Verdict
The Lexus ES XZ20 costs RM366,888 against RM259,800 for the Lexus ES 6th Gen, a RM107,088 jump that brings hybrid drive, 197 PS combined output and a 2,950 mm wheelbase. It reaches 100 km/h 0.4 seconds sooner, but its 180 km/h top speed trails by 27 km/h and it weighs 195 kg more. For Malaysian running costs, its RM374 annual road tax undercuts the petrol car’s RM874. Choose the XZ20 for the hybrid powertrain and larger exterior dimensions; the 6th Gen is the lower-entry alternative with near-identical boot space.
Pick the Lexus ES 6th Gen if you want to save RM107,088, prefer a 207 km/h top speed and need the larger 65-litre fuel tank.
Pick the Lexus ES XZ20 if you want hybrid drive, 197 PS combined output, lower RM374 road tax and the longer 2,950 mm wheelbase.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus ES 6th Gen RM259,800; Lexus ES XZ20 RM366,888.
- Road tax: Lexus ES 6th Gen RM874/year; Lexus ES XZ20 RM374/year.
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus ES 6th Gen 9.8 seconds; Lexus ES XZ20 9.4 seconds.
- Top speed: Lexus ES 6th Gen 207 km/h; Lexus ES XZ20 180 km/h.
- Wheelbase: Lexus ES 6th Gen 2,820 mm; Lexus ES XZ20 2,950 mm.
- Weight: Lexus ES 6th Gen 1,615 kg; Lexus ES XZ20 1,810 kg.
6th Gen
- RM107,088 cheaper to buy.
- 207 km/h top speed.
- 65-litre fuel tank and 490-litre boot.
- 0-100 km/h takes 9.8 seconds versus 9.4 seconds.
- RM874 annual road tax versus RM374.
- Shorter 2,820 mm wheelbase and smaller 4,900 mm body.
XZ20
- Hybrid system with 197 PS combined output and one 111 PS electric motor.
- 9.4-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 2,950 mm wheelbase, 12.3-inch digital meter and electronic parking brake.
- Costs RM107,088 more.
- 180 km/h top speed versus 207 km/h.
- Smaller 55-litre fuel tank and 487-litre boot.
What the 6th Gen has over the XZ20
What the XZ20 has over the 6th Gen
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The XZ20's wheelbase is 130 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The XZ20 is 100 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM259,800✓ | RM366,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM874 | RM374✓ |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM2,650/mo✓ | RM3,745/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM7,101✓ | RM9,852 |
| Fuel / year (est.) | RM3,184 | — |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM15.92 | — |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM55,797 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 2.0L Hybrid, combined output 197 PS |
| Capacity | 2,494 cc | 1,987 cc |
| Horsepower | 181 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 150 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 235 Nm at 4,100 rpm✓ | 188 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 90 mm × 98 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.4 | 14.0 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 111 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 206 Nm✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6 Speed Super ECT with A.I. Shift | E-CVT |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.8 seconds | 9.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 8 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 207 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Co2 | 186 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,900 mm | 5,140 mm |
| Width | 1,820 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,450 mm | 1,555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,820 mm | 2,950 mm |
| Weight | 1,615 kg | 1,810 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 65 litres | 55 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 487 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | — |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size 17" Alloy | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | — |
| Front Suspension | McPherson Strut | MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | — |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | — |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Electric power steering, variable gear ratio |
| Chassis Notes | — | Revised TNGA GA-K platform; MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear (first ES with multi-link); electric power steering with variable gear ratio |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 10 (Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side) | — |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | — |
| Stability Control | ✓ | — |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear door | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | — |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | — |
| Rear Seats | Fold-down Centre Armrest with Audio and Air-con Controls | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | — |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | — |
| Sunroof | Front, Tilt and Slide | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | — |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | — |
| Sun Shade | Powered rear sun shade | — |
| Audio | Lexus Premium Audio CD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth and 8 Speakers | — |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | — |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | — |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Hidden-until-lit dashboard switches for climate and vehicle functions with media volume dial; sixth-generation Lexus hybrid system; 12.3-inch digital meter |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
Used cars for sale
Our reviews & guides
6th Gen vs XZ20 FAQ
Is the Lexus ES 6th Gen or Lexus ES XZ20 better?
The Lexus ES XZ20 is better for hybrid drive, lower annual road tax and faster 0-100 km/h acceleration. The Lexus ES 6th Gen makes more financial sense if the RM107,088 saving, higher top speed and larger fuel tank matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus ES XZ20 costs RM107,088 more than the Lexus ES 6th Gen: RM366,888 versus RM259,800.
Which Lexus ES has the larger boot?
The Lexus ES 6th Gen has the marginally larger boot at 490 litres, compared with 487 litres in the Lexus ES XZ20. The difference is only three litres.