Despite having a beautiful Lexus ‘Centre’ (it’s a showroom, but don’t call it that, especially in front of the folks at Lexus) in Mutiara Damansara, Lexus Malaysia decided to launch the new ES in the middle of KL’s Golden Triangle at 9.30am on a Monday. There of course was a reason for this insanity, for in addition to the new ES, we were also there to celebrate the opening of the new Lexus Centre at KL Life Centre. As expected, the new Centre is simply brilliant, thanks to a strict international Lexus CI that borders on fanaticism. Not complaining though, the new Centre is just brilliant. But the star of the day was the new Lexus ES of course.
Currently in its 6th generation, the Lexus ES is the marque’s global best-selling model, and is set to carry on the remarkable achievement with something Lexus calls “Neo Luxury & Neo Smart”. “Neo Luxury represents the progressive pursuit of luxury, while Neo Smart expresses advanced environmental and fuel efficient technologies. Combined, it offers luxury indulgence that is one step above from conventional comforts which are appealing to individual preference”, said Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Lexus Malaysia is the first in this region to offer the right hand drive version of the Lexus ES and it’s available in three variants, the ES250, ES250 Luxury and the ES300h. The ES250 and ES250 Luxury are powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine which produces 181hp and 235Nm of torque with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Lexus ES also boasts a hybrid variant, the ES300h, designed to be environmentally friendly without losing any of its performance or comfort. It too is powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, with two electric motors. Combined, the powertrain produces an impressive 202bhp and 213Nm of torque. Besides being environmentally friendly and supremely efficient, the Hybrid variant is also designed to pamper its occupants. The interior is also painstakingly built to the highest degree of perfection just like the non-hybrid variants; the audio system which is a crisp sounding 15-speaker, 12-channel Mark Levinson system provides a concert hall ambience for unrivalled listening pleasure.
Speaking at the launch of the All-New Lexus ES, President of UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Ismet Suki commented, “The new ES mission is to convey the appeal of the Lexus brands to more customers at the same time attracting new users. With its stunning and functional design that incorporates Lexus trademarks like the spindle grille, daytime running lights and model specific 17-inch wheels, the new ES is sure to shake up the market not only for its stunning design lines, but it is also a technological tour de force, especially for its segment.”
Lexus Malaysia plans to sell close to 100 units by the end of 2013, and over 600 units by the end of 2014. This will contribute 40% to the overall Lexus sales in Malaysia. In line with the expansion and continuous success, Lexus Malaysia will be opening three more Lexus outlets in Kuching, Ipoh and Malacca early next year.
The All-New Lexus ES is set to be Lexus Malaysia’s core model, and is priced at RM259, 800 for the ES250, RM279, 800 for the ES250 Luxury, and RM353, 000 for the range-topping Lexus ES300 Hybrid. Lexus Malaysia is offering 3 years free service and 1 year free road tax with insurance to its first 200 customers who booked the All-New Lexus ES. All models come with a 3-year warranty and are available from 8 October 2013 onwards at all Lexus center in Mutiara Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Sungai Besi, Penang and Johor Bharu.
Lexus History…
Established in the early 1980s LEXUS launched its flagship model, the LS 400 in 1989. Since then LEXUS has become synonymous with quality, luxury and superior customer satisfaction. With a global presence in over 60 countries, LEXUS belongs to the Toyota Group of motor vehicles. In Malaysia, LEXUS is a division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd. More information on LEXUS and its range of luxury vehicles can be found at www.lexus.com.my.
