Lexus ES range expands

Lexus Australia has confirmed a new engine option for its upcoming facelifted Lexus ES, which is currently only offered with a single petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

The updated 2021 Lexus ES luxury sedan is set to arrive in local showrooms by August, with the Japanese car-maker now confirming a new Lexus ES 250 petrol grade which will open the range.

To be positioned below the 160kW ES 300h hybrid – the only powertrain currently available for the ES – the new range-opening 250 will be powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that delivers 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque.

The new four-pot will come paired to an eight-speed automatic which Lexus says provides a “short first gear for direct and immediate response, plus a broad spread of taller ratios to provide impeccable refinement at higher speeds”.

Tipped to weigh in 60kg lighter than the Lexus ES 300h, which also needs to carry an electric motor and battery pack, the new petrol ES 250 will benefit from updates made across the range, including thicker rear suspension bracing that aims to improve ride and handling.

The 2021 Lexus ES 300h will continue with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric drivetrain, paired to an eCVT auto.

Pricing for the updated ES is still to be confirmed, however as previously reported, prices are expected to rise with the mechanical improvements and other updates, including a refreshed interior and exterior design tweaks.

The ES 300h will continue to be offered in Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades, while the ES 250 will only be available in Luxury or F Sport trim levels. Luxury and F Sport variants will also be available with the optional Enhancement Pack.

The current ES 300h opens at $62,525 plus on-road costs for the Luxury and tops out at $77,000 plus ORCs for the Sports Luxury. The F Sport splits the pack at $71,500 plus ORCs.