One strong suit of the Lexus ES250 is its sheet metal design. No other competitor has lines like this on an executive sedan in this segment. Lexus designers have moved their design language away from the norm and decided on a large sports sedan profile. It seems to work as owners will stand out in the car park and even better, their purchase will get noticed by both sexes. Firstly, the proportions are perfect; the overhangs are short, the wheels 18-inch large, the bonnet long and sexy. The nose is bold, the sides set off by straight cut dynamic lines. The lights are attractive front and rear and when they form a pretty pattern when lit. This new Lexus executive carriage is guilty of being handsome from all sides. Even the grille has a new 21st century look, with the Lexus logo sitting center strong.
It is very big and spacious and carries a level if luxury that is expected of any Lexus built sedan. Yet its selling price is very reasonable.
The new ES bears the new face of Lexus with its distinctive, spindle grille. The “L” design motif is reflected in the LED daytime running lights and combination rear lamps. Fog lamps are integrated into the sculpted lower front bumper fascia. The Lexus ES350 sports dual exhaust pipes, while the ES300h features an exclusive rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated rear spoiler. Other details specific to the hybrid include unique blue badging and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the ES is a long cabin that provides plenty of room and impressive luxury amenities that makes this Lexus something of a unique proposition on the luxury executive market. The ES features a class-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment, including driver and front passenger knee, front and seat-mounted air bags, as well as rear seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to limit excessive head movement in certain rear-end collisions, helping to decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries.
Limousine levels of rear legroom give the passenger accommodation in the ES250 a clear and distinct advantage over many others in the segment. Further back, an equally generous boot means nothing need be left behind. The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight-speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), in-dash CD player and an USB/iPod® connectivity. This Display Audio package adds a seven-inch screen for vehicle information display and a rear backup camera.
The front suspension employs opposite-wound coil springs to help enhance straight-line stability. A revised rear suspension geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics enhance ride comfort. The steering gear ratio has been reduced from 16.1:1 to 14.8:1 to help deliver a more responsive and direct steering feel. Increased body rigidity is achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and more spot welds. Airflow is smoothed beneath the vehicle, improving stability and fuel economy, and reducing drag. We are witnessing a revolution of sorts. Here comes a Lexus sedan that is larger than the current all new Lexus IS250 with all the necessary bells and whistles to remain in the luxury sedan market and yet costs less to own.
Lexus ES 2.5 Specification
Engine: DOHC 16V Dual VVT-I
Capacity: 2494cc
Max power: 181bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque: 235Nm @ 4100rpm
Top Speed: 207km/h
0-100km/h: 9.8secs
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: RM259,800
ES Luxury– RM279,800
ES Hybrid– RM353,000