Word is that the sixth-generation Lexus ES is Australian-bound, and the right-hand drive version is expected to make its market debut Down Under before the year is out. No announcement on any regional plans for the car as yet, but the possibility of the car arriving into ASEAN markets has certainly been reinforced with this news.
The ES was originally the marque’s entry-level offering when it first appeared more than two decades ago. That place has since been taken by the IS, but the ES – which sits between the IS and GS in the scheme of things – could very well be a hit here due to its larger, Camry-like interior and higher focus on comfort compared to the GS.
The previous fifth-gen ES – which sat on a Toyota Camry platform – was never issued in RHD form, but demand for the vehicle in that configuration has always been strong, especially in the Australian market. The sedan made its debut last year in New York, introduced at that point in two variant forms – the 3.5 litre V6 ES 350 petrol and 2.5 litre Atkinson-based ES 300h hybrid. China has an ES 250 version, powered by a 2.5 litre four-pot.
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The ES did well because it fit the market perfectly.
It was well priced, and offered a more premium “Camry” experience. Something Toyota never achieved with the Avalon of its time.
But as the entry level is now taken up by the IS, I’m not sure if the ES will get enough breathing room, especially in light of the massive on slaughter of the FWD Germans like the Passat and A4 and the ever improving (but boring) Camry which it is based on. Quite telling why this would be in RHD…. a LHD car would have pitted it against the rather well done Avalon.
maybe because the ES was a little smaller than avalon?
ES was based on Camry Prominent, while the Avalon was created to fill the gap left by Toyota Cressida some years before that which was a larger model than Corona/Carina and later Camry and more towards Crown.
it will be a tight squeeze though to have IS, ES and GS as they will all eat into each other’s market as price difference is not that much. (from 280k-470k)
Well, its pretty confirmed from all the Lexus sales reps that I spoke to that the ES will be debuting in Malaysia towards the end of this year. Probably right after the debut of the IS around July. The ES should debut around October or November is all is right on schedule.
Oh and I saw the ES on the road in Bangsar a few days ago. It was an embassy car. THE CAR LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER IN PERSON THAN IN PICTURES… from the back, the car has so much presence even from far! And the front, the spindle grill is luxurious looking.. Though I find it a little small for a car that size as the chassis states that it is slightly longer than the GS.
A premium version of Camry. But it’s a good car
An uber-ultra premium of the Camry of course.. Considering Malaysia’s Camry is fitted with almost No safety features and Not a single luxury spec.. The ES is no longer just a premium Camry. It’s a super luxurious sedan with class leading comfort. Tough it may not be as fun to drive or perform like its more masculine brother, the GS.
This is the perfect car to replace the current generation of 2.5L Camry!
When people say IS and GS is a premium Camry, I assumed them as an idiot. But this, is the real full spec Camry. Bringing boring Camry to a new level, boring, premium and comfort. Uncle with a bit more money can consider this as Camry upgrade. Young man, please don’t bash this, this isn’t a car for you.
Damn right! Haha.. There’s just way too many Lexus haters in Malaysia.. Especially in Paultan.. But the ES is a gentleman’s car. Haha.. A class n its own. Beautiful inside and out, comfortable, reliable, great built quality, etc.