Alongside with the LS, the ES is now the longest-serving nameplate in Lexus’ line-up. The ES mid-sized sedan was introduced at the launch of the Lexus brand name again in 1989 and has now advanced by means of seven generations… each design has presented its possess styling, material, and mechanical configuration despite owning near architectural ties with its up to date Toyota Camry cousin.
The XZ10-sequence ES – which was up-to-date late final 12 months next its initial start in 2018 – is no distinct. Based on TMC’s GA-K system, this ES is carefully connected to the XV70-sequence Toyota Camry and (discontinued) XX50-sequence Toyota Avalon, and shares chassis fundamentals with the XU70-sequence Toyota Kluger, XA50-sequence Toyota RAV4 and AZ20-sequence Lexus NX, to name a couple of.
By way of comparison, the ES measures 4975mm in size, 1865mm in width and 1445mm in top, which tends to make it 70mm lengthier and 25mm broader than the existing-technology Camry. It is the same height, but rides on a somewhat longer wheelbase than its Toyota counterpart (2870 v 2825mm) and strategies the scale at 1740kg, some 85kg a lot more than the top-spec Camry SL hybrid.
The ES also has the more compact boot of the two at 473 litres (-51 litres).
Lexus claims the newly up to date ES is lighter and a lot more really specified than just before, replete with added protection and driver support systems that are now provided as standard. For 2022, the ES includes intersection help with change aid, emergency steering aid – portion of an expanded suite of AEB systems – and Lexus’ entire suite of on-board connected companies.
Automatic superior-beam support, radar-guided cruise command, street-sign help, parking support brake (like an smart sonar-based mostly clearance system) and a 360-diploma camera are also available (they’re integrated as standard on the Athletics Luxury quality, even so).
The ES range is provided with two powertrain choices – a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine or a petrol-electric powered hybrid – and in a few quality variants. Pricing starts from $61,620 (furthermore on-street prices), which represents an boost of $1930 in excess of the pre-facelift product.
Despite the introduction of a committed petrol engine to the selection, Lexus suggests it expects the hybrid variations to garner the lion’s share of profits. The ES300h (the “h” signifies hybrid) range is powered by a blend of a 160kW/221Nm multipoint injected 2.5-litre petrol motor and an electric powered motor (paired to a consistently variable transmission) that drives the entrance wheels.
Fuel economic climate for the hybridised ES is detailed at 4.8 litres per 100km (on the ADR blended cycle), with Lexus quoting a put together CO2 emissions figure of 109g/km. The ES300h is reported to speed up from standstill to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
On test, the ES300h Athletics Luxury brings what Lexus says is an “expanded alternative for clients shelling out outside of $70,000”.
Priced from $78,180 (moreover on-road expenses) it will come with semi-aniline leather-based-accented upholstery, rear seat heating and tri-zone climate regulate, although a Bamboo trim offer is optional.
Hybrid derivatives are further equipped with adaptive dampers with two driver-selectable options, a heated steering wheel, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio technique, distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels, facet blinds, rear electricity sunshade and a 14-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
The ES slots between the IS and LS in Lexus’ luxury sedan selection. With the GS now long gone from the Lexus line-up, the ES is left to rival competition these types of as the Alfa Romeo Giulia (from $60,900, in addition on-highway costs), Audi A4 ($57,700), BMW 3 Collection ($71,900), Genesis G80 ($84,776), Jaguar XE ($68,679), Mercedes-Benz C-Course ($66,900) and Volvo S60 ($62,490).
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