Lexus updates ES range for Australia

LEXUS has introduced what it says are “subtle but significant enhancements” to its ES250 and ES300h mid-size luxury sedan variants following a comprehensive update of the range in September 2021.

The changes – which see a price increase of between $520 and $990 across the range – include the bolstering of technological and safety items Lexus says are parts of its ‘Always On’ approach of continuous improvement.

Customers of the ES petrol and hybrid (HEV) variants will enjoy greater usership and intuitive luxury convenience with the expansion of Lexus Connected Services, says Lexus, as well as enhanced multimedia functionality.

Lexus Australia introduced Lexus Connected Services and the 12.3-inch multimedia interface as part of the comprehensive 2021 update, and has now broadened the suite of services available through its state-of-the-art Lexus Connected smartphone app.

In addition to the existing automatic collision notification, SOS emergency call and stolen vehicle tracking features, the upgraded ES range now includes Lexus’ multimedia connect system, which syncs the app with the multimedia system to offer cloud-based navigation with live traffic, weather, parking and map updates, as well as location searching and first-and-last-mile routing.

Further, Lexus says its status connect system provides a wealth of vehicle data and information all accessible at the owner's fingertips, including odometer and fuel level readings, remaining range, the vehicle's last known location, vehicle diagnostics data and recent trip details.

Owners may also remotely check the vehicle’s windows, boot and bonnet are closed and locked, and receive alerts if unlocked or open. Tyre pressures may also be monitored remotely.

Finally, Lexus remote connect allows owners to remotely start the car's engine, lock and unlock the boot and doors as well as activate the horn.

Lexus says its latest-generation multimedia system now supports wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity (Android Auto connectivity remains wired) while a redesigned centre console sees the addition of a USB-C connector next to the gear selector.

The Lexus ES is available in a choice of nine exterior colours, including sonic quartz, sonic iridium, sonic chrome, graphite black, vermillion, glacial ecru, radiata green and deep blue. F Sport grades see white nova and cobalt mica replace sonic quartz and deep blue.

Inside, a brighter Solis White upholstery shade replaces the previous rich cream finish.

The ES250 continues to be powered by the same 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine offered previously, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The ES300h, meanwhile, combines the petrol engine found in the ES250 with Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, its permanent magnet motor upping combined system power to 160kW.

The revised ES250 and ES300h range goes on sale from late September, priced from $62,140.

2022 Lexus ES pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.