The refreshed Lexus ES has officially launched in South Africa, with the updated model boasting sharper styling, a cabin “representing the future” of the Japanese automaker’s interiors, “class-leading” safety systems, and a duo of hybrid powertrains. See pricing below…

Described as “Provocative Elegance”, the most notable revisions to the Lexus ES’s exterior design are the updated spindle grille. The latter item now features fewer vertical bars and has gained myriad L-shaped elements. Flanking the signature grille, the LED headlamps are now slimmer than before. 

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Revised spindle grille flanked by tapered headlamps.

In contrast to previous models, the silhouette now features a rearward-sloping roofline, “emphasising” the sedan’s lower stance and “slippery” aerodynamics. A duo of wheel designs and sizes are on offer: 17-inch and 18-inch items. 

Inside, a 12.3-inch widescreen display takes centre stage. The high-resolution item offers touch functionality and incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring. A 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s pew is standard, as are keyless entry, a sunroof and an array of USB ports.

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Infotainment can now be operated via touch.

EX models gain a 10-speaker sound system, while the range-topping, SE model is equipped with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson unit. A suite of safety systems is included, with items such as a rear-view camera and park distance control, active cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. SE grade further includes Lexus’ Safety System, which includes, among others, lane departure assist, lane-keep assist, and adaptive LED headlamps. 

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Chrome strip spans the rear.

As mentioned, a duo of powertrains is on offer, with one incorporating an electric motor. The ES 250 is endowed with Lexus’ 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 152 kW and 243 Nm of torque. The ES 300h 2.5-litre unit is, as the “h” in the model name suggests, linked to an electric motor. The fourth-generation, self-charging hybrid arrangement produces 160 kW. 

The ES 250 EX is priced at R719 400, the ES 300h EX retails for R774 400, and the top-spec, ES 300h SE is priced at R948 400. All models ship with Lexus’ seven-year/105 000 km warranty and maintenance plan of similar duration and distance. 

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Two wheel designs are on offer.