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Lexus has tweaked its core ES luxury sedan offering for the 2023 model year.
The Camry-related sedan has been upgraded to offer increased connected services via a smartphone app, which is capable of showing more information about the car, from odometer and fuel readings to range, location and trip details. It also offers the ability to check on the status of the door and boot locks, and allows the owner to remotely unlock or lock the vehicle, as well as remotely start the ignition.
The 12.3-inch multimedia screen is also now capable of supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, although Android Auto remains wired only for the time being.
An upgraded centre console now features USB-C connectivity as well as a wireless phone charging bay, pairing nicely with the wireless CarPlay.
The choice of colours has also been altered, particularly on the F-Sport grade. Meanwhile, the cream interior option has been replaced with a brighter white interior option.
The ES range continues to feature three grades with a further three trim levels. The ES 250 non-hybrid sports a 2.5-litre non-hybrid four-cylinder engine (152kW/243Nm) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the ES 300h is a hybrid version of the same powertrain, with outputs totalling 160kW and drive sent to the wheels via a continuously variable automatic. Both the 250 and 300h can be chosen in either entry Luxury or mid-grade F-Sport trims.
The ES shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry, but offers improved luxury appointments and technology features befitting the more premium brand position of Lexus. It presents a more value-focused offering in the luxury space when compared to segment stalwarts, the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, although now also competes with Korean newcomer, Genesis.
Unlike some of those rivals, the ES is front-wheel drive only, and is the only one to offer a self-charging hybrid technology. As such, fuel consumption is rated at 4.8L/100km for the 300h variant, while the non-hybrid 250 is said to consume 6.6L/100km.
Also offered with the ES is Lexus’ ‘Encore’ lifestyle program, which includes three years of capped price servicing, loan cars while your car is being serviced, and various other partner rewards, including discounted fuel at Ampol locations.
Lexus is on a roll updating its core range of offerings in the last year, with the new-generation LX related to the LandCruiser 300 Series, new-generation NX related to the RAV4 (although is the first car under the greater Toyota umbrella to offer plug-in hybrid technology), and the all-electric UX 300e which shares its underpinnings with the Toyota C-HR.
Next up for the brand will be a key offering, the new-generation RX SUV, which is historically one of the brands best-sellers. It will launch in both hybrid and non-hybrid forms, offering the new-generation 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder also seen in the new NX, as well as an important new 2.4-litre turbo hybrid variant. It is not set to arrive in Australia until 2023.
Finally, a fully electric mid-size SUV dubbed the RZ was revealed in April. It shares its underpinnings with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, although Lexus Australia is yet to confirm if and when it will hit Australian shores.
| Luxury | F-Sport | Sports Luxury | |
| ES 250 | $62,140 | $71,380 | -- |
| ES 300h | $64,540 | $73,920 | -- |
| ES 350h | -- | -- | $79,170 |
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