Lexus ES Facelift – Out of the Pandora Box in Malaysia!

Kuala Lumpur: Lexus Malaysia has truly gone offensive in the premium sedan segment with the official launch of the new Lexus ES Facelift this morning in Kuala Lumpur. For the sedan, Lexus Malaysia has been getting prior bookings from last month. With over 100 orders already placed for the car, the ES 250 Luxury takes over the major control of the sedan. Gleaming for a bright future of the vehicle, company is planning to sell 750 units of the facelifted ES this year. The launch of this new facelift model replaces the current model that was introduced two years ago.

Three variants of the Lexus ES Facelift are available for Malaysians - ES 250 Premium, ES 250 Luxury and ES 300h hybrid.

The former two variants, ES 250 Premium and ES 250 Luxury are power trained with a 2.5-litre, in-line four cylinder, Dual VVT-i 2AR-FE engine that enables the vehicle to shoot up 181 horsepower and a 235 Nm of torque. Furthermore, on coupling with six-speed automatic transmission, the wheels gets into sprinting action delivering an acceleration count of 9.8 seconds in order to achieve 0 to 100 kmph of speed mark. The top speed, Lexus 250 variants are made to acquire is 207 kmph.

The Hybrid variant of the Lexus model is powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle, four-cylinder engine that churns out a 158 HP along with 213 Nm of torque. Besides, a 105 kW electric motor equipped with a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries is provided with the Lexus sedan. Summarizing all into one, you get a 202 HP which is directly sent to the front wheels through CVT Transmission. 8.5 seconds is the estimated time that will bring forth Lexus sedan from 0-100 kmph of speed numbers. Moreover, you also get a Drive Mode Selector which gives you an option to switch through– Eco, Normal, Sport and EV modes.

Clear to see is the new sharp face that adds a healthy gallop of aggression to the wheels. The headlights have been reshaped integrated with LED DRLs while the signature Lexus large spindle grille is wider here and gets a thicker chrome surround. Grille Slats runs parallel along its entire length with no breakage in between for the number plate. The fog light surrounds have also been redesigned.

The rear of Lexus ES sees a smaller set of improvements featuring the new tail lights that has been redesigned. Now, we have L-shaped LED light guides in flowing three bars pattern. The number plate receives a thicker and bolder chrome garnish that connects the taillights. Diamond-shaped exhaust outlets, one on each side is a surplus for the ES 250. Whereas, the hybrid variant has hidden pipes and a boot lid spoiler.

To further complement the new look of this Lexus sedan, 17-inch wheel have been fitted which is designed in a directional spoke pattern. The Hybrid variant gets a distinguishable 10-spoke designed wheels with machine finish over medium gray. The standard tyre size for 17-inch wheels has been kept as 215/55 R17 which wraps up the whole thing and lift the amazing mini-house above the surface.

Insides are astonishingly spacious and comfortable to see, sit back, relax and look around. A generous wheelbase of 2820 mm gives the insight of its large passenger compartment, particularly the rear cabin. A new, sportier three-spoke steering wheel, a redesigned gear lever with a leather boot, a larger 4.2-inch TFT LCD colour multi-info display, improved interior trim, embossed seat upholstery and a new “Enter” button for the mouse-like Remote Touch Interface (RTI) make its cockpit advanced.

Elsewhere, the Birdseye Maple wood ornamentation is offered as standard across all the variants. Unique ornamentation panel with metallic accents on the front and rear door trim. The cabin is also provided with a shift lever boot and redesigned power window switches.

Other improvements and changes in the Lexus ES includes new stitching for the front seats, switches for the rear passenger to move the front passenger’s seat, Auto Rain Sensor and Acoustic Glass, manual door sunshades. Cushion length adjuster, passenger shoulder switch and memory seats for the front passenger.

Under the skin, the structure has been reinforced for improved ride and handling. The shock absorbers settings at the front and rear have been revised to match the increased body rigidity and excellent ride comfort. The increased rigidity has been achieved by the application of structural reinforcements using lessons learnt in the chassis tuning for the IS. An additional layer of insulation has been added behind the dashboard to further isolate engine noise.

With the facelift, the ES also gets the 10 airbags, Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, VSC, Hill Start Assist and a tyre pressure warning system, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The colour and palette has also been revised. The paint choices are revised to the offerings - Red Mica Crystal Shine, Sonic Quartz, Graphite Black GF, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium and Amber CS. Alongside, interior trim choices are also offered to the occupants, includingBlack, Ivory and Topaz Brown depending on exterior colour (the latter brown is only for the ES 250 Luxury and 300h).

The ES 250 Premium is priced at RM259,200 while the Luxury comes at RM278,600, on-the-road with GST, before insurance. The ES 300h is priced at RM355,100. Major reasons for its high-hybrid price is an addition of Mark Levinson sound system with 15 speakers which is not likely to be found on the ES 250 variants. You get an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty opting for Lexus ES Hybrid model. To which, you also get a three-year/100,000 km factory warranty for the car.