New Lexus ES Arrives in South Africa With Hybrid and Electric Options

The eighth-generation Lexus ES has arrived in South Africa with a choice of hybrid and fully electric powertrains, priced from R1 051 200.

The three-model range comprises the ES 350h EX, ES 350h SE and ES 350e SE. Both hybrid derivatives produce a combined 182 kW, while the fully electric model delivers 167 kW and a claimed range of up to 615 km on the NEDC test cycle.

The new sedan is larger than its predecessor and introduces additional cabin space, revised suspension, new driver-assistance technology and dashboard switches concealed beneath the upholstery.

Lexus ES Prices in South Africa

The local range is priced as follows:

All three models include a seven-year/105 000 km warranty and a seven-year/105 000 km maintenance plan.

The hybrid and battery-electric batteries carry an eight-year/160 000 km warranty.

Larger Body Creates More Passenger Space

The new ES measures 5 140 mm long and 1 920 mm wide. Height is 1 555 mm for the hybrid models and 1 560 mm for the electric derivative.

Compared with the previous generation, overall length has increased by 165 mm and width by 55 mm. The 2 950 mm wheelbase is 80 mm longer.

Front and rear tracks have increased by 64 mm and 82 mm respectively. The distance between the front and rear seating positions has grown by 77 mm to 1 102 mm, while higher seating positions are intended to ease entry and exit.

Lexus describes the design approach as “Clean Tech x Elegance”. The exterior incorporates an evolution of its Spindle Body design across the bonnet and bumper, alongside a new Twin L Signature Lamp treatment at the front and Lexus ICON lighting at the rear.

Other details include semi-flush door handles and an electric pop switch lid. Hybrid models have 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, while the ES 350e SE uses 21-inch wheels.

Six exterior colours are available: Crystal Blue, Graphite Black, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Iridium and White Nova.

Hybrid Models Deliver 182 kW

The ES 350h EX and ES 350h SE use a 2.5-litre self-charging petrol-electric hybrid system, driving the front wheels through an E-CVT.

The petrol engine produces 139 kW and 235 Nm. Combined system output is 182 kW.

The EX provides the entry point to the range, with equipment including:

• Integrated Sport Driving with three driving modes and a Custom setting.
• LED headlamps and heated, auto-retractable exterior mirrors.
• Synthetic leather upholstery.
• An eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support.
• A heated steering wheel.
• A 14-inch multimedia display and 12.3-inch TFT LCD driver’s display.
• A 10-speaker premium audio system.
• Wireless connectivity.
• A panoramic electric sunroof with panoramic moonroof functionality.
• Automatic climate control and a Nanoe negative-ion generator.
• An electronic shifter, rear armrest and premium interior illumination.
• A day/night inner mirror.

ES 350h SE Adds Comfort and Parking Technology

The ES 350h SE retains the same hybrid powertrain but expands the comfort and technology specification.

Its exterior mirrors add memory, electrochromic dimming and reverse linkage, alongside automatic folding and heating.

Inside, perforated synthetic leather replaces the EX’s upholstery. Both front seats have heating with high, medium and low settings, plus two-way lumbar support. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat gains memory.

Additional SE equipment includes:

• Digital Inner Mirror.
• Auto Climate Concierge.
• Head-Up Display.
• Panoramic View Monitor.
• Automatic Parking.
• A 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system.
• Wireless smartphone charging.
• Bamboo Layering interior treatment.
• Active Noise Control.

Electric ES 350e Offers Claimed Range of Up to 615 km

The ES 350e SE is the first fully electric ES offered in South Africa.

A front-mounted electric motor produces 167 kW and 268 Nm, drawing power from a 74.69 kWh battery.

Lexus quotes a range of up to 615 km on the NEDC cycle and a DC fast-charging time of approximately 30 minutes from 0 to 80%.

Customers have access to Lexus Home Charge for home charging, while the Lexus app helps locate public charging infrastructure.

The electric model’s specification includes Adaptive Variable Suspension, Active Sound Control and Integrated Sport Driving with four modes plus Custom.

Other features include:

• Auto and Easy Closer Doors.
• Static Auto Levelling.
• High-definition Adaptive High-Beam System.
• Cornering lamps and multi-weather front fog lamps.
• Enhanced LED headlamp technology.
• Rear-door sunshades.
• Semi-aniline leather upholstery.
• Heated and ventilated front seats.
• Four-way lumbar adjustment for both front seats.
• A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• Two front wireless chargers.

Hidden Switches Debut in the Cabin

The ES introduces Lexus-first Hidden Switches beneath the dashboard upholstery.

The controls remain invisible when the vehicle is switched off. Once the driver starts the car, the switches illuminate and emerge from the surface.

Although they resemble a touch panel, Lexus says they retain tactile feedback. The design reflects the brand’s Omotenashi hospitality principle.

A new-generation steering wheel, Electro-Shiftmatic electronic shifter and revised multimedia interface form part of the cabin redesign.

Depending on grade, the ES also offers a panoramic roof with an electric shade, rear sunshades, enhanced interior illumination and additional climate-control features.

Revised Platform and Suspension

The ES uses a redesigned Lexus global architecture-K platform developed to accommodate both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains.

Lexus has reinforced the front end, floor and rear structure to increase rigidity. The manufacturer says these changes help reduce vibration and improve steering, acceleration and braking responses.

Front suspension uses MacPherson struts. A multi-link rear arrangement appears in the ES for the first time, with revised suspension-arm bushings intended to improve ride quality.

A variable-gear steering rack is designed to support stability at higher speeds, quicker cornering responses and easier low-speed manoeuvring.

Driver-Assistance Features Across the Range

Lexus Safety System+ 4 includes a Pre-Collision Safety System, Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist and Adaptive High-Beam technology.

The ES 350h EX specification also lists:

• Blind Spot Monitoring.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
• Front Cross Traffic Alert.
• Parking Support Alert Brake.
• Driver Monitor Camera.
• Camera washer.

Front Cross Traffic Alert is intended to improve awareness at intersections and in situations with restricted visibility. SE models add parking assistance through the Panoramic View Monitor and Automatic Parking.

With three derivatives, the new ES gives South African buyers a choice between hybrid and fully electric driving, supported by the same vehicle warranty and maintenance-plan periods across the range.

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