KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus Malaysia has expanded its line-up with the introduction of the highly anticipated ES model in three variants – the ES 250 Premium, ES 250 Luxury and the ES 300h hybrid.
Priced on-the-road with GST without insurance, the Premium variant costs RM259,200, the Luxury model at RM278,600 and the finally the range-topping ES 300h hybrid at RM355,100.All three cars use a 2.5-litre engine that will provide three driving modes of Eco, Normal and Sport, but only the 300h gets an additional electric vehicle (EV) mode.
The engine produces 178bhp at 6,000rpm and 235Nm of torque at 4,100rpm, while mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Although the 300h uses a 2.5-litre engine as well, that’s mated to an e-CVT gearbox, it is 22bhp and 22Nm down on combustion power – meaning it only produces 155bhp at 5,700rpm and 213Nm of torque at 4,500rpm.
But thanks to a 105kW electric motor, the 300h’s combined output gets bumped up to 198bhp.
As standard, all variants rolls on 17-inch wheels with 215/55 series tyres and get automatic wipers, LED daytime running lights as well as LED headlights for high and low beams – Premium variant gets Halogens for high beam.
The interior is upholstered in leather and is accented by genuine Birdseye Maple wood, along with an eight-inch multimedia display that comes equipped with navigation (Premium – without navigation),
It also comes equipped with powered rear window sunshades, an eight-speaker Lexus Display Audio, but the 300h gets a 15-speaker sound system from mark Levinson instead.
Furthermore, the ventilated front seats get 10-way power adjustability, but the Premium variant gets memory function for the driver only, while the Luxury and 300h extends the memory to both driver and passenger.
In terms of safety, all ES variants get 10 airbags, antilock braking system with brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, tyre pressure warning system and hill-start assist.
The list continues with reverse camera, blind-spot monitor and finally rear cross-traffic alert.
Each Lexus ES gets a three-year or 100,000km, whichever comes first, but the 300h specifically gets an eight-year warranty for its battery.
Lastly, it comes available in six specific colours of Sonic Quartz, Platinum Silver Metallic, Graphite Black, Red MC CS, Amber CS and Sonic Titanium.
“Order taking for the new Lexus ES began in late July 2015 and more than 100 units orders have been received to date with the Lexus ES 250 Luxury variant being the most popular model,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ismet Suki – JAY WONG
Keyword: Lexus ES arrives from RM260k