Specifications and pricing have been announced for the 2019 Lexus ES range, the lone model, the ES300h will be available in Luxury and Luxury Sport trim levels with prices starting at $59,888 plus on-roads.
For 2019 the ES is a hybrid only proposition which is built on a new chassis tuned to better balance performance and comfort.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with new, fourth-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive System has been boosted by 9kW to 160kW. As individual components, the engine and electric motors are rated to produce 131kW/221Nm and 88kW/202Nm respectively.
It’s not a speed demon by any means, Lexus quotes a 0 to 100km/h time of 8.9 seconds, while the top speed is rated at 180km/h.
Efficiency is where the ES makes the most sense, on a combined run, it’s rated to consume only 4.6L/100km. Not too shabby.
Lexus has managed to reduce the size of the hybrid battery allowing it to be fitted beneath the back seat without extending into the rear boot space.
A newly designed suspension system featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a trailing-arm at the rear with multi-link set-up is aimed at improving the responsiveness of the ES.
The proportions of the car have also grown by 60mm in length (4975mm), 45mm in width (1865mm) with a 50mm longer wheelbase, taking the tape to 2870mm, a good number for a premium sedan. Going against the grain is height, the new ES is 5mm lower (1445mm).
In Luxury guise ($59,888 plus on-roads), the ES gets a host of upgrades over the outgoing model. The foot pedal brake has been replaced with an electronic park brake (woo hoo!), there is a power-adjustable steering column, wireless phone charging, a colour head-up display and a larger 12.3-inch multimedia display screen.
Also included is a 10-speaker Pioneer audio system, 10-way power adjustable heated front seats, LED low and high headlights, dual-zone air-conditioning, automatic rain-sensing wipers, a moonroof, second-generation Lexus Safety System + with lane tracing assist, road sign recognition and parking support alert.
Moving to the Sports Luxury trim ($74,888 plus on-road costs) adds a 14-way power adjustable driver's seat and 12-way passenger seat (both ventilated with lumbar adjustment), semi-aniline leather-accented seats, adaptive high-beam system, panoramic view monitor and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
There is also power recline and adjustable heated rear seats, tri-zone air-conditioning with humidity sensor, 18-inch alloy wheels with Helmholtz resonator, front and rear performance rod and a hands-free powered boot lid with kick sensor.
2019 Lexus ES pricing (excluding on-road costs):
ES300h Luxury - $59,888
ES300h Sports Luxury - $74,888
Options
Premium paint - $1,500
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