Lexus ES updated – New features and pricing

Lexus has updated its most popular sedan, the ES, to provide more features and higher levels of comfort for 2022.

The range has one petrol and two hybrid models on offer – with the latter variants featuring a new self-charging hybrid system.

The updated Lexus ES range now has a South African starting price of R719,900.

What’s new

The updated Lexus ES comes with a revised spindle grille with fewer vertical bars and the introduction of “L-shaped elements”, along with slimmer LED light for both the single-eye and three-eye headlight clusters.

At the rear, LED lamps wrap around the edges of the vehicle, while two different 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs can be chosen from.

“Even in the EX grades, the wheels have been redesigned and now feature V-shaped twin spokes that create an even sportier image than the outgoing model,” said Lexus.

Cabin updates were kept to a minimum, too, with all the needed controls within reach of the driver and critical information in plain sight, said the company.

A new, 12.3-inch infotainment display sits 100mm closer to the edge of the dash and the driving position has been “refined with a more natural steering wheel angle.”

In addition, the hybrid SE specification now gets a 10-way electrically-adjustable driver seat and front seat heating as standard.

All hybrid variants are also fitted with integrated navigation.

“A lower hip point and carefully configured headlining preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase ensures generous legroom,” said Lexus.

New trim inserts for the hybrid SE grade include Mauve, whereas the EX grades receive Hazel and Rich Cream interior trim inserts.

Standard features across the Lexus ES range then comprises:

Moonroof
Rear-view camera
Blindspot monitor
Active cruise control
Keyless entry and start
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
10-speaker sound system in EX
17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system in SE

Moreover, the SE grades offer lane departure alert, lane keep assist, adaptive LED headlights, and a pre-crash system.

Engines

The updated Lexus ES 250 is equipped with a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol engine generating 152kW and 243Nm – connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.

This model reaches 100km/h in 9.1 seconds and has a top speed of 210km/h, while combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.6l/100km.

The Lexus ES 300h variants are driven by the same gearbox and petrol engine, paired with a “self-charging hybrid drive system that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency,” said Lexus.

This configuration produces 160kW, allowing the 300h to sprint to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 180km/h.

Combined fuel consumption for the hybrids comes in at 4.6l/100km.

The official torque figure for the hybrid powertrains was not revealed.