Better Refinements And A New Member To The Family, 2021 Line-up Of The Lexus ES 250

One of the most desired luxury sedans due to its superior craftsmanship, comfort and refinement have received several updates for the 2021 model, the Lexus ES 250.

The upgrades implemented include a refreshed outlook, greater comfort, an elevated level of safety and an introduction of a new F SPORT variant to the line-up. 

Lexus Malaysia’s president, Ravindran Kurusamy remarked, “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 preferred sedan to arrive in.”

Exterior-wise, the new Lexus ES 250 now features fewer vertical bars and L-shaped patterns that stresses lateral flow, while the striking spindle grille remains to provide the Lexus visual signature.

However, for the all-new F SPORT variant, it has a mesh pattern composed of interlocking L elements with a dark metallic finish. 

Plus, the cut-outs at each corner of its 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. On the Lexus ES 250 Premium, it gets Bi-LED Projector units with a new inner bezel design. 

Whereas for the Lexus ES 250 Luxury and F SPORT, their ultra-compact 3-beam LED projector headlamps features 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.

For the paint job, the Lexus ES 250 Premium and Luxury variants come with a range of eight colours that sees two new colours, Sonic Iridium and Sonic Chrome to the existing six.

As for the rest, they include Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Ice Ecru Mica Metallic, and Deep Blue Mica.

Interestingly, the F SPORT trim comes with Heat Blue Contrast Layering, White Nova Glass Flake, or Sonic Iridium, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Chrome and Red Mica Crystal Shine.

Interior-wise, for the Lexus ES 250 Premium and Luxury, they feature an elegant Black with Walnut Black trim or a more luxurious Walnut Brown trim with Hazel upholstery.

Additionally, the Luxury trim can also be ordered with Walnut Black trim and Mauve upholstery which is a medium brown colour that is both refined and modern.

Notably, aluminium finish on the trim and either Flare Red or Black upholstery is exclusively reserved for the F SPORT.

Besides that, the current Lexus ES generation’s interior has many impressive features and the spaciousness and comfortability are a prime example, especially for the rear passengers.

Its Intelligent interior packaging and a generous wheelbase create a level of spaciousness comparable to larger premium luxury models.

Furthermore, the advanced cockpit design has been updated with a new multimedia display for improved operability. 

Featuring full colour 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Luxury and F Sport, and 8 inches in the Premium, they have been shifted 112 mm closer to the occupants and turned 5 degrees towards the driver. 

Just like 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 have also been upgraded accordingly to provide easier connection.

On top of that, the new models now come with a Nanoe-X negative ion generator that improves cabin air quality, which is the first Lexus model to introduce this feature as standard.

Further stressing the F Sport’s rugged looks, the classy light-emitting analogue clock on the dash gets unique L-shaped graphics, while the meter has an electric movable metal ring with a 3D effect. 

Paired to a leather-covered 3-spoke F SPORT steering wheel, dimpled leather-trimmed shift knob and sporty aluminium pedals and footrest to complete the F SPORT package.

“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 as a chauffeured automobile or a daily driver,” commented Lexus Malaysia’s deputy chairman, Akio Takeyama.

Performance-wise, all three versions of the new Lexus ES 250 are powered by the 2.5-litre DOHC A25A-FKS petrol engine. 

It comes 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 impressive efficiency.

The long-stroke engine produces 204 hp at 6,600 rpm and 247 Nm at 5,000 rpm, which is mated to a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission that transmits all power to the front wheels. 

Said 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.

Acceleration-wise, it 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.

Moreover, the Drive Mode Select system allows the engine’s performance to be prioritized for Economy, Sport, or a balance of both.

Apart from that, the ES 250’s Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform also enhances core performance criteria to deliver excellent straight-line driving stability, cornering poise, and braking ability.

Fitted in the Luxury and F SPORT are performance dampers, which absorb even the smallest of frame compression to keep them from creating any resonances that can cause interior cabin noise.

Safety system-wise, all versions of the Lexus ES 250 variants feature Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) as standard.

It includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Stop & Go Function, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).

Other systems also available for all versions of the Lexus ES 250 are Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Parking Support Brake (PKSB). 

Significantly, for the latest updated model, the Pre-Collision System (PCS) has been enhanced with daytime bicyclist detection by both a millimetre-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor.

Along with the Pedestrian identification in certain low-light situations, which is also improved by increasing the camera’s sensitivity and dynamic range.

In particular, 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.

Pricing-wise, the range of this executive sedan 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. 

Alternatively, for added distinction, the new F SPORT trim starts at RM 345,134.00. All prices are on the road without insurance and are currently exempted from SST till the end of the year.

That said, the new 2021 Lexus ES 250 is now available at all six authorised Lexus Malaysia outlets nationwide.