Striking new Lexus ES confirmed for SA as 5 Series rival
The new Lexus ES has been unveiled, with Toyota's luxury arm saying the eighth generation was developed with the aim of 'redefining' the sedan segment.
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Based on Toyota's newly developed TNGA GA-K platform, the upcoming Lexus ES measures 5 140mm in length and 1 920mm in width, making it 165mm and 55mm longer and wider than the seventh iteration. The wheelbase has been stretched by 80mm to 2 950mm.
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Engineered to deliver 'effortless' performance and efficiency, the eighth-generation ES was unveiled with a quartet of powertrains, split between hybrid (HEV) and battery-electric (BEV). The former includes the 300h and 350h, which comprises 2l and 2.5l naturally aspirated four-cylinder internal combustion engines (ICE) supplemented by an electric motor for peak power outputs of 145kW and 182kW, respectively. Both petrol-electric options send drive to either the front wheels or all four corners via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The 350e and 500e, the latter of which available in all-wheel drive, BEV derivatives' single and dual electric-motor configurations produce 165kW and 252kW, respectively. Lexus claims all-electric operating ranges of 'approximately' 685km (350e) and 610km (500e), and 0-100km/h sprint times of 8.9 (350e) and 5.9 seconds (500e).
As a reminder, the current ES line-up, which is priced from R834 800, is available in South Africa with the firm's 250 and 300h powertrains. The former and latter feature a 2.5l naturally aspirated four-pot and, in the 300h, the petrol unit is coupled with an electric motor. The 250 and 300h produce 152kW and 160kW respectively.
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The local arm of the Japanese automaker has announced model variants and detailed specifications will be confirmed closer to the box-fresh ES's South African introduction, which we expect will be in 2026.
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The post Striking New Lexus ES Confirmed for SA as 5 Series Rival appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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