Lexus Indonesia has launched the new Lexus ES at
the 2018 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). The latest ES made
its debut in China in April this year, and this is its first appearance in the
region.
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.
For the Indonesian market, Lexus is bringing in the
ES 300h, which is the hybrid model of the global range that also includes the
ES 250, China-spec ES 260 and ES 350. The 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.
The equipment list is long, but highlighted items
include a largest in class colour head-up display, 12.3-inch central screen,
17-speaker Mark Levinson Pure Play sound system, rear seat controls in the
centre armrest (for seats, temp and audio), sunroof, kick-to-open powered boot,
panoramic view parking monitor, three-zone auto AC with carbon filtration and
nano-e, heated/ventilated seats and full LED exterior lighting.
There’s an “Ultra Luxury” variant which adds on
power reclining rear seats, semi-aniline leather seats and acoustic glass rear
windows to go with the standard front ones.
