Never a brand to rest on its laurels, Lexus has introduced subtle but significant enhancements to the ES 250 and ES 300h following a comprehensive update in September 2021 that set a new benchmark for the mid-size luxury sedan.
Technology and safety have both been boosted across the ES line-up as part of the Lexus ‘Always On’ approach of continuous product improvement.
Customers of the ES petrol and hybrid (HEV) variants will enjoy greater usership and intuitive luxury convenience with the expansion of Lexus Connected Services1 and more multimedia functions.
The new ES 250 and ES 300h go on sale from late September, priced from $62,140.2
Lexus Australia introduced Lexus Connected Services and the 12.3-inch multimedia interface as part of the comprehensive 2021 update, and has now broadened LCM’s suite of services through the state-of-the-art Lexus Connected smartphone app.
In addition to the existing Automatic Collision Notification3, SOS Emergency Call4 and Stolen Vehicle Tracking5 features, the upgraded ES now adds features such as Lexus Multimedia Connect which synchs the app with the multimedia system to offer cloud-based connected navigation with live traffic, weather, parking and map updates, location searching, and first- and last-mile routing.
Lexus Status Connect offers 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 can also now remotely check whether the doors, windows, boot and bonnet are closed and locked, and receive alerts if unlocked or open. Tyre pressure status can also be remotely monitored and hazard lights activated by a press on a smartphone screen.
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.
The latest-generation multimedia system now supports wireless Apple CarPlay®6 for added convenience (Android Auto™7 remains wired), while a redesigned centre console sees the addition of a USB Type-C port next to the gear selector.
While the pair of USB-C ports in the centre console storage box were previously deleted with the fitment of a wireless charger8, the redesigned centre console accommodates both, with a wireless charger now standard across the range.
Nine exterior colours are offered: Sonic Quartz, Titanium, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Chrome, Graphite Black, Vermillion, Glacial Ecru, Radiata Green and Deep Blue. The Black exterior hue has been deleted. On F Sport grades White Nova and Cobalt Mica replace Sonic Quartz and Deep Blue.9
The richly appointed luxury interior is more inviting with the new, brighter Solis White shade9 replacing the previous Rich Cream upholstery.
The ES 250 continues to be powered by the 2.5-litre thermally efficient 152kW/243Nm petrol four-cylinder engine, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The ES 300h also uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine but employs Lexus Hybrid Drive fuel-saving technology with a permanent magnet motor that also has the benefit of producing additional torque and a maximum combined system power output of 160kW.
| Model | Price2 |
| ES 250 Luxury | $62,140 |
| ES 250 F Sport | $71,380 |
| ES 300h Luxury | $64,540 |
| ES 300h F Sport | $73,920 |
| ES 350h Sports Luxury | $79,170 |
