First Drive: Updated Lexus ES

It’s been a few days since I drove the updated Lexus ES. It’s also been a few days of contemplation well-spent, since I’ve used the time to try and wrap my head around all the minor updates that grace the ES when, once again, the world has gone into a tailspin.

If you’re a bit outdated on the news front, allow me to inform you that, yes, there is once again a new mutation of Covid-19. The thing is, at least if I'm understanding this correctly, South African scientists discovered what is now widely known as Omicron (sounds very sci-fi, doesn't it?) and the world reacted by imposing travel bans on our already-hemorrhaging country. Overreaction? Ignorance? Both? I don’t know – my qualification as a political commentator extends about as far as the updates to the Lexus ES.

So, why this little anecdote? Well, just when it seemed that everything was defaulting back to a version of normality – that moment of wishful thinking came crashing down at the same rate Elon Musk is dropping Tesla stock. And yet, the "minor change ES" as Lexus calls it in its press release still resembles an oasis of sorts – a space wherein that semblance of normality is still ever-present.

A carbon copy on the inside then?

Not exactly. It’s familiar, yes, but better. According to Lexus, it listened to the opinions of car buyers in this segment, and I’m pretty sure its customers, when planning this refreshed model. Throughout the press release, the word "new" was used a total of 14 times. Five of these were spent just describing the cabin space.

Basically, the entire area you see while driving has been subtly updated in the name of comfort design. Then there’s the new 12.3” screen that comes as standard fare on the hybrid SE model. This screen has been moved forwards by 112 mm. Why? It’ll make sense in a minute, I promise.

In recent years, Lexus has stubbornly refused to conform to the international convention of multimedia operation by insistently using a clumsy-at-best track-pad system for all infotainment-related operations. This worked wonders for left-hand-drive markets, I’m sure, where 90% of drivers are right-handed. For right-hand-drive markets, though, where 90% of drivers are still right-handed and forced to operate the pad with the left hand… what’s the Japanese for “not good’’?

By moving the screen forwards, and making it a touchscreen, probably solved 85% of grievances on Lexus Club chat forums. The trackpad is still there, though, if you happened to find typing in wrong commands therapeutic…  

Also new is an option to spec the interior of your hybrid SE model with a Muave tanned-brown leather interior or, should you opt for the more affordable EX grade, you have a choice of Hazel or Rich Cream. The latter looks quite good paired with the bamboo wooden inserts – if you happen to be into that timeless elegance sort of thing…

The exterior… Well, make up your own mind

On the outside, you'll have to know where to look to pick up the minor-change from the outgoing ES models. All EX models, be it the 250 petrol or 300h, is only available with 17” wheels, while the 300h SE boasts a set of shiny 18” wheels.

At the front, the most obvious change is to the spindle grille that now has fewer vertical bars with horizontal inserts that create an even-more 3D-looking grille. While not exactly new, the headlights have also been tweaked with what Lexus calls slimmer light units. It’s still difficult spotting the difference here if I’m honest.

What is brand-new, though, is three colours that have been added to the range namely Sonic Iridium, Sonic Chrome and Graphite Black that all add to the subdued luxury colour palette.

Enough with the catalogue, how does it drive?

We tested both the 250 EX and 300h SE models on the local launch and remember we said it’s familiar? Yes, well, it’s familiar.

Firstly, the Lexus ES doesn’t advertise itself as a dynamic corner bruiser and it’s keeping true to that philosophy of comfort above all else – in fact, it’s pretty darn good in that department. It effortlessly sails over the road surface, be it an EX or SE. It might be too comfortable, though, with the steering also feeling too uncommunicative for my liking.

The engine choice for the Lexus ES is straightforward: petrol or petrol-hybrid. Both displace 2,500cc, but they are not what one would call equal. The 250 EX (that’s the run-of-the-mill petrol unit) produces 152 kW and 243 Nm of turning power, while the hybrid that propels the 300 EX and SE models wield a total system output of 160 kW and 221 Nm from just the petrol engine.

Marginal differences, sure, but the resulting drive from the respective engines are considerably different. The get-up-and-go from the hybrid feels more direct in its singular purpose of driving the front wheels. At speed, however, both deliver decent performance as luxury cruisers. What else did you expect?

Is it worth buying?

The Lexus ES still represents the sub-one-bar luxury cruiser that doesn’t compromise on luxury – except perhaps the smaller infotainment screen, lack of active cruise control and absence of the 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system in EX models – providing a sanctuary of composure when the world is going off its rockers, again.

Add to that the near-R20 for a litre of petrol and the hybrid makes a rock-solid case for itself. Is it the best sedan at the price, though? Well, that depends entirely if you’re looking for something that favours performance, a balance between dynamic abilities and luxury or just vehicular indulgence. If it’s the latter, then yes. The ES just doesn’t pretend otherwise.

Pricing:

Lexus ES 250 EX: R719,900

Lexus ES 300h EX: R774,400

Lexus ES 300h SE: R948,400