Lexus Australia has confirmed that the luxury marque will expand its model range by three vehicles in the next twelve months – two of them will be hybrid models.
Lexus will introduce the all-new ES 350 petrol and 300h hybrid models late this year, while the all-new 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain will be added to the GS Line in early 2014, in the form of the GS 300h.
Confirmation of two drivetrain variants for ES comes after the Australian arm of the luxury marque secured production of right-hand drive ES models for the first time in seven years.
The addition of GS 300h will increase drivetrain options for the GS to four, including the existing 2.5-litre V6 of GS 250, the 3.5-litre V6 of GS 350, and the powerful hybrid drivetrain of the GS 450h.
The two hybrid drivetrains vary slightly, with the ES 300h expected to deliver 151kW from its 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol-electric drivetrain, while the GS 300h will deliver 164kW, thanks to the addition of direct injection.
The two new hybrids will bring the luxury marque’s total hybrid vehicle line-up to seven across the CT, GS, LS, RX and forthcoming IS and ES Lines.
The third new model, the ES 350, is expected to deliver 204kW from its 3.5-litre all-alloy quad-cam V6.
Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley says the addition of new ES and GS models reinforce Lexus’ ongoing commitment to customers and innovation.
“The return of ES to Australia is a direct result of continued customer demand and we are pleased to have secured not one but two options for them, while simultaneously expanding our hybrid vehicle portfolio.
“The addition of these three new models gives Lexus a distinct advantage in the luxury vehicle segment, offering a peerless product in ES and our seventh hybrid vehicle in the form of GS 300h,” says Hanley.
“All three vehicles have a vital role to play in our continued product and brand reinvention.”
The ES 350 and 300h are expected to slot between the IS and GS line vehicles to offer a spacious and comfortable alternative to the dynamically focused IS and GS.
GS 300h is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2014 and is projected to bring with it a sub-6.0-litre per 100km fuel efficiency figure.
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