In 1989 when Lexus introduced itself to the world it launched two models, the ES and the top of the range LS , cars that continue to be part of the range of models of the Japanese brand.
If until now the Lexus ES was built with a market in mind where there were no customers in Western and Central Europe, in this seventh generation — more than 2,282,000 have been sold since the launch of the first generation 1989 — the brand says it had to have account of the demands of these new customers, without frustrating the expectations of everyone else. It is a complex task, but a global model requires it.
In Malaga I had the opportunity to test a Lexus ES on winding roads and the highway for the first time.
In Europe only hybrid
The debut of the Lexus ES in Europe is made with the Lexus ES 300h , which features a new engine and a new Lexus Hybrid self-charging system. The remaining markets will be entitled to other versions, equipped only with a heat engine.Did you know that?
The new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid uses the same engine as the Lexus ES 300h, as well as the state-of-the-art hybrid system.
The eye-catching styling has been made possible by the use of the all-new Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform and will have special appeal to customers in this region, along with a more immersive driving experience and even greater safety provisions. Western and Central European markets will launch the ES 300h powered by a new Self-charging Hybrid system. In other global markets, the ES will also be available with different gasoline engine options such as the ES 200, ES 250 and ES 350.
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Lexus grows in Europe
The 75,000 cars sold in Europe in 2018 made this the fifth consecutive year of growth in this region. With the arrival of the Lexus ES, the brand hopes to reach, by 2020, 100,000 new car sales annually in Europe.
Among its arguments for conquering this new market is safety, having already won the “Best in Class” title in 2018 in the Euro NCAP tests in two categories: Large Family Car, and Hybrid and Electric.
GA-K. The new Lexus Global Architecture platform
The Lexus ES debuts the brand's new platform, the GA-K. Compared to the previous generation, the Lexus ES is longer (+65mm), shorter (-5mm) and wider (+45mm). The model also has a longer wheelbase (+50 mm), which allowed the wheels to be placed at the end of the car, ensuring a more refined dynamics.
Yasuo Kajino, Chief Designer of Lexus ESThe ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. In this generation we've added bolder design elements that challenge the traditional expectations of your target customers.
At the front we have a large grille, something that the new Lexus models have already got us used to, with a style that varies depending on the version chosen.
The base versions have bars that start from the center of the fusiform grille, emblematic of Lexus, …
And behind the wheel?
At the wheel, the Lexus ES shows that despite being now a front-wheel drive, it has not lost its dynamism. These days (and forgive me the position in line with the brands that have given up their rear-wheel drive), for most consumers it doesn't matter whether the wheel drive is rear or front in this type of car.
The same cannot be said of balance and dynamics, which in a Lexus should focus on comfort, but it must not be forgotten that the composure of the ensemble must stand out compared to other competitors with less inspired dynamics.
In this chapter the Lexus ES fulfills its purpose, even though I liked driving the F Sport version with piloted suspensions better . It's less “waddling” and more decisive in its approach to corners, and manages to be comfortable. It even turns out to be more comfortable for those traveling behind, because the firmness makes the trip less troubled if the pace is slightly elevated.
When it comes to the infotainment system, it remains Lexus' Achilles' heel, with use, especially on the go, proving more difficult than desirable. There is still a lot of work to be done in this chapter, I hope to see improvements in the brand's next models.
Mark Levinson's HiFi Sound System takes high marks, if you value a good soundtrack, this system is a must for your Lexus ES.
In Portugal
The national range of the ES is limited to the 300h hybrid engine, available in six versions: Business, Executive, Executive Plus, F Sport, F Sport Plus and Luxury. Prices start at €61,317.57 for Business and go up to €77,321.26 for Luxury.
Lexus ES 300h interior
You Lexus ES 300h F Sport stand out for their more sporty tone, featuring adaptive suspension, with 650 different adjustments.
The F Sport stand out from the rest on the outside — grille, wheels and F Sport logos — as well as on the inside — exclusive “Hadori” aluminum finish, gearshift lever and perforated leather steering wheel, the latter with three spokes and paddles speed selectors, perforated aluminum sports pedals, and instrument panel similar to the LC coupe.
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THE ES 300h Luxury , as the top of the range, it has exclusive items, mostly focused on the rear occupants, such as the rear seats that can be electrically recline up to 8º and an electronic temperature control panel. It also features heated and ventilated front and rear seats, and electric front seats with memory function.
| Version | Price |
|---|---|
| ES 300h Business | €61,317.57 |
| ES 300h Executive | €65,817.57 |
| ES 300h Executive Plus | €66,817.57 |
| ES 300h F SPORT | 67,817.57 € |
| ES 300h F SPORT Plus | €72 821.26 |
| ES 300h Luxury | 77 321.26 € |