Updated Lexus ES still an enticing German alternative

The global shift towards SUVs and crossovers has seemingly failed to change the guard at the top of Lexus’ model line-up.

Figures don’t lie

Despite Toyota’s upmarket division being home to the UX, NX, RX, GX and LX, true to its founding in its 1989, its best-seller has remained a sedan in the ES.

Accounting for 28% of Lexus’ overall sales, and a staggering 83% of the brand’s sedan share, the ES, introduced a few months after the flagship LS in 1989, has become a byword for accessible luxury with emphasis resoundingly on the latter as opposed to the added sportiness promised by its German rivals.

Now in its seventh generation, a specification tweak last year officially took-on a more extensive refresh towards the end of last month with the unveiling of the facelift ES for South Africa.

Spot the differences

Despite sporting a look dubbed “Provocative Elegance” by its chief designer, the ES’ redesign is unlikely to attract glances of provocation in the same as say BMW’s new 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Instead, it remains typically Lexus staid and benefits from the brand’s latest Spindle Grille, slimmer new bi-LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels on the entry-level EX model, and 18-inches on the top-spec SE.

ALSO READ: LS inspired facelift handed to Lexus ES

Though available in F Sport guise for the first time, this model, for now has been ruled-out for South Africa.

Completing the exterior is an expansion of the colour palette from seven hues to ten, the new choices being Sonic Iridium, Graphite Black and Sonic Chrome.

No more mouse reliance

Inside, the incremental changes continue, though to the benefit of a layout lamented ever since introduction for the irksome infotainment system.

While still fitted with the less than perfect mouse-like touchpad, the display now measures 12.3-inches and finally gains touchscreen functionally that offsets the use of the pad completely.

It is worth noting though that the display is only offered on the SE as the EX retains the previous eight-inch setup. Both have however been moved forward by 112 mm and as before offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. 

New to the SE is a wireless smartphone charger and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, with a ten-speaker audio doing duty in the EX.

Like the exterior colour palette, Lexus has rejigged the choice of interior hues by replacing Topaz Brown with Mauve, while also introducing a new veneer option called bamboo.

On the safety side, Blind Spot Monitoring now comes standard on the EX with the full Lexus Safety System, made-up of Adaptive High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning Pre-Crash Assist and Lane Keep Assist, starring on the SE.

The drive

In keeping with its upmarket status, the launch route took in the Cape Winelands, Gordon’s Bay and Hermanus plus Stellenbosch and the testing Franschhoek Pass.

Of the three models available in the ES range, two were present at the launch. The 250 EX powered by the conventional 2.5-litre petrol engine and the range-topping 300h SE that pairs the same engine with an electric motor.

As much as the 250 has become the de facto ES model, no doubt as a result of its price, the powertrain is not as refined as the hybrid when pottering around or at speed.

Developing 152W/243Nm, the big displacement petrol is paired to eight-speed automatic transmission that tendered to become erratic and embark on a ratio hunting spree when asked to make the most out of the available grunt.

For its part, the 300h, which can also be had in EX guise, offers a combined output of 160 kW that feels a lot more substantial and suits the character of the ES a lot better.

Despite being hooked to a CVT, the transmission’s often infuriating drone is easier to stomach than the torque converter thanks to additional torque that comes in without the same amount of lag.

Being around 80 kg heavier, the hybrid also feels more planted than 250, but not anymore laborious or lacking inside. In fact, it is feels a touch more comfortable and relaxing, more than likely as a result of the cabin being quieter as the national limit.

Not lacking for anything though is the ES’ build quality or level of spec, though the mentioned bamboo trim is unlikely to be attract universal approval.

Conclusion

As hard as its changes are to spot, what remains intact is the Lexus ES’ mantra of providing old-school luxury wrapped in a sedan package at a price undercutting its German and British rivals.

Doing exactly what it says on the tin without the promise of being sporty or exhilarating, it is a proud nod to comfort and plush as only Lexus can.

Pricing

A seven year/105 000 km warranty and maintenance plan is standard across the ES range with the hybrid models also getting an eight year/195 000 km battery warranty.

• ES 250 EX – R719 900
• ES 300h EX – R774 400
• ES 300h SE – R948 400

For more information on the Lexus ES, click here.