Maintaining competitiveness in the luxury market remains a relentless pursuit of perfection for Lexus South Africa
There is no underestimating the power of the Lexus grille; it is the “face” that helps create a touchstone for public recognition and reaction. Since the reveal of the LF-Gh concept – back in 2011 – before it was reincarnated as today’s GS, Lexus has forged a strong identity with its spindle grille, an element that has become a pivotal blueprint for the brand’s design language across the range.
While each Lexus model receives a slightly different treatment of the “face” to cater to segment specific target audience, it is the seamless way in which elements in design, engineering and cutting edge technology are merged that makes the brand so special. In its pursuit of perfection, Lexus South Africa is introducing an array of minor updates geared towards enhancing the experience of owning a Lexus.
LEXUS ES
After receiving a number of significant enhancements in 2015, the momentum is continued in this value for money offering. The ES serves as part of the brand’s strategy in the entry-luxury segment, combining flagship-type comfort with front-wheel drive traction. The base model ES 250 delivers efficient performance from a standard 2.5-litre engine teamed to an ultra-smooth six-speed automatic transmission.
In the Lexus ES 300h, the 2.5-litre single VVT-i twin-cam Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit is mated with a 105kW electric motor that’s fed by a 650V nickel-metal hydride battery for a combined 151kW output.
Engineered to provide driving confidence and the ultimate in comfort, the ES surrounds its occupants with a luxurious, contemporary cabin. From the sweeping dashboard reminiscent of modern architecture to highly intuitive ergonomics mated with the finest materials and surfaces, the ES cultivates a feeling of sheer quality with every touch.
WHAT’S NEW?
The big news here is that navigation is now standard across the range.
ES 250 EX: R554 200
ES 300h: R660 800
LEXUS NX
The introduction of the NX a couple of years ago created a new segment for Lexus: Compact SUV. This helped to broaden the appeal of the Lexus brand. The NX also proved to be an excellent turbo-charged starting point for Lexus with its 200t (2-litre) direct injection petrol engine.
The F SPORT’s exterior styling adds a sportier emphasis to the NX’s sharp, distinctive lines with details including a prominent, large spindle grille with a mesh pattern featuring the Lexus F-motif, and a deeper bumper with a metallic-coated lower section.
WHAT’S NEW?
To make it even more distinguishable, the NX 200t F SPORT now comes standard with a panoramic roof.
NX 200t E: R631 500
NX 200t EX: R677 300
NX F SPORT 200t: R786 600
NX 300h EX: R743 000
LEXUS GS
The GS entered 2016 with a bolder design, a 200t rear-wheel drive model and a host of luxury finishes. The Lexus GS continues to feature impressive agility and sporty handling for twists and turns, as well as comfortable ride quality for extended journeys.
The Lexus GS marks an intersection of style and refinement, indicated by a strong rendition of the signature Lexus spindle grille, framed in an elegant satin chrome trim and flanked by distinctive new Bi-LED headlights.
This is no modest mid-size luxury sedan. The engaging performance and amenities make the GS 200t and GS 350 F SPORT excellent choices for both delighting enthusiast drivers and luxury connoisseurs.
WHAT’S NEW?
However, it is the GS 350 F SPORT that gets an update in the form of Lane Change Assist with BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) and RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert).
GS 200t EX: R745 200
GS 350 F SPORT: R854 700
LEXUS RC
The RC luxury sport coupe was first introduced to the Lexus stable in 2015 and returned earlier this year with a 2-litre twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with intercooler paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
For customers seeking a traditional V6 engine alternative, the RC 350 F SPORT combines the sonorous 233kW 3.5 litre V6 engine with the dynamic F SPORT grade package to create a vehicle that exudes a sporty yet sophisticated image.
A key to the RC’s exceptional handling ability is an ultra-stiff platform and comfortable, predictable road manners. The RC is the latest model from a ride and handling transformation at Lexus that started with the current GS midsize luxury sedan.
WHAT’S NEW?
Now both the EX and F SPORT grades will have their safety specification improved with the Lane Change Assist with BSM + RCTA. Also watch out for the new wheel design change on both models.
RX 350 EX: R907 700
RX 450h SE: R1 175 600
LEXUS LS
When the Lexus LS flagship sedan launched more than two decades ago it made its mark with its luxury features, an interior that was created with painstaking attention to detail, and a remarkably smooth engine. Today, the supremely smooth standard 4.6-litre V8 teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission is only one facet of the Lexus LS 460’s numerous features.
WHAT’S NEW?
More is really more for the LS. The luxury sedan is now fitted with a heated leather steering wheel and new LED + Adaptive High-beam System. The new headlight system features a camera located in the inside rear-view mirror that detects light sources in front of the vehicle – including the headlamps of oncoming vehicles, the tail lamps of a vehicle ahead and street lighting – to automatically switch the high beams on and off accordingly.
LS 460: R1 701 100
