Lexus gives their ES a few refreshments

Lexus introduced a refreshed ES and while the upgrades does not match the level of the sister D-segment car, the Toyota Camry, there are still a number of significant changes but don’t worry, Lexus guarantees that their best-selling ES, now available in three variants, will continue to offer the luxury and comfort of the medium luxury segments at prices that an affordable price.

The ES now sports the new signature Lexus front grilles giving the luxury sedan the resemblance to the NX and RC siblings, but the resemblance does not end there, the ES250 Premium and ES 250 Luxury variants also shares the same diamond-shaped tailpipe tips. The E300h has air stabilising fin shape that hides the exhaust tip to emphasise the clean character of the variant.

LED Daytime running lights are arranged like an arrow-head while the projector headlamp technology gets an upgrade. Lexus claims the headlamps provides a stronger light beam than most conventional headlights and they have standard auto-levelling so that the bright beams will not shine into the eyes of drivers in oncoming vehicles. Not much has changed on the rear end except for the L-shaped graphics to provide a distinct visual signature for the ES at night.

Inside, the ES still maintains its spacious and comfortable interior but the cockpit has a new Remote Touch Interface (RTI) and instrument panel. Along with that Lexus has also given the ES a steering wheel wrapped in a combination of genuine leather and woodgrain complete with a rearranged set of switches to give drivers more accessibility. In addition, a shift lever boot now comes as standard for all variants as well.

Another standard feature in the new ES is the Birdseye Maple wood ornamentation to help accentuate the luxurious and high quality feeling while panels with metallic accents complement the front and rear door trim. The front seats also received changes with new stitching for quilted upholstery and will sport additional switches for the rear passenger to operate. The ES 250 Luxury and 300h variants will also get cushion length adjuster for the driver’s seat for better thigh support.

Lexus has also gave the Auto Rain Sensor and Acoustic Glass a little tweak and widened the Multi-Information Display between the speedo and tachometers by 4.2-inches. Other than that the overhead module for map or dome lamps has also been completely revamped for easier operation and better illumination. The Remote Touch Controller has an additional ENTER button for faster navigation and menu selection.

The powertrains remains the same although Lexus has tinkled with the shock absorber settings at both the front and rear to increase body rigidity and maintain the excellent ride comfort and handling stability. The application of structural reinforcements has also contributed to the increased rigidity of the ES.

Safety aspects have also been upgraded with the inclusion of Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems for the ES 250 Luxury and ES 300h while all variants will receive the Hill-Start Assist upgrade.

Pick from a choice of six body colours, Red Mica Cyrstal Shine, Sonic Quatz, Graphite Black GF, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium and Amber CS. Good news is that Lexus has finish the paint with a cutting-edge paint technology that allows the paint to heal itself from light damages. For the interior, owners will get a choice of either black, Topaz Brown or Ivory depending on the choice of exterior colour.

The Lexus ES will set you back starting at RM259,200.00 for the ES 250 Premium, the more popular ES 250 Luxury at RM278,600.00 and the top-of-the-line ES 300h at RM355,100.00 and comes with a comprehensive factory warranty of three-years/ 100,000km whichever comes first. The ES also comes standard with Lexus Security and Solar Film for all variants and a Lexus Emergency Kit as well.

Lexus Malaysia opened up the books in late July 2015 and to date they have received 100 orders for the Lexus ES 250 Luxury variant being the most popular model. Their target is to sell 750 units of the ES by the end of the year and is confident of meeting the 2015 Lexus sales target of 2200 units.

Jerrica Leong