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2021 Lexus ES pricing and specs detailed: Mercedes-Benz CLA and Volkswagen Arteon rival gets safety upgrade - at a cost

The ES300h Luxury has expanded its suite of advanced driver-assist systems.

Lexus Australia has increased the entry-level safety of the ES mid-size sedan as well as its pricing across the board.

The base ES300h Luxury is now priced from $62,525 plus on-road costs, up $2037, while the mid-range ES300h F Sport and ES300h Sports Luxury are up $1745 and $1512, to $71,500 and $77,000 respectively.

While standard specification for the ES300h F Sport and ES300h Sports Luxury is unchanged, the ES300h Luxury has added blind-spot monitoring and active rear cross-traffic alert to its suite of advanced driver-assist systems.

Of note, these two features were already standard in the ES300h F Sport and ES300h Sports Luxury but are now included in the ES300h Luxury, having previously been part of its optional Enhancement Pack.

For reference, active rear cross-traffic alert teams with the ES300h Luxury’s parking sensors and collision warning system (front and rear at speeds up to 15km/h) to detect when other vehicles are crossing from behind and automatically apply the brakes if required.

The ES300h Luxury has added blind-spot monitoring and active rear cross-traffic alert. The ES300h Luxury has added blind-spot monitoring and active rear cross-traffic alert.

Other active safety features in all three ES variants include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, high-beam assist and tyre pressure monitoring, among others.

“Lexus wants to ensure all ES customers experience the highest level of active safety and driver-assistance technology,” said Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson.

“This update also means the ES will best complement the forthcoming new Lexus IS and together provide even more desirable segment options for luxury customers.”

Speaking to CarsGuide, a Lexus Australia spokesperson confirmed the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Volkswagen Arteon rival’s price rises were otherwise prompted by exchange-rate pressures.

The ES300h Luxury is powered by a ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain. The ES300h Luxury is powered by a ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain.

For reference, the ES is exclusively powered by a ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a system power output of 160kW.

This combination is mated to an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission (e-CVT), which sends drive to the front wheels.

As reported, the new-generation – or heavily facelifted – IS mid-size sedan is due in showrooms next month. Unlike the ES, it is rear-wheel drive and therefore a more direct competitor for the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.

2021 Lexus ES pricing before on-road costs

VariantTransmissionCost
ES300h Luxuryautomatic$62,525 (+$2037)
ES300h F Sportautomatic$71,500 (+$1745)
ES300h Sports Luxuryautomatic$77,000 (+$1512)