- New ES now available in hybrid and pure-electric.
- Longer and taller than outgoing model.
- First Lexus to have Connected Services.
It's easy to forget that the ES was one of the OG Lexus models. It was launched in the same year as the LS, 1989; the latter got all the attention because it was a ground-up luxury model developed with little regard for development cost.
The ES was there to make up the numbers. Quite literally, as Toyota didn't want to launch a whole new luxury brand with just one model. So while the LS was bespoke, the ES was based on an existing front-drive platform. Pretty much a super-luxury Camry, in other words.
No longer. The 8th-generation ES just launched in New Zealand has overtaken the flagship LS in some respects. It's the first Lexus to use Toyota's 6th-gen hybrid system, it's now also available with a pure-electric powertrain and it's the first Lexus to have Connected Services (although the RAV4 got there first in the wider Toyota world).
The NZ ES range includes the $96,900 300h Premium and $104,900 300h Limited hybrids, with the new $109,900 ES 500e Dynamic AWD battery-electric (BEV) model at the top of the range.
Overall length has increased by 165mm compared to the previous model to 5140mm, while height increases by 110mm to 1555mm for the hybrid, and 1560mm for the BEV. The larger proportions create more space for rear-seat passengers, says Lexus.
New-generation front seats use a split construction designed to improve ride comfort, while hidden touch switches remain discreet until illuminated for use.
The ES 300h Premium includes heated eight-way power front seats, a panoramic moonroof, 12.3-inch digital combination meter, 14-inch touchscreen multimedia display, and 19-inch aero wheels.
Moving to the ES 300h Limited adds features including a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, ventilated front seats, head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, Panoramic View Monitor and multi-colour ambient lighting.
The ES 300h Limited also has multi-colour ambient lighting with 14 themes, 50 custom colours and six dynamic patterns, while the ES 500e Dynamic introduces surface-emitting illumination diffused through new bamboo ornamentation.
The hybrid models use a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an E-CVT and lithium-ion battery, for total system output of 144kW.
The ES 500e Dynamic introduces battery electric power to the ES for the first time, with E-Four all-wheel drive, a 74.69kWh lithium-ion battery and total system output of 252kW. It has an estimated WLTP driving range of 465km and can accelerate from 0–100km/h in 5.5 seconds.
Adaptive Variable Suspension is standard, while Interactive Manual Drive (introduced on the RZ SUV) gives drivers eight virtual gears selected using steering-wheel paddle shifters.
The ES 500e Dynamic is distinguished visually by 21-inch grey metallic alloys with matte black aero wheel covers and a unique aero package incorporating a front spoiler, side skirts and lower bumper.
Inside, semi-aniline leather accented seats, bamboo layering ornamentation and dynamic multi-colour surface illumination differentiate the flagship model.
Across the range, the new ES also introduces Lexus Connected Services, including SOS emergency call functionality, automatic collision notification in the event of an accident, and stolen vehicle tracking.
The system also offers a range of convenience functions for both drivers and passengers, accessible via the Lexus Connected app. Remote functions include vehicle start, lock and unlock, and climate control management.
Through the app, customers can also access vehicles insights such as odometer reading, distance to empty vehicle location, and notifications for unlocked doors or open windows.
All versions feature the next generation of Lexus Safety System+, including High Definition Adaptive High-Beam System, Front Cross Traffic Alert, improved Lane Trace Assist and expanded Pre-Collision System detection. A camera-based Driver Monitor can recognise signs of driver inattention and fatigue.
