New powertrain for updated Lexus ES

ALMOST a month after its initial reveal, Lexus has announced its updated ES sedan will be landing Down Under with a new entry-level powerplant and range-opener in the form of the ES250.

With the ES already being heavily based on the Toyota Camry, it should come as little surprise to find the new entry-level variant is powered by the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the base-model Camry with even the 152kW/243Nm outputs being the same.

As with the rest of the ES range, drive is sent to the front wheels only with transmission duties also coming courtesy of Toyota in the form of its new eight-speed automatic and while the official combined fuel consumption is yet to be quoted, we expect it to be similar to that of the Camry (6.6L/100km).

Thanks to the lack of any electrification, the ES250’s mill saves 60kg compared to the hybrid-powered ES300h which will reportedly go on completely untouched when the updated range lands here in August.

For the uninitiated, the ES300h is powered by the same 2.5-litre hybrid set-up as the Camry which develops a combined 160kW of power, managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT).

Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the expansion of the ES line-up was a natural response as the luxury sedan continues on its third year of sales growth.

“With its stylish coupe-style silhouette, focus on craftsmanship and impeccable refinement, the seventh-generation Lexus ES has been extremely well received by luxury customers,” he said.

“The lighter new ES250 maximises the agility borne from the Lexus Driving Signature while complementing the ES300h with its focus on petrol-electric performance and incredible efficiency.”

Like the rest of the range, the ES250 will be available in Luxury, Luxury Enhancement Pack, Sport and Sport Enhancement Pack forms however the updated pricing and specification details are yet to be confirmed.

As reported last month by GoAuto, Lexus has worked to bring the ES more into line with the flagship LS limousine with this mid-life facelift both in terms of style and substance with plenty of changes being made under the skin to help enhance ride comfort and dynamics.

One such example is the new dual-sheet construction for the rear suspension bracing which is said to isolate road noise, enhance ride comfort and “deliver more neutral cornering”.

Lexus has sold 252 examples of the ES so far this year ending April, accounting for 5.8 per cent of all sales within the $60,000-plus medium car segment.