[Automotive News]

Lexus Malaysia announced on 15 October 2021 that the Lexus ES 250, a luxury sedan renowned for its craftsmanship, comfort and refinement will receive several updates in the 2021 model. Among the key enhancements are a refreshed outlook, greater comfort as well as an elevated level of safety. Joining the line-up is a new F SPORT variant with its distinctive style and finishing.

“As one of the most accomplished executive sedans on the road, the Lexus ES 250 elicits admiration for its impeccable engineering and styling that satisfies any discerning taste. Combined with the Lexus attention to detail and constant quest for excellence, the improvements to the updated model will invariably retain the Lexus ES 250 as the choice sedan to arrive in.”

President of Lexus Malaysia Mr Ravindran K

A number of design features have been revised and refreshed in the new Lexus ES 250 to complement its sleek coupe-style silhouette. While the imposing spindle grille continues to provide the Lexus visual signature, its design elements have changed, with fewer vertical bars and L-shaped patterns that emphasize lateral flow. The F SPORT has a mesh pattern composed of interlocking L elements with a dark metallic finish. Cut-outs at each corner of the front fascia also sport the black finish mesh but have wider openings than the other two versions.

To complement the revised front grille, the headlamps have also received some restyling. For the Lexus ES 250 Premium, the Bi-LED Projector units have a new inner bezel design. The ultra-compact 3-beam LED projector headlamps of the Lexus ES 250 Luxury and F SPORT have a new and distinctive Daytime Running Light design.

Besides exclusive exterior fittings that include a rear spoiler, the F SPORT also has its own set of 19-inch alloy wheels with a Dark Premium Metallic finish. While the Lexus ES 250 Premium and Luxury maintain their 18-inch alloy wheels, those on the ES 250 Premium have a new design with a Dark Grey Metallic Finish.

Customers can choose from a range of eight colours for the Lexus ES 250 Premium and Luxury. Besides the two new colours – Sonic Iridium and Sonic Chrome – there are also Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Ice Ecru Mica Metallic, and Deep Blue Mica. The F SPORT can be ordered with one of two exclusive colours – Heat Blue Contrast Layering or White Nova Glass Flake – or Sonic Iridium, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Chrome and Red Mica Crystal Shine.

There are also new interior colour themes available as well. For the Lexus ES 250 Premium and Luxury, there’s an elegant Black with Walnut Black trim or a more luxurious Walnut Brown trim with Hazel upholstery. The Lexus ES 250 Luxury can also be ordered with Walnut Black trim and Mauve upholstery which is a medium brown colour that is both refined and modern. Aluminium finish on the trim and either Flare Red or Black upholstery is exclusively reserved for the F SPORT.

The current Lexus ES generation has many features including the spacious and comfortable interior, which is especially appreciated by the rear passengers. Intelligent interior packaging and a generous wheelbase create a level of spaciousness comparable to larger premium luxury models.

“The Lexus ES 250 truly showcases the ability of Lexus engineers in creating a well-balanced and refined automobile that appeals to a wide audience. It is a finely-developed automobile that brings luxury motoring to anyone who appreciates excellent engineering in a vehicle that can be depended on it as a chauffeured automobile or a daily driver.”

Mr Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia

The advanced cockpit design has been updated with a new multimedia display for improved operability. The full colour 12.3-inch touchscreen (8 inches in the Lexus ES 250 Premium) has been repositioned 112mm closer to the occupants and turned 5 degrees towards the driver. As before, the multimedia system includes Navigation services for the Lexus ES 250 Luxury and also the new F SPORT.

With more portable electronic devices having the newer USB Type-C connector, the ports on the new Lexus ES 250 are upgraded to Type-C providing easier connection without the need for adapters. The new models also now come with a Nanoe-X negative ion generator that improves cabin air quality – the first Lexus model to introduce this feature as standard.

For the F-SPORT, there are exclusive features to emphasize its sportier character. Even the classy light-emitting analogue clock on the dashboard has its own unique L-shaped graphics, while the meter has an electric movable metal ring with a 3-D effect. The idea was first used in the Lexus LFA supercar and is found in other F SPORT variants too.

A leather-covered 3-spoke F SPORT steering wheel, dimpled leather-trimmed shift knob and sporty aluminium pedals and footrest are also part of the F SPORT package.

For better protection against being towed away by thieves, the security system in the new Lexus ES 250 includes an inclination sensor. This will detect when the car is tilted while it is being towed and the siren with an internal battery will be triggered.

All three versions of the new Lexus ES 250 are powered by the 2.5-litre DOHC A25A-FKS petrol engine. With features such as multi-hole direct injectors, a continuously variable-capacity oil pump, a variable cooling system, and VVT-iE on the intake valves, this proven 4-cylinder 16-valve engine is engineered to deliver effortless acceleration along with superior fuel-efficiency.

The long-stroke engine produces 204 hp at 6,600 rpm and 247 Nm at 5,000 rpm, which flows through a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. The transmission uses an ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock up clutch, giving the direct feel of a dual clutch system with the smoothness of a traditional torque converter automatic. A related system called Direct Connected Downshift allows the transmission to skip gears when large throttle openings are detected such as when overtaking on the highway.

The engine can take the Lexus ES 250 up to a maximum speed of 210 km/h after having sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds. The Drive Mode Select system allows the engine’s performance to be prioritized for Economy or Sport, or a balance of both.

A key element of the Lexus ES 250 is the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform. The GA-K platform includes a chassis made from several grades of high-strength steel to further solidify the already robust structure. The platform also enhances core performance criteria to deliver excellent straight-line driving stability, cornering poise, and braking ability.

While the MacPherson strut front suspension and trailing-arm double-wishbone rear suspension are retained, the ride comfort and handling have been improved by increasing the rigidity (through adding a brace) of the rear suspension. Performance dampers are installed in the Lexus ES 250 Luxury and F SPORT and these chassis-mounted dampers absorb even the smallest instances of frame compression and/or flex to keep them from generating any resonances that might generate interior cabin noise.

Safety wise, all versions feature Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) as standard and for the latest updated model, the Pre-Collision System (PCS) has been enhanced daytime bicyclist detection by both a millimetre-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor. Pedestrian identification in certain low-light situations is also improved by increasing the camera’s sensitivity and dynamic range.

The other elements of LSS+ are Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Stop & Go Function; Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA); and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).

AHS is now more advanced with BladeScan technology. This uses LED-sourced light that shines onto blade mirrors spinning at high speed which is then transferred to a lens to illuminate the road ahead. A residual image effect prevents the light from appearing to be moving, while the BladeScan system precisely controls light distribution by synchronizing the rotation of the blade mirrors and switching the LED lights on and off. Capable of more intelligent shielding of light than in the case of conventional AHS, it broadens the range of high beam illumination, enabling the driver to recognize pedestrians and road signs without dazzling drivers approaching from the opposite direction.

Coupled with AHS is the new Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) which computes vehicle speed and steering input to direct low beams in the direction of travel. This intuitive feature is helpful on a variety of scenarios ranging from winding roads to urban driving, as it will light the path well in advance to improve driving confidence.

Also available for all versions of the Lexus ES 250 are Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Parking Support Brake (PKSB). Both these systems contribute to the mitigation of damage in collisions in places such as parking lots or in minor collisions with vehicles approaching from the rear or sides (while the car is being reversed out). PKSB also helps to prevent frontal collisions in the event of misapplication of the accelerator pedal.

The new 2021 Lexus ES 250 are currently available at all six authorised Lexus Malaysia outlets nationwide. The price range begins with the Lexus ES 250 Premium that is priced at RM 295,663.50 while the new Lexus ES 250 Luxury is priced at RM 329,910.50. For added distinction, the new F SPORT variant starts at RM 345,134.00 (on the road without insurance and are currently exempt of SST till the end of the year).

Photo credits: Lexus Malaysia

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