Bigger, bolder and more technologically advanced, the eighth-generation ES combines executive presence with a choice of hybrid and battery-electric powertrains
Lexus has introduced the all-new ES to South Africa, ushering its luxury sedan into a new era with a striking new design, a substantially more spacious cabin, enhanced technology and, for the first time, a choice between hybrid-electric and fully battery-electric power.
The eighth-generation ES represents a significant rethinking of the Lexus sedan. It is larger and more commanding than its predecessor, yet its design is sharper and cleaner. Inside, technology is integrated with greater purpose, while an extensive suite of comfort, convenience and safety features creates an environment designed around the needs of both driver and passenger.
Locally, the new ES is available in three derivatives: the ES 350h EX, ES 350h SE and ES 350e SE. The ES 350h variants are powered by Lexus' latest 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid system, while the ES 350e SE introduces the first fully electric ES to the South African market.
It is a significant expansion of choice in the luxury sedan segment: customers can select the flexibility of a hybrid powertrain or make the transition to fully electric driving, without stepping away from the refinement, comfort and craftsmanship that define the Lexus experience.
A NEW EXPRESSION OF LEXUS
While SUVs may dominate the premium market, the luxury sedan continues to offer something distinctive: executive presence, long-distance comfort and a driving experience shaped around refinement.
The new ES has been designed to reinforce those qualities while responding to changing expectations of luxury-car customers. At 5,140 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,555 mm (1,560 for the ES 350e) high, the ES is substantially larger than before. Its 2,950 mm wheelbase is 80 mm longer, while overall length has increased by 165 mm and width by 55 mm.
The result is a more substantial road presence and greater scope for passenger comfort, particularly in the rear. Lexus describes the design philosophy of the new ES as “Clean Tech x Elegance”: an approach that combines advanced technology with a clean, sophisticated aesthetic.
At the front is an evolution of the Lexus Spindle Body, extending across the bonnet and into the bumper. Rather than appearing as a conventional grille, it has been integrated into the bodywork to create a wider, cleaner and more contemporary interpretation of the Lexus identity.
The front is framed by the new Twin L Signature Lamp, while the rear features a distinctive new lighting treatment and broad stance. The side profile is defined by a long wheelbase and flowing silhouette, giving the ES a sense of movement even when stationary.
Several details make their debut on the ES, including semi-flush door handles and an electric pop switch lid, while the rear features the new Lexus ICON lighting signature. The HEV models are fitted with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, while the fully electric ES 350e SE moves to 21-inch multi-spoke wheels, giving it a more distinctive stance.
Six exterior colours are available across the range, including Crystal Blue, Graphite Black, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Iridium and White Nova.
WHEN TECHNOLOGY KNOWS WHEN TO DISAPPEAR
Inside, the ES adopts a new Lexus interior design language that combines digital technology with premium materials and a cleaner, more focused architecture. The new-generation steering wheel and Electro-Shiftmatic electronic shifter contribute to the uncluttered design, while embossed synthetic leather finishes and carefully integrated illumination create a sophisticated environment.
A new multimedia interface introduces a cleaner digital experience, complemented by a 12.3-inch TFT LCD meter. But perhaps more telling is the way some of the technology has been designed to disappear from view.
The new ES introduces Lexus-first Hidden Switches, a design innovation that reflects the brand's Omotenashi hospitality principle. The switches are discreetly integrated beneath the dashboard upholstery and remain invisible when the vehicle is switched off. Once the driver starts the car, they illuminate and emerge from the surface, revealing the controls only when they are needed.
While they have the sleek appearance of a touch panel, the switches retain satisfying tactile feedback, allowing the driver to operate them intuitively. It is a small but distinctive example of the Lexus approach to technology: sophisticated when required, unobtrusive when it is not.
The same philosophy extends throughout the cabin. Depending on grade, the ES offers heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof with electric shade, a digital inner mirror, rear sunshades, wireless smartphone charging, enhanced interior illumination and Lexus' Auto Climate Concierge.
The SE grades add further layers of luxury, including Bamboo Layering, active noise control, a Head-Up Display, Panoramic View Monitor and Automatic Parking.
ENGINEERED FOR THE LEXUS DRIVING SIGNATURE
The ES may be larger and more spacious, but Lexus has ensured that its increased dimensions do not come at the expense of driving response.
Lexus seeks to deliver its Lexus Driving Signature – comfort, confidence and control – consistently across its model line-up. In the new ES, this philosophy has informed the vehicle's structural, suspension and steering development, with insights from the brand's driving refinement programme applied throughout.
The front end, floor and rear structure have been reinforced to increase rigidity, helping to minimise vibration while contributing to sharper, more intuitive steering and smoother acceleration and braking responses. Despite its increased dimensions, the ES has an agile and responsive character that belies its size.
The new ES is built on a redesigned Lexus global architecture-K platform developed to accommodate both self-charging hybrid and battery-electric powertrains. The vehicle's structure was comprehensively re-examined, resulting in an overall length increase of 165 mm and an 80 mm longer wheelbase compared with the previous model. The front and rear tracks have also increased by 64 mm and 82 mm respectively.
These changes deliver tangible benefits inside the cabin. The distance between the front and rear seat couples has increased by 77 mm to 1,102 mm, creating additional passenger space, while higher seating positions make entering and exiting the vehicle easier.
The suspension architecture has also been developed with refinement and control in mind. The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut arrangement, while the rear employs a multi-link system – used for the first time in an ES – to enhance the transmission of power to the road and improve smooth vehicle posture control.
Detailed measures have been applied to further refine ride quality, including optimised suspension-arm bushings that allow a smoother suspension stroke and contribute to a more composed driving experience.
The steering system uses a variable-gear rack, supporting stability at higher speeds while providing quicker response through corners and easier manoeuvrability at low speeds.
TECHNOLOGY THAT SUPPORTS THE DRIVER
The ES combines its engineering development with a comprehensive suite of technologies designed to support the driver without complicating the driving experience.
The latest Lexus Safety System+ 4 incorporates the Pre-Collision Safety System, Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist and Adaptive High-Beam technology.
A new Driver Monitor Camera provides additional monitoring, while Front Cross Traffic Alert helps provide greater awareness when entering intersections or situations where visibility may be restricted. Depending on grade, the ES also incorporates Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Support Alert Brake and other driver-assistance systems. The objective is to provide additional information and support while keeping the driving experience intuitive.
ES 350h EX: A STRONG STARTING POINT
The ES 350h EX forms the entry point to the South African ES range, but its specification is anything but basic. Power comes from a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system driving the front wheels through an E-CVT. The petrol engine produces 139 kW and 235 Nm, while total system output is 182 kW.
The ES 350h EX is equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 4, including Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Auto Lane Trace Assist.
Additional driver-support technology includes:
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Front Cross Traffic Alert
Parking Support Alert Brake
Driver Monitor Camera
Road Sign Assist
Adaptive High-Beam technology
Camera washer
The EX also features Integrated Sport Driving, offering three driving modes plus a Custom setting. The exterior specification includes 19-inch wheels, LED headlamps and auto-retractable, heated exterior mirrors.
Inside, the EX features synthetic leather seating, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and two-way driver's lumbar support. The cabin is equipped with a 14-inch multimedia display, a 10-speaker premium audio system, a panoramic electric sunroof and panoramic moonroof functionality.
Other standard equipment includes a Nanoe negative-ion generator, heated steering wheel, auto climate control, wireless connectivity, rear armrest, 12.3-inch TFT LCD driver's display, electronic shifter, premium interior illumination and day/night inner mirror.
ES 350h SE: AN ELEVATED LUXURY EXPERIENCE
The ES 350h SE retains the 182 kW hybrid powertrain but adds a more extensive specification focused on comfort, convenience and refinement. The exterior mirrors gain memory, electrochromic dimming, reverse linkage, automatic folding and heating.
Inside, the steering wheel is heated and the seating is upgraded to perforated synthetic leather, with heating for both front seats across three settings: high, medium and low. Both driver and passenger seats receive two-way lumbar support, while the driver's seat gains eight-way power adjustment with memory.
The ES 350h SE also introduces a Digital Inner Mirror and Auto Climate Concierge.
Its technology specification includes:
Head-Up Display
Panoramic View Monitor
Automatic Parking
17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound
Wireless charging
Bamboo Layering interior treatment
Active Noise Control
The 17-speaker Mark Levinson system is designed to make the quiet ES cabin an immersive listening environment.
ES 350e SE: THE ES GOES FULLY ELECTRIC
At the top of the South African range is the ES 350e SE, bringing the character of the Lexus luxury sedan into an entirely electric environment. The ES 350e uses a front-mounted electric motor producing 167 kW and 268 Nm. Power comes from a 74.69 kWh battery, providing an electric range of up to 615 km on the NEDC cycle. For longer journeys, DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 0 to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.
Lexus has also developed a charging ecosystem around the vehicle. Customers can charge at home using Lexus Home Charge, while the Lexus app can be used to locate public charging infrastructure.
The ES 350e SE is visually distinguished by its 21-inch wheels, while its specification includes Adaptive Variable Suspension, Integrated Sport Driving with four modes plus Custom, Active Sound Control, Auto and Easy Closer Doors, Static Auto Levelling, High-definition Adaptive High-Beam System, cornering lamps, rear-door sunshades, multi-weather front fog lamps, semi-aniline leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, four-way lumbar adjustment for both front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, two front wireless chargers and enhanced LED headlamp technology.
The semi-aniline leather interior brings an additional level of tactile luxury, while ventilation for the front seats adds comfort in warmer conditions. The adaptive variable suspension is designed to balance ride comfort with dynamic response, while Integrated Sport Driving gives the driver greater scope to tailor the vehicle's character.
LUXURY THAT REVEALS ITSELF IN THE DETAILS
Across the range, the new ES has been developed around the idea that luxury is experienced through the details. The increased wheelbase creates greater scope for passenger space, while acoustic treatment contributes to the sense of serenity. On SE grades, Active Noise Control further reduces unwanted sound.
The panoramic roof brings light into the cabin, while rear sunshades allow passengers to control their environment. Seat heating and ventilation, power adjustment, lumbar support and climate-control technologies make comfort an integrated part of the journey rather than a collection of isolated features.
From the Hidden Switches beneath the dashboard upholstery to the carefully tuned suspension beneath the vehicle, the ES applies the same principle throughout: technology and engineering should enhance the experience without overwhelming it.
LEXUS OWNERSHIP, BUILT INTO THE PACKAGE
The new ES is sold in South Africa with a seven-year/105,000 km warranty and seven-year/105,000 km maintenance plan.
Both the hybrid and battery-electric batteries receive an eight-year/160,000 km warranty.
This ownership package provides additional reassurance as customers choose between hybrid and fully electric power.
PRICING
Lexus ES 350h EX: R1 051 200
Lexus ES 350h SE: R1 232 700
Lexus ES 350e SE: R1 561 000
Warranty: 7 years / 105 000 km
Maintenance plan: 7 years / 105 000 km
HEV and BEV battery warranty: 8 years / 160 000 km
