Lexus ES

Summary

Lexus India promptly launched the seventh-generation ES sedan in the country after it was showcased at the 2018 Beijing Motor show. It takes the CBU route to India and is priced at Rs 59.13 lakhs (ex-showroom all-India). The ES goes up against German executive sedans like Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. At this price point, there are other SUV options as well such as Volvo XC60, Jeep Wrangler or the Jaguar F-Pace.

Exterior

The new-gen ES sedan now adopts the imposing Spindle grille which lends it so much more street presence than before. It looks like a scaled down LS which isn’t a bad thing since you can have the same look at less than half the cost. Toyota’s new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform helped the ES lose a significant amount of weight yet grow in dimension. The ES is now longer by 65mm, wider by 45mm and sits 5mm lower than before. Upfront, flanking the grille are a sleek pair of headlights similar to the RC Coupe and the LS. The bumper gets chrome inserts and redesigned fog lamps, both of which are more akin to the LS. The silhouette seems to have taken inspiration from the flagship, while the 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels add to the grandeur appearance of the ES. The LED taillights are new and there is a boot lid spoiler as well.

Interior

In keeping with the Lexus’ tradition, the cabin is spacious and opulent. The driver-focused interior gets an LCD screen instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer. The centre console gets a massive 12.3-inch screen with navigation. Customers can opt for four different type of cabin colours and three types of trims.  The ES also offers two shades of Shimamoku wood as well as light-coloured Bamboo trims with Takumi craftsmanship. Other highlights of the cabin are – adjustable and heated semi-aniline seats, 17 speaker Mark Levinson Pure Play system, wireless charging and large legroom. The trunk space is 454litres that also fits in a full sized spare wheel.

Engine & Transmission

In India, the ES is available in a single 300h trim. This means under the hood is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which is paired with an electric motor to generate a combined output of 212bhp of power and 213Nm of torque. The power is sent to front wheels via an electronically controlled CVT. Lexus claims that the hybrid powertrain has a fuel efficiency of 22.37kmpl. The 0-100kmpl time is 8.1 seconds and top speed is limited to 180kmph.