovers/SUV also received running updates.

However, the very first update of the year for Lexus pertained to the ES range, which gained a lower-spec 300h EX hybrid derivative, which slotted in between the petrol-engined 250 EX and the top-of-the-range 300h SE hybrid. ICYMI: Read a review of the ES 300h SE.

Minor interior trim updates

In addition to the technological updates, the ES’ interior now features satin-plated finish on the electric window switches and, in pursuit of better ergonomics, the frequently-used “OK” and “Cancel” buttons on the multifunction steering have been raised slightly (by 0.8 mm).

Furthermore, a cut-out is provided for small-item storage in the centre console, the Aux/USB port lid now opens vertically and can stay open so that the driver/front passenger can easily connect to or disconnect from the ports, plus the audio switch adopts a metal-look finish.

Lexus ES prices in South Africa (Dec 2020)

All derivatives in the ES range come standard with a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and maintenance plan. Services are scheduled at every 15 000 km, or alternatively, once a year.

ES 250 EX R663 000
ES 300h EX R799 600
ES 200h SE R931 400

 
It's Amazing How Quickly The Brain Adapts To The New Digital Mirrors On The Japanese 2020 Lexus ES

The seventh-generation Lexus ES sedan introduced the first mass-produced digital mirror to the world back in 2018, beating the Audi E-Tron, Honda E and McLaren Speedtail in replacing traditional side mirrors with cameras. Based on just one night with the digital Lexus ES mirrors, I believe the change to be an improvement.

What Is It?

The Lexus ES isn’t a particularly exciting car. It’s a fine motorway cruiser with a nice relaxing ride. Japan’s Lexus ES comes with the 2.5-liter gasoline-hybrid engine, the bigger 3.5 V6 engine isn’t offered here. As you’d expect for a Lexus, it’s loaded up with safety and convenience features, but the new digital mirrors are the highlight here. As of July 2020 is the availability of they’re available on F Sport cars, previously it was limited to the more luxury-oriented trim levels.

Lexus’ camera and screen setup are rather simple, though admittedly not as simple as a mirror. Two cameras on the exterior replace traditional reflective side mirrors. The digital feed is transmitted to two 5-inch monitors located at the base of each A-pillar inside the car, facing the driver.

The digital side mirrors are bundled with other features including “Parking Support Brake” driver assistance for rear pedestrian avoidance and the 360-degree panoramic view monitor. The package costs an additional ¥287,100 ($2,750 U.S.) — about the same price as the optional Mark Levinson surround sound system. It’s not an exorbitant splurge for gimmicky first-generation tech that also kind of works.


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Updated 2021 Lexus ES to make debut at Shanghai motor show

BMW 5 Series rival is due a mid-life refresh; expect improved efficiency and a more refined ride

Lexus has previewed an updated version of its ES executive saloon, ahead of a full reveal at the Shanghai motor show next Monday.

A short preview clip gives little away and technical details remain under wraps, but a shot of the rear of the car suggests that visual changes will be kept to a minimum.

The current, seventh-generation ES launched in Europe in 2018, marking the nameplate's first appearance in the region since the first-generation model went on sale in 1989. The replacement for the slow-selling GS serves to provide Lexus with a rival to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.


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Lexus ES

In 2018, the all-new seventh-generation Lexus ES redefined its status among entry-level luxury sedans with a striking exterior design and transformative performance made possible by the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform. For the 2022 model year, the new ES family builds upon this recipe for success with numerous multimedia, safety, style, and color updates. Additional enhancements to F SPORT models include a new Dynamic Handling Package and the introduction of a new ES 300h F SPORT trim available in select regions. With the added variety, the ES Family continues to offer Lexus guests choices to fit their diverse interests and lifestyles.


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Styling and chassis updates for 2021 Lexus ES saloon

Subtle upgrades for BMW 5 Series rival focus on dynamism and rolling refinement

An updated version of Lexus's ES executive saloon will go on sale later this year, promising improved refinement and dynamic performance.

As was the case with the LS flagship last year, changes to the ES are subtle and focused more on chassis and technological upgrades than obvious design overhauls.

"The ES is a model renowned for its quiet, smooth performance and high levels of cabin comfort and spaciousness," Lexus said. "The upcoming changes focus on strengthening these qualities, refreshing the car’s styling, improving ride and responsiveness and introducing new, technology-led equipment features."

Chief among the revisions is a stiffer rear suspension set-up, which is said to allow a "more linear" response to steering inputs. A reshaped brake pedal and retuning measures aim to reduce vibration while boosting feedback, and the electronic brake management system has been adjusted to give better control.

The performance-oriented F Sport model gains a new suspension actuator that is claimed to improve ride comfort by expanding the range of damping force on offer.

Elsewhere, the saloon gains the latest iteration of Lexus's trademark 'spindle' grille, the headlights have been subtly reshaped and a range of new designs and colours are available for the alloy wheels, offered in 17in, 18in and 19in sizes.


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Refreshed Lexus ES unveiled with upgraded tech and refinement

Lexus has whipped the wraps off the facelifted ES, with the Japanese firm’s sedan now sporting various cosmetic updates, improved ride quality and a quieter cabin, plus myriad mechanical refinements.

On the outside, the seventh-generation ES’s grille has been revised and now features a mesh pattern comprising L-shaped components which, Lexus says, emphasize lateral flow and “sense of quality”. Flanking the updated grille, the slender monocular headlamp clusters house new, compact light units. The triple-beam headlamps, meanwhile, has been equipped with BladeScan adaptive high-beam technology. The facelifted ES can be had with the option of 17- to 18-inch alloys, with F Sport models featuring bespoke 19-inch gloss black wheels. Two exterior paint options – Sonic Ididium and Sonic Chrome – have been added to the colour palette.

 
Facelifted Lexus ES Confirmed for South Africa

Lexus has revealed its updated ES sedan and the good news is its scheduled to arrive in South Africa before the end of 2021. Here's what you can expect.

Despite the rampant sales successes of the SUV, Lexus still sees big value in the sedan market. The Lexus ES made its debut back in 1989 and the Japanese brand has shifted around 2.65 million units to more than 80 countries.

The facelifted 7th generation Lexus ES receives similar styling cues to that of the flagship LS sedan. There are now geometric square bezels within the headlamp units, while new adaptive high-beam tech makes its debut, trim dependent. The trademark Lexus grille has been given a new mesh pattern and there are new-look 17- and 18-inch wheels.

There's been some work under the skin, with the rear suspension of the updated Lexus ES switching from a single-sheet structure to a stronger dual-sheet structure. This new setup, along with improved torsional and lateral rigidity has resulted in more neutral handling and balance. Lexus International Chief Engineer Tetsuya Aoki said: "Our goal was to deepen the high quality of the ES and to add new value. In addition to further improving quietness and ride comfort, we pursued linearity in vehicle movement, in response to steering wheel operation, that is faithful to the driver's intentions."

 
Lexus ES facelift lands in South Africa – pricing and features detailed

The updated Lexus ES range has landed in South Africa with a choice of two engines and two trim options. This model was updated in April this year and introduced a number of subtle changes both inside and out.

As sourced by Duoporta, the range kicks-off with the Lexus ES 250 EX at R719 900. This model comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, the Lexus Premium audio system with 10 speakers, front and rear parking sensors with a rear-facing camera, keyless entry and go, electronic seat adjustment and heating for the front and rear passenger with two-way lumbar support and a TFT colour display for the instrument cluster. Safety features include rear-cross traffic alert and braking and active cornering assist.

This model is powered by a naturally aspirated 2,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which delivers 152 kW and 243 N.m of torque to the front via an eight-speed torque converter. This EX trim can also be had in the Lexus ES 300h for R774 400 which uses the same engine with the support of an electric motor to send 160 kW and 221 N.m to the fronts via an eCVT. Standard features are mostly the same but the hybrid model further benefits from a humidity sensor and satellite navigation.

The flagship of the range is the Lexus ES 300h SE at R948 400. Included in this is three-zone climate control with a humidity sensor, the Mark Levinson surround sound 17 speaker system, a panoramic view monitor for the rear-facing camera, memory function for the driver’s seat, rear seat heating and electronic adjustment, four-way lumbar support for the driver and passenger, a heads-up display, rear sunshade and smartphone wireless charging.

 
2022 Lexus ES Specs & Price Announced

The latest version of the Lexus ES has touched down in South Africa. Here’s how much it costs, plus what’s on offer.

With three decades of success and over 2.3 million sales under its belt, the 7th generation Lexus ES has been launched in South Africa. Lexus claims its new ES is more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before, and despite its SUV products outnumbering its sedan offerings, the brand reckons the ES will still garner more than a few sales.

Lexus South Africa will be offering the Lexus ES in three model grades: ES 250 EX, ES 300 hybrid EX and ES 300 hybrid SE. Customers have the choice of three new colours for the range: Sonic Iridium, Sonic Chrome, and Graphite Black.

There are two engines on offer for the new Lexus ES. The ES 2550 features a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to an 8-speed automatic. Outputs of 152 kW and 243 Nm are touted, with a claimed acceleration and fuel economy of 9.1 seconds to 100 kph and 6.6 L/100 km respectively. The ES 300h range features the 4th-generation version of the self-charging hybrid system and it delivers a total outputs of 160 kW while consuming just 4.6 L/100 km. It has a claimed acceleration time of 8.9 seconds to 100 kph.

Levels of trim

Being a Lexus, the level of standard equipment is generous and there are no optional extras. Keyless smart entry, a moonroof, twin-front and twin-rear USB-C ports, DAB+ digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity are standard across the range.

ES EX

17-inch wheels
10-speaker audio system
Blind spot monitoring
Rear-view camera
Park distance control
All-speed active cruise control


ES SE

18-inch wheels
10-way adjustable driver’s seat
Heated steering wheel
Heated front seats
Mark Levinson 17 Speaker audio
Lexus Safety System (Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Crash System, Lane Keep Assist, LED Adaptive high-beam assist)


How much does the new Lexus ES cost in South Africa?

The 2021 Lexus ES comes standard with a 7-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or alternatively once a year.

ES 250 EX R719 400
ES 300h EX R774 400
ES 300h SE R948 400



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'More spacious, quieter and safer' - updated Lexus ES now available in South Africa

• Lexus' updated ES luxury sedan is now available in South Africa.

• Three models are on offer, with two being powered by a hybrid powertrain.

• The Lexus ES is priced from R719 400.

Engine line-up

The ES 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Outputs are rated at 152kW and 243Nm. Lexus claims a fuel return of 6.6-litres/100km while top speed is rated at 210km/h.

The ES 300h grades are equipped with Lexus' fourth-generation, self-charging hybrid drive system. It couples the aforementioned 2.5-litre petrol engine with a lighter, more compact and more power-dense electric motor. Total system power is 160kW, and combined cycle fuel economy is from 4.6-litres/100km. The ES 300h sprints from 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and is electronically-governed to a top speed of 180km/h.

The Lexus ES comes standard with a seven-year or 105 000km warranty and maintenance plan.

  • Lexus ES 250 EX - R719 400
  • Lexus ES 300h EX - R774 400
  • Lexus ES 300h SE - R948 400
 
DRIVEN: New Lexus ES is everything a luxury sedan should be

The Lexus ES is everything a medium luxury sedan should be including very well priced against its competitors.

So if you’re in the market in that price range look beyond the teutonic models and please don’t let an SUV cloud your judgement.

It comes with a seven-year/105 000km warranty and maintenance plan.

Lexus ES Pricing (2021)

ES 250 EX: R719 400
ES 300h EX: R774 400
ES 300h SE: R948 400


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