Lexus has launched its new ES luxury sedan in Australia, with the new model featuring striking exterior design, and plenty of new tech. It will be offered initially as a fully electric vehicle, with a petrol hybrid due later in the year.
A larger car in every dimension, the new ES presents a dramatic form. Built on an evolution of the global architecture K-platform (GA-K), it’s been redesigned to accommodate the latest electrified powertrains.
The design team applied the ‘golden ratio’ principle to achieve an ideal relationship between the key dimensions (wheelbase, length, width and height) to create a sedan that is both elegant and visually striking, and which offers SUV-like interior space.
The cabin features world-first responsive hidden switches on the dashboard and steering wheel which react to hover and touch, transitioning between visible and absent. While having the smooth look of a touch-panel, the switches give satisfying tactile feedback.
A new steering wheel design greets the driver, featuring an embossed ‘LEXUS’ wordmark in place of the ‘L’ logo used previously, while a new-generation front seat debuts a split construction that contributes to the slim profile and excellent comfort.
Further innovations include bamboo layering ornamentation which uses precise printing technology to overlay strips of bamboo with surface-emitting lights, serving the dual purpose of creating textural woodgrain patterns during the day and at night, via illumination.
The digital cockpit on all ES models is equipped with a new 12.3-inch multi-information display with full-screen map view and wireless smartphone integration ahead of the driver. A centrally mounted full-HD 14.0-inch touchscreen provides infotainment.
The more powerful Arene operating system delivers faster performance and the ability to handle more complex tasks, and features embedded voice command, navigation and drive recorder, plus an enhanced screen layout with customisable widgets.
Another new development is the shift-by-wire Electro-Shiftmatic toggle shift lever, which has been ergonomically shaped for ease of use and features single-motion operation frontward and rearward, in conjunction with a ‘Park’ button, for a more compact design.
The fourth-generation Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) includes dynamic radar cruise control, which now includes Eco Run mode and a map-connected drive feature. A new high-definition adaptive high-beam system makes its debbut.
With the choice of front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive, the first ES EV has been engineered to maximise driving performance and range. That kicks off with the front-drive 350e, which produces 165kW from its single front electric motor.
The dual-motor ES 500e AWD outputs 252kW. The 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery underpinning the ES BEV supports 22kW three-phase AC charging and 150kW CCS2 DC charging, helping to top up the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 28 minutes.
A newly developed sixth-generation Lexus series-parallel hybrid powertrain is fitted to HEV versions of the new ES sedan, which provides a high-level balance between performance, fuel efficiency and quietness.
It combines a highly efficient 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, new eAxle with the Power Control Unit integrated into the transaxle, and a lithium-ion battery for a combined system output of 144kW.
At launch, both variants will be specified in Sports Luxury trim, with the hybrid 300h FWD offered in Luxury, with an optional Enhancement Pack. In standard form, that includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, NuLux upholstery, and a panoramic roof.
You also get dual-zone climate control, heated front seats with eight-way adjustment, smart entry and start, 10-speaker audio system and a full suite of active safety features. The EP adds ventilated front seats and multi-colour ambient interior illumination.
Additionally, there’s a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, panoramic view monitor and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The ES 350e Sports Luxury adds further luxurious specifications.
It gets 21-inch alloy wheels, LED front lights with high-definition adaptive high-beam, easy-close doors, semi-aniline leather accented seats with 10-way driver’s seat adjustment and four-way front lumbar support, and a driver and front passenger radiant heater.
There are two wireless smartphone chargers, rear door sunshades and adaptive variable suspension (AVS) with pitch and bounce control. The ES 500e grabs interactive manual drive, unique 21-inch alloy wheels and AWD badging.
The colour palette includes Wavelength, Sonic Copper, Sonic Titanium, White Nova, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Chrome and Graphite Black, while three interior trim colours – White, Black and Hazel – can be optioned on all grades.
The ES 350e FWD Sports Luxury is priced at $77,000, with the 500e at $84,000. When it lands, the 300h Luxury will be $75,000 – with the EP pushing that up to $82,000 – all plus on-roads. You can find out more from your local Lexus dealership.
