{
  "id": 4658845,
  "title": "Dramatic new generation Lexus ES officially priced",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/dramatic-new-generation-lexus-es-officially-priced",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T15:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/motoring/new-lexus-es-south-africa-price/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lexus has unveiled the specifications and pricing for its latest, eighth-generation ES model, which is set to launch in South Africa next month. The new ES replaces both its predecessor, the ES 350h, and the IS, which ceased production in March. This updated model, internally named the XZ20, now features a hybrid powertrain with an additional fully electric option, marking a significant departure from its previous model.\n\nThe new ES is 165 mm longer, 55 mm wider, and 100 mm taller than its predecessor, with improved dimensions that include a wheelbase increase of 80 mm. The exterior design has also been revamped, adopting a coupe-style roof and replacing the corporate logo with an illuminated LEXUS light bar.\n\nThe hybrid ES 350h comes in two trim levels, EX and SE. The hybrid model offers a combined output of 182 kW, propelling the vehicle from 0-100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds, with a limited top speed of 200 km/h. The electric variant, ES 350e, is exclusive to the SE trim and features a 74.6-kWh battery pack, providing a combined output of 165 kW and a top speed of 160 km/h, with an all-electric range of 615 km.\n\nBoot space differs between the two versions, with the hybrid offering 441 litres and the electric version accommodating 462 litres. The vehicle range is available in six exterior colours – Sonic Titanium, White Nova, Sonic Chrome, Graphite Black, Sonic Iridium, and Crystal Blue – and three interior colours – white, hazel, and black. Pricing for the ES models, which come with a seven-year/105,000 km maintenance plan and an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty for the ES 350e, ranges from R1,051,200 for the ES 350h EX to R1,561,000 for the ES 350e SE.",
  "summary": "For the first time, the ES omits a traditional combustion engine option, replaced by an equally novel electric powertrain to go with the updated hybrid.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lexus unveils 8th-gen ES specs and pricing for South African launch",
    "New ES 350h hybrid and ES 350e electric versions introduced",
    "Prices range from R1,051,200 to R1,561,000 with extended warranties"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}