• MARK MUSUTUBased on experience, we’ve learnt that Lexus has a totally different approach to making cars. It seems to focus on witty design and packaging, artistic and even playful in a way, resulting in cars that are nothing short of awesome.
Every premium car has innovation and high tech to its name, but Lexus offers this in an out of the box and almost experimental way. Driving a Lexus will make you feel like other carmakers ought to be more endeavouring.
The Lexus ES range was first seen in 1989 as one of two vehicles introducing the Lexus brand. Seven generations have since followed, with the ES as a globally successful executive car, especially in the United States where Lexus is a favourite.
This week’s feature is the seventh and current generation ES which it touched down in Namibia a few days ago. Classified as a compact executive sedan, the Lexus ES takes on the likes of the Mercedes Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Jaguar XF and Volvo S90. It is in a class where it holds its own as a stylish, innovative and elegant Japanese/American alternative.
The ES is a head-turner. I was struck by its elegance, strong presence and aggressive looks, specifically its athletic headlights coupled with razor-sharp day-time running lights flowing from the spindle-shaped grille to the sleek lines of the three-dimensional front end connecting to the roof line. Generally speaking, the ES is wider and more spacious than ever but with a sleeker and lower silhouette. The fastback roof line is very coupe-like and emphasises a low stance, while the interior roominess is typical premium sedan.
Lexus has arranged seating in a notable way by sinking the seats lower and stretching the cockpit, allowing enough space for tall occupants, and it has a 420-litre luggage capacity boot.
It’s finished with embossed stitching on semi-aniline leather trim, real wood trim, a heated 21-buttoned steering wheel, multi-info display, Lexus premium audio, perforated heating seats with lumbar support, wireless charging and dual-zone climate control, to name a few.
The ES 250 is a space of comfort and relaxation, and I found it hard to give it all up after the test drive. It uses a four-cylinder 2,5-litre petrol engine to produce a maximum 152kW of power at 6 600rpm and 234Nm of torque at 4 000 to 5 000rpm that can achieve a top speed of 210km/h. An eight-speed automatic transmission with AI (artificial intelligence) shift control maximises the overall quality of the drive. It’s just amazing.
Lexus has gone beyond deadening out the engine sound – it has rather deliberately added a fine-tuned low acoustic growl from the engine, one which is only heard but not felt, offering the driver a more engaging experience.
The ES is a balance of boldness, elegance and innovative design, certainly one of the most advanced cars in Namibia at the moment. If you are about breaking from the norm and defying convention and you are on the lookout for an executive car, the ES is waiting for you at your nearest Lexus dealership in Windhoek.
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