- New ES to be offered in both hybrid and full EV for NZ.
- 500h Dynamic gets 252kW, dual-motor AWD EV powertrain.
- ES now in its eighth generation since 1989.
The battery-electric version of the eighth-generation Lexus ES luxury sedan will pick up some of the driver-focused technology from the just-launched RZ 550e, including Interactive Manual Drive that features an eight-speed virtual gear set-up. In Manual mode, drivers can use the paddle shifters to select their desired gear, and the pure-electric powertrain simulates the rest.
Lexus also says the "low-mounted battery lowers the centre of gravity to enhance dynamic capability and create a more engaging and sporty drive".
The company says the ES design was inspired by the LF-ZC concept first shown in 2023.
The new ES, which arrives in New Zealand later this year in both BEV and hybrid forms, will also be the first Kiwi-market model with Lexus Connected Services.
“You can remotely check your vehicle information through the Lexus Connected app, lock or unlock the car from your phone, remotely turn on air conditioning, or contact emergency support at the touch of a button,” says Andrew Davis, vice president of Lexus NZ.
Connected features include remote lock and unlock capability, vehicle status updates, cloud-based navigation and vehicle tracking functionality. Toyota NZ has also just introduced connected technology on the new-generation RAV4.
Lexus NZ is yet to reveal final specifications for the ES. But the flagship $109,900 500e Dynamic confirmed for NZ equates to the 252kW dual-motor version launched internaitonally.
Lexus NZ will also offer the ES in its signature petrol-electric hybrid guise, as the 300h Premium ($96,900) and Limited ($104,900). It's yet to be confirmed whether the car will have the 2.0-litre or 2.5 engine, FWD or AWD.
What the Lexus ES will cost
- 300h Premium hybrid $96,900
- 300h Limited hybrid $104,990
- 500e Dynamic BEV $109,900