New Lexus ES 250 - First impression

Sedans have always had their place in the world of luxury cars, carrying either wealthy business executives or celebrities in utter comfort and peace. Now while it’s true that crossovers and SUVs are beginning to eat into the sales of these luxury sedans, for the time being, the role these cars play cannot be underestimated.

One company that understands the importance of luxury sedans is Lexus. The posh arm of Toyota, Lexus makes some of the most desirable and luxurious automobiles in the world -- several of which are sedans ranging from the D-segment IS to the full-sized LS. However, one of their most popular and longest-running models is the E-segment ES.

The Lexus ES (with ES being an acronym for “Executive Sedan”) first went public 30 years ago, back in 1989, and was based on the same platform as that of the Toyota Camry. Fast-forward to the present day, Malaysian received its first batch of the brand-new, seventh-generation Lexus ES.

The latest iteration of the Lexus ES that’s on sale right now in the country is only available in two variants -- the 250 Premium and 250 Luxury. The entry-level Premium trim starts from RM 299,888, while the full bells & whistles Luxury version wears a price tag of RM 332,888. This newest Lexus ES now shares its platform with the Toyota Avalon and comes to Malaysia as a CBU import directly from Japan.

Exterior

The previous-gen Lexus ES wasn’t the most exciting-looking car in this corner of the market, being barely more noticeable than the Camry that it was based on. However, all that has changed with the arrival of this bad boy -- the design looks way sharper, more elegant and unequivocally more eye-catching.

You could even say that it’s almost a smaller version of the marque’s flagship LS, and that’s big praise. Upfront, your attention is instantly drawn to the vast and chromed-up ‘Spindle Grille’, which is flanked by futuristic-looking all-LED headlights with the Lexus signature boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The chiselled front bumper gets these boomerang-styled elements too, and they are placed right alongside the air intakes. The bodywork along the sides of the new ES has gone under the knife as well. Lexus has shaved some visual bulk by incorporating classier lines, cleaner contours, and of course, the sloped C-pillars that play well with the car’s overall grace and promising stance.

The rear of the new ES bears the brand’s new L-shaped LED units inside the tail lamps, connected by a large piece of chrome. Meanwhile, the trunk now sports a noticeable crest (sort of like a subtle spoiler) and the revised bumper gets some chrome garnish. The dimensions of the new Lexus ES has definitely grown (and shrunken) in some key areas compared to its precursor - measuring 4,975mm in length (66mm longer), 1,865mm in width (46mm wider) , 1,445mm in height (5mm lower) and has a wheelbase spanning 2,870mm (a bump of 51mm).

Interior

Step inside, and you’ll notice a marked difference between the older ES and this new one. The revisions here come in the form of a new dashboard with a new integrated 12.3-inch head unit, new centre stack/centre console, modernised gauge cluster with a 7-inch MID,

plus a new trackpad to control the infotainment system. Some of the strongest suits of the new Lexus ES 250’s interior are excellent build quality, faultless fit & finish, superbly quiet cabin ambience, sumptuously comfortable seats, and a gorgeous-looking dual-tone cabin. Also, despite the sloping roofline, rear headroom hasn’t been compromised much -- there’s enough shoulder space and plenty of legroom as well.

The new Lexus ES 250 specs sheet is packed to the brim with modern amenities such as automatic & adaptive LED headlights, sequential turn indicators, automatic windshield wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, hands-free bootlid operation, smart entry with push-button engine start, front & rear parking sensors with a surround-view camera system, and a power moonroof.

Further still, Lexus provides other conveniences on the new ES like electrically-adjustable and ventilated front seats with memory, power-operated reclining rear seats with rear-seat control panel, power-operated steering column, automatic tri-zone climate control system with Lexus Climate Concierge and rear vents, cabin ambient lighting, paddle shifters, head-up display, wireless phone charger, electronic parking brake, rear sunshades, Drive Mode Select with Eco/Normal/Sport settings, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system that’s compatible with Miracast, and supports Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity.

Powertrain and performance

The new Lexus ES 250 variants that are on sale in Malaysia right now come with only one engine option: a 2.5-litre normally-aspirated four-cylinder. Producing 204 hp at 6,600 rpm and a peak torque of 247 Nm at 5,000 rpm, this unit (that’s specific to our market) not only employs a dual overhead cam arrangement but also utilises computer-monitored variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust cycles of the combustion process.

Being based on the Avalon, the new Lexus ES too is a front-wheel-drive vehicle and channels the feed from the motor through 8-speed automatic transmission. The ES is certainly quite a hefty sedan - pushing 1.6 tonnes -- meaning it isn’t too nimble on its feet. Even in Sport mode, this mid-sized luxo-barge requires over 9 seconds to make it past 100 kmph, whilst maximum velocity is capped at 210 kmph. Then again, the Lexus ES was never designed to be as sporty as possible (that’s the role of the IS and GS). Despite the fact, the ES never really feels too lethargic or underpowered -- smooth, effortless power delivery and that’s what this sedan delivers in spades.

Safety equipment

Lexus has stuffed the new ES sedan with loads of passive and active safety nannies which includes certain basic features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and a Tire Pressure Warning System (TPMS).

The new ES 250 also boasts the latest Lexus Safety System + (LSS+) package. The LSS+ suite brings with it Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Front Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) with Steering Control, Active Cornering Assist (ACA), Drive Start Control, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seats, 3-point seatbelts with pretensioner & force limiters, and an impressive count of 10 airbags!

Also Read:- Malaysia gets the all-new Lexus ES 250, priced starts at RM 300k