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UK says hello to Lexus ES, goodbye to GS

Date: 30 April 2018   |   Author: Guy Bird

After decades of ill-fitting models that didn't quite take on their rivals toe to toe, Lexus has finally ditched its slow-selling GS four-door coupe in the UK and launched its hybrid-only ES executive saloon to more squarely take on the Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF among others.

2019 Lexus ES F SPORT_01 LR

Talking exclusively to BusinessCar at the European unveil of the ES in a secret hangar by Brussels Airport, Lexus UK MD Ewan Shepherd said: "The right-hand drive GS's costs were high as it had its own platform, but the ES shares its [new] platform with the Toyota Camry so we can price it better. And with people walking away from diesel in their droves, our "self-charging" hybrids are in a great position to take advantage."

The upshot of this new platform for fleets is a better-proportioned and looking exec saloon - longer, lower and wider - and with more interior space due to a longer wheelbase. The new platform also makes possible enhanced safety features at a lower cost. Case in point, the second-generation Lexus Safety System + on the ES now includes for the first time 'daytime cyclist detection' in addition to spotting oncoming vehicles and pedestrians and will be standard on all UK models. On a model-for-model basis, partly due to the extra safety kit, Shepherd reckons the new ES will include up to £5,000 more standard items than the otherwise equivalent outgoing GS models. ES pricing is indicative at this stage but should be in line with the current GS, ranging from circa £36,000-£45,000. 

Only one engine derivative will be offered from the ES's January UK on sale date, a 218hp 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid with fuel economy starting from 60.1mpg. Although CO2 figures have yet to be released, Shepherd is confident of appealing to more business buyers - he expects to quickly double the admittedly low 400-odd GS sales for 2017 - and is concentrating on smaller businesses and national leasing firms in particular.

. See full report in the next issue of BusinessCar



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