Lexus ES arrives in NZ, starting at $96,900

Lexus has launched its eighth-generation ES in New Zealand, with the luxury sedan offering fully electric power for the first time alongside a new-generation hybrid system.

The three-model range starts at $96,900 plus on-road costs for the ES 300h Premium, rising to $104,900 for the ES 300h Limited. The all-electric, all-wheel drive ES 500e Dynamic tops the line-up at $109,900.

That puts the electric flagship just $5000 above the higher-spec hybrid, giving buyers a relatively small price step between the two powertrains.

All three models are now available to view and test drive at Lexus dealerships nationwide.

Electric power joins the range

The ES 500e Dynamic combines a 74.69kWh lithium-ion battery with E-Four all-wheel drive and a total output of 252kW. Lexus quotes an estimated WLTP range of 465km and a 0–100km/h time of 5.5 seconds.

Adaptive Variable Suspension is standard, while the brand’s Interactive Manual Drive system gives drivers eight virtual gears to select using steering-wheel paddles.

The electric model also gets its own exterior treatment, including a front spoiler, side skirts and lower bumper detailing. Its 21-inch grey metallic wheels feature matte-black aerodynamic covers.

Inside, the Dynamic adds semi-aniline leather-accented seats, layered bamboo trim and illumination diffused through the decorative surfaces. Charging speeds and recharge times were not included in the launch announcement.

Both ES 300h variants use Lexus’ sixth-generation hybrid system, making the ES the first Lexus to receive the technology. A 2.5-litre petrol engine works with an E-CVT and lithium-ion battery to produce a combined 144kW.

A bigger sedan with more rear-seat space

The new ES has grown substantially. Overall length increases by 165mm to 5140mm, while the hybrid is 110mm taller than its predecessor at 1555mm. The electric version stands slightly higher again at 1560mm.

Lexus says the larger body creates more cabin space, particularly for passengers in the back. New front seats use a split construction intended to improve comfort, while the dashboard adopts a cleaner layout with touch switches that remain hidden until illuminated.

Lexus New Zealand vice president Andrew Davis says the changes extend beyond adding another powertrain.

“It really moves the idea of a traditional sedan forward. The proportions have changed, there’s considerably more space, especially in the back seat, and a lot of work has gone into the way the car rides and responds. The design inside and out feels completely new, but it’s still just as much about the experience of the people travelling in it as the person behind the wheel.”

The ES 300h Premium includes heated, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic moonroof, 12.3-inch digital instrument display, 14-inch multimedia touchscreen and 19-inch aerodynamic wheels.

The Limited adds ventilated front seats, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, head-up display, digital rear-view mirror and Panoramic View Monitor. Its ambient lighting offers 14 themes, 50 custom colours and six dynamic patterns.

Connected services make their Lexus NZ debut

The ES is also the first Lexus in New Zealand to introduce Lexus Connected Services.

Functions include SOS emergency calling, automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking. The accompanying app provides remote functions such as locking, unlocking and climate control, along with vehicle information and notifications.

All grades receive the next-generation Lexus Safety System+, including an adaptive high-beam system, front cross-traffic alert, improved lane-tracing assistance and expanded pre-collision detection. A camera-based driver monitor can identify signs of inattention and fatigue.