By: Jason Woosey
There's a youthful zest flowing through Lexus. Not only did it build a supercar a few years ago, but the latest IS sedan and RC coupe prove that Toyota's premium division is prepared to really push the design boundaries. Some might even say that Lexus has gone completely bonkers.
That's great if you're looking for a distinctive and sporty alternative that sets you bravely apart from the usual German suspects. Not so good if you prefer the more traditional flavour of Lexus.
Enter the new Lexus ES, which has landed on South African shores for the very first time, although it's in its sixth generation internationally. Available in ES 250 and ES 300h guises, the new sedan proves that Lexus still has some of its former sanity intact.
For starters, the ES is bigger yet more accessibly priced than the IS 350 - in fact it's even 50mm longer than the GS, albeit losing 30mm in wheelbase and 20mm in width.
Yet where the rear-wheel drive IS 350 is all about speed and driving sensation, the ES is a front-wheel drive cruiser that majors on comfort, space, luxury and elegance.
The ES shares its platform with the Toyota Avalon, which is essentially a stretched Camry relative. So is it a diamond-encrusted Camry or an affordable alternative to the E-Class and A6? That answer appears to lie in the middle somewhere.
Let's get this out the way right from the start - it's not a match for the aforementioned Germans when it comes to performance and overall driving delight, nor does it pretend to be.
Lexus expects that the vast majority of buyers will opt for the keenly priced ES 250, which costs R435 900. This one's chugged along by a 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that's credited with 135kW at 6000rpm and 235Nm at 4100rpm and mated to a six-speed autobox, which lacks flappy paddles by the way.
The ES 300h hybrid model mates a 118kW/213Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine to an electric motor and boasts a system output of 151kW and claimed combined fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100km, versus the 8.0 l/100km claimed for the ES 250. As far as I’m concerned, a good turbodiesel would suit this car down to a tee; sadly Lexus doesn’t do the diesel thing anymore.
The ES 250 was the only version available for scrutiny on the media launch, which took place on the snaky passes and long sweeps that connect Cape Town to Hermanus and Greyton. What stood out was the sedan's ride quality, quietness of operation and overall refinement. It also felt safe and stable through the twisty bits and the steering tightens up nicely, especially when the Drive Mode dial is tuned into Sport mode.
Given that it's a large saloon with a relatively small engine, performance is tolerable at best. At coastal altitudes it'll climb a hill without really huffing, puffing and hunting and overtaking is fairly stress-free.
Though you're ultimately not getting much performance for your money, change the subject of the conversation to cabin space and luxury, and suddenly it all starts to come together for this Lexus.
Open the doors and you'll sink into embossed leather seats, which are heated and electrically adjustable up front - and you can have them in black or ivory.
The three-tier dashboard is as tastefully styled and elegantly finished as you'd expect in any premium car and the tilt-and-slide glass moonroof gives the cabin an airy feel. Front occupants face a large eight-inch monitor that houses an eight-speaker audio system, satellite navigation and a reverse camera; the whole contraption is operated via a mushroom-shaped control stick mounted on the centre console, which works much like a mouse. Other creature comforts include dual-zone climate control, multi-function steering wheel and keyless start, while a Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Change Assist is in place for safety's sake.
Back seat drivers are treated to some Lexus pampering too, in the form of stretch-right-out legroom, rear ventilation and an electrically controlled rear window blind. Shall we get started on the options list? Sorry to disappoint, but there is none. Everything you've read about so far is standard on the ES models. “More is more”, as Lexus so aptly puts it.
As mentioned, it's not as dynamic as your average German saloon. Yet if it's space and luxury that you're hankering after, then the ES offers a unique proposition for the price, particularly considering its premium badge and the dealership experience that goes along with that.
Those seeking a cruise liner rather than a bullet train are likely to be more than satisfied with what this Lexus has to offer.
PRICES
ES 250 - R435 900
ES 300h -R515 000