Lexus ES launched in Malaysia
Lexus Malaysia has launched the all-new Lexus ES today, offering luxury car buyers a somewhat unique preposition of a transverse engine front-wheel driven vehicle at the body size of a BMW 5 Series. It is positioned as a luxury and comfort-oriented foil to the similarly-sized but sportier and more aggressive Lexus GS. The only other front-wheel drive vehicle in the segment would be lower-specced models of the Audi A6, which sports a longitudinally-mounted engine.
Now in its sixth model generation, the ES is nevertheless making only its first appearance in Lexus Malaysia’s line-up. Some units of earlier generation models have been made available through the efforts of parallel importers, but the previous fifth-generation model could not be brought here as it was never produced in right-hand drive.
Unlike the V6-powered rear-wheel driven GS, the ES utilizes front-wheel drive underpinnings and operates the same four-cylinder powertrains found in the Toyota Camry. Earlier generations of the ES are in fact little more than rebadged versions of the Camry, but this latest model is a departure. It is in fact based on the longer platform that underpins the Toyota Avalon available overseas.
When asked why Toyota expended resources to develop two separate large FWD platforms, the project Chief Engineer Mr Toshio Asahi remarked that this is an extra effort to give the ES a more premium and luxurious feel than that of the middle-class Camry. Compared to the current-generation Camry, the ES is slightly narrower, but its wheelbase stretches significantly longer, a key attribute which allowed Lexus to liberate considerable rear legroom.
The new ES is offered with a choice of petrol and hybrid powertrains, both 2.5-litre mills from the AR family. The 2AR-FE petrol engine of the ES 250 and ES 250 Luxury is the familiar engine from the Camry 2.5V, featuring Dual VVT-i and variable induction. Compared to the Camry’s 178hp and 231Nm, the ES 250 gets a marginally more potent tune of 181hp and 235Nm. Like the Camry, the ES 250 is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The range-topping ES 300h, meanwhile, gets the 2AR engine in its Atkinson cycle format and mated to a hybrid drive system. On its own, the engine churns outputs of 158hp and 213Nm, but combined with efforts of the 141hp electric motor, maximum system output is rated at 202hp. Despite a high 12.5 compression ratio, Lexus claims that extensive local testing has shown the engine to run smoothly with RON95 petrol. Like all Lexus and Toyota hybrids, the ES 300h operates an electronic CVT.
Pricing of the ES starts at RM266,830.40 for the ES 250 going up to RM287,350.40 for the ES 250 Luxury and RM362,448.40 for the ES300h. Standard equipment for all variants include smart entry with start/stop button, moonroof/sunroof, 8″ electronic multi-vision screen, reverse camera, triple-zone auto climate control, ten-way electric front seat adjustment, and a full suite of safety kit including VSC, traction control, ISOFIX, whiplash protection, and ten airbags. The ES 250 Luxury and ES 300h add auto-leveling HID headlights, GPS navigation, and side sunshades.
Speaking at the launch of the ES, President of UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Ismet Suki commented, “The new ES mission is to convey the appeal of the Lexus brands to more customers at the same time attracting new users. With its stunning and functional design that incorporates Lexus trademarks like the spindle grille, daytime running lights and model specific 17-inch wheels, the new ES is sure to shake up the market not only for its stunning design lines, but it is also a technological tour de force, especially for its segment.”
Lexus Malaysia plans to sell close to 100 units of all ES variants by the end of 2013, and over 600 units by the end of 2014. This will contribute 40% to the overall Lexus sales in Malaysia. In line with the expansion and continuous success, Lexus Malaysia will be opening three more Lexus outlets in Kuching, Ipoh and Malacca early next year.
