Still no word on Lexus ES return to Australia

Lexus Australia has renewed its calls for a return of its leisurely ES300 luxury sedan – but right-hand-drive production of the next generation model is yet to be confirmed.

The Camry-based front-drive ES300 was one of the pioneering vehicles for Lexus in Australia, arriving in 1992, following the LS limousine that established the brand just two years earlier.

But it was phased out in 2005 due to weak sales and wasn’t replaced, becoming a US-only model (pictured).

Back then it cost about $75,000. Today, it would fill a price void between the small IS and large GS sedans.

When asked if the new generation ES would come to Australia, the global head of Lexus Karl Schlicht said: “It’s possible. We have to make a decision on right-hand drive, and we’re close to doing that.”

The boss of Lexus in Australia, Tony Cramb, told Motoring.com.au: “I’d like nothing more than to have it but at this point in time it’s not through. We’d be really interested if they can pull it off [in right-hand-drive] but they’re yet to make that call. We hope to know by the end of the year.”

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