Confidence Inspiring - The New Lexus ES May Be All The Luxury You Need

The Lexus ES has been long been seen as the best workhorse for the local Towkay, and there is good reason why. The ES offers higher-end executive sedan passenger accommodation, impeccable Lexus build quality and a larger engine than the competition within its price bracket.

OneShift Editorial Team

16 Oct 2018

Borneo Motors launched the ES on 13 October, at the Changi Exhibition Centre. Singapore will see two engine options in their showrooms in two trim levels, a 2.5 litre four-pot which powers the ES 250; and the ES 300h which is also driven by a 2.5 litre four cylinder, and gets more grunt from its hybrid drive system.

The ES 250 has its power transferred to the front wheels via a new 8-speed transmission. With 203bhp and 247Nm on-tap, the ES 250 hits 100km/h in 9.1 seconds. The slightly more powerful ES 300h which uses electronically-controlled CVT transmission to drive the car is slightly quicker at 8.9 seconds.

At first glance, it is very clear that there is a strong carry-over of the same design language which the LS is styled with. The new ES is longer, lower and wider than the car it replaces. Sitting on the new GA-K platform, the new car also sports a longer wheelbase for improved interior accommodation and its exterior styling is coupe-like, thanks to its sleek, sloping roofline.

Little touches like its door-positioned wing mirrors, and slimmer “A” pillars aids in better driver visibility, by ensuring that drivers can easily see through those crucial 45 degree angles from the driver’s seat. Safety too is high up on the list, with both cars featuring a 10 airbag system.

Like previous generations of ES models, rear passenger comfort is high up on the list of priorities. The rear seats can be reclined up to 8 degrees for additional comfort, and the control panel, nestled into the middle armrest also provides toggles for the car’s rear sunshade, air-conditioning and its premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

The ES also drives well, as our first driving impressions would tell us. Flick the drive mode selector to “Sport” and the ES truly delivers confidence-inspiring handling. Other driver aids like its High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is ideal for Singapore roads, as the car is able to maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle in-front of it.

The base ES 250 in Executive trim starts at $208,800, while the range topping ES 300h in Luxury trim sells for $238,800. It is also good to know that both engine variants enjoy a VES B rating.