New luxury sedan launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Lexus has officially launched the new ES in South Africa, featuring a choice of either a hybrid or fully electric powertrain.

The ES is the brand’s sole sedan in South Africa, offering a different driving profile to the crossovers and SUVs found in its catalogue.

“While SUVs may dominate the premium market, the luxury sedan continues to offer something distinctive: executive presence, long-distance comfort and a driving experience shaped around refinement,” said Lexus.

This new eighth-generation model is now available in three specifications, and prices start at R1,051,200.

Powertrain

The ES is sold in two trim levels – the EX and SE – with the latter having access to two different drivetrains.

First up is the 350h, which pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a self-charging hybrid system. By itself, the engine produces 139kW and 235Nm, but the vehicle has a total output of 182kW (Toyota doesn’t publish the combined torque stats for its hybrids).

The 350h is front-wheel-drive, and is equipped with an E-CVT transmission. It also comes with three driving modes with an additional Custom setting.

Alternatively, there’s the 350e, which is a fully electric model with a front-mounted motor that produces 157kW and 268Nm.

Power is sourced from a 74.69kWh battery, which provides a range of 615km on the NEDC cycle (or 523km on the WLTP cycle).

It supports DC fast charging, which can top up the cells from 0% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes. Lexus has also developed an app that can be used to locate public charging stations.

Features

The new ES is 5,140mm long, 1,920mm wide, and 1,555mm tall, with a 2,950mm wheelbase, making it substantially larger than the old models.

Visually, the sedan follows the brand’s “spindle” body design. Rather than using a conventional grille, the front detailing has been integrated into the bodywork.

Other details include a pair of Twin L LED headlights, semi-flush door handles, an “ICON” rear lighting signature, and 19- or 21-inch alloy wheels, depending on whether you buy the hybrid or electric version.

There are six colours to choose from: Crystal Blue, Graphite Black, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Iridium and White Nova.

Inside, the luxury car uses Lexus’ new-generation steering wheel with an Electro-Shiftmatic shifter, which is designed to create an uncluttered interior.

It has a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, and a new Hidden Switch design innovation where certain switches are discreetly integrated beneath the dashboard upholstery and remain invisible when the vehicle is switched off.

“Once the driver starts the car, they illuminate and emerge from the surface, revealing the controls only when they are needed,” explained the carmaker.

While the switches have the appearance of a touch panel, they still provide tactile feedback.

Other features on the ES include heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof with an electric shade, a digital rearview mirror, a wireless charger, active noise control, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, a head-up display, a panoramic camera system, and automatic parking.

It also comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 4, which incorporates Pre-Collision Safety System, Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist and Adaptive High-Beam technology.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the new Lexus ES is as follows:

• Lexus ES 350h EX – R1,051,200
• Lexus ES 350h SE – R1,232,700
• Lexus ES 350e SE – R1,561,000

This includes a 7-year/105,000km warranty and maintenance plan, and an 8-year/160,000km hybrid battery warranty.

Lexus ES