The new Lexus ES is
now in Thailand. As with our southern
neighbour, the seventh-generation ES is also available in Thailand solely as a
hybrid.
The ES 300h is the
choice in the Land of Smiles for tax reasons, the Bangkok Post points out. With
an improved hybrid system, fuel economy is up from 20 km/l to a claimed 22
km/l, but it’s the below 100 g/km C02 emissions that has cut excise tax from
16% to 8%, enabling Lexus to maintain entry prices at 3.59 million baht for the Luxury trim. The Grand Luxury is priced at 3.76 million
baht while the Premium comes in at 4.19 million baht.
The English
language daily says that the ES is aimed at well heeled Thais wanting a
fuel-efficient alternative to diesel-powered European executive saloons, but
don’t want the additional task of plug-in charging. As in Malaysia, Lexus faces
the same CBU vs CKD issues in Thailand, where premium German brands have the
local assembly price advantage.
The
seventh-generation XV70 is new from the ground up, and rides on the Toyota New
Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-K platform, which also underpins the latest
Camry. Lexus says it rivals the GA-L RWD platform used for the LC grand tourer
and LS limo in terms of rigidity.
Looking very much
like a smaller LS, the new ES is 66 mm longer and 46 mm wider than before, but
sits 5 mm lower. The wheelbase has also grown by 51 mm, and all these figures
contribute to the sleeker appearance – “provocative elegance” is what the
design seeks to achieve. The dramatic spindle grille comes with vertical slats
here and the 18-inch wheels are in a “Resonator” design.
The ES 300h
combines a 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with an
electric motor that’s lighter, more compact and more power dense. The total
system output is 215 hp. Power goes to the front wheels via a CVT automatic.
