Connect with us

Cars

Al-Futtaim Lexus Launches 2019 Lexus ES

Published

on

The new seventh-generation Lexus ES builds on its strengths with an all-new platform and is now available through the Al-Futtaim Lexus network in the UAE. After six generations of unprecedented success in the luxury sedan segment, the 2019 Lexus ES makes an extraordinary leap with a striking coupe-like design, enhanced performance, and innovative technologies.

One of two major additions to the all-new Lexus ES lineup includes the ES 300h, an electrified hybrid model, which combines two power sources consisting of a petrol engine and two electric motors. The class-leading hybrid electric model enables customers to contribute to a sustainable future while enjoying increased driving satisfaction and engagement provided by its advanced technologies and cabin quietness, as well as its acceleration smoothness, especially when starting off.

The second addition is the all-new 2019 Lexus ES F-SPORT model, which further enhances the driving excitement so that drivers can enjoy a sense of oneness with the car, born of its ability to respond immediately to driving enthusiasts’ intentions in various situations. In addition to a thrilling exterior that highlights its bold and aggressive personality, the all-new Lexus ES F SPORT features numerous upgrades such as a retuned suspension, 19-inch wheels and tires, and unique aluminium interior trim that gives the machine a more dynamic look and feel.

ES loyalists will find the seventh generation more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before and will be able to enjoy an exhilarating performance, class-leading active safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this segment. As for the environmentally-conscious, the newly introduced electrified variant, ES 300h offers over 80% better fuel savings compared to the petrol engine current generation ES.

Running 24.1km on one liter of petrol, the ES 300h is able to go 1205 kilometers on a full tank without having to stop by a petrol station. “The first generation of this best-selling sedan debuted in 1989, and over the past 30 years, Lexus ES has evolved to constitute, thanks to its supreme quality and unbeatable dependability, a key staple in many houses and fleets,” said Mohamed Maktari, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Lexus. “Lexus ES is the leading sedan in our line-up and one that constitutes over 70% of our sedan car sales. With the introduction of the new electrified variant, we expect the sales to spike as all institutions and individuals accelerate their efforts to reach the sustainability targets set by the UAE Government’s Vision 2021.” 

The new longer, lower and wider ES pushes the limits of design in the luxury sedan class. For this generation, daring design elements have been added to the car to challenge the traditional expectations of buyers. To create a dynamic yet fluid shape and enhance the driver’s visibility, a low hood has been adapted, producing a distinctive silhouette emphasized by an aggressive downward angle.

The provocative elegance of the design starts up front with the latest iteration of the brand’s signature grille, but adds individual cues that are unique to the ES such as the vertical grille pattern and satin-plated trim, adding slim headlamps with distinctive L-shaped marker lights. In profile, the ES has a dynamic yet fluid shape that starts with the low hoodline that feeds into the sleek roofline. The rear of the all-new Lexus ES is clean and sharply chiselled, with distinctive three-dimensional, L-shaped LED taillamps that wrap around the quarter panels to provide a continuous styling line from any angle.

There are three different wheel designs (standard 17-inch, two 18-inch) for the ES 250, ES 350 and ES 300h, while the ES 350 F SPORT gets standard 19-inch wheels. 10 colors make up the exterior paint palette including two new shades, Sunlight Green and Ice Ecru. The F-SPORT model gets two exclusive colors: White Nova, embodying ultimate purity, and Heat Blue that expresses high energy.   

In the new ES, the driver’s focus is kept on the road ahead by placing the centre display screen, instrument panel and available heads-up display in a tight cluster in the driver’s field of view. Front passengers, on the other hand, get a more open and spacious environment that promotes relaxation. Completing the all-new Lexus ES’ distinct personality is its exquisite interior that invites the driver and passengers to enjoy a range of advanced features offering a refined cabin experience.

These include an enhanced in-vehicle 12.3-inch multimedia display, a 10.2-inch colored and adjustable head-up display (HUD), a 7-inch color multi-information display (MID), a wireless charging system for smartphones, an LED ambient illumination, the Lexus Climate Concierge with a 3-zone independent temperature control system, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, multi-adjustable power and ventilated front seats, power reclining rear seats, a rear armrest with multi-operation panel, and a hands-free power trunk lid.

Despite the coupe-like design, rear seat passenger comfort- a hallmark of the ES – remains a top priority. A lower hip point and a carefully configured headliner preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase delivers generous legroom. ES 350 and ES 300h offer Shimamoku wooden trim and Bamboo trim, which give the ES a hand-crafted appearance that luxury buyers expect in this category.

To give it a more distinctive look, the F-SPORT model comes with all-new kind of metallic cabin trim, inspired by the making of “Katana” a traditional Japanese sword, and uses “Hadori”, a polishing technique that relies on a thin grinding stone, giving the ornamentation panels a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle.

ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a new 8-speed direct shift automatic transmission, with an update to D4-S fuel injection, designed to deliver commanding acceleration along with an invigorating sound. The impressively smooth engine now throws 301 horsepower, up significantly by 11%, compared to the older model, while delivering 16% better fuel economy. The new ES 250 also comes with an 8-speed Automatic Transmission and offers 13% better horsepower and 25% better fuel economy with 17.2 KM / L. 

The HEV variant, ES 300h is capable of delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions. An all-new engine, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder incorporates fast-burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficient engines ever offered in a Lexus. An all-new nickel metal hybrid battery is smaller than before which allows it to be mounted underneath the back seat so it doesn’t infringe on trunk space.

The all-new ES is available across all Al-Futtaim Lexus showrooms in the UAE starting from AED 195,000.

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Cars

JAECOO J5 Set to Launch in UAE in July 2025

Published

on

The long-anticipated JAECOO J5, hailed as “the new darling of future travel”, is set to debut in the UAE this July 2025, marking the region’s entry into a new era of light off-road lifestyle and refined outdoor mobility. After making waves globally during its reveal at the Shanghai Auto Show held in April 2025, the J5 is finally arriving in the UAE — where automotive enthusiasts and adventurers alike can experience the future of travel with exclusive test drives available at JAECOO showrooms across the Emirates.

Designed for modern explorers seeking a harmonious connection with nature, the JAECOO J5 blends rugged capability with elegant aesthetics, drawing inspiration from snow-capped mountains and meandering rivers. With a bold waterfall grille, sharply defined ridge-like body lines, and integrated rear spoiler, the J5 combines strength and softness in perfect balance — a true masterpiece “from classic, beyond classic.”

“The JAECOO J5 is more than a vehicle; it’s a lifestyle statement for today’s generation of freedom seekers,” said Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International. “It’s engineered to fulfill a growing longing for nature and freedom in the midst of urban hustle, and we are proud to bring that vision to the UAE.”

Built on a new powertrain platform, the J5 ensures smooth yet powerful driving performance across all road conditions — from daily city commutes to spontaneous desert adventures. The in-car microphone and karaoke mode add entertainment elements to family trips. “J5 reflects our belief that travel should not only be bold and beautiful but deeply personal and inclusive,” added Shawn Xu. “We invite all UAE residents to test drive the J5 and discover a new standard of off-road elegance.”

The JAECOO J5 will be available for test drives by the end of June 2025 at all official JAECOO showrooms in the UAE.

Continue Reading

Cars

NIO Intros 3-Minute Battery Swapping for EVs in UAE

Published

on

NIO has launched its Power Swap Station technology in the UAE, offering a rapid alternative to traditional EV charging. This system allows drivers to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in approximately three minutes. This infrastructure is designed to address common concerns regarding EV adoption in the UAE, namely long charging times and charger availability. The process is fully automated: vehicles autonomously park within the station, where the discharged battery is automatically removed and replaced. Each swapped battery undergoes a comprehensive health check, ensuring optimal performance and safety, and is charged under ideal conditions to promote longevity.

Key advantages of NIO’s battery swapping include its speed, which is comparable to refueling a traditional car, and a hassle-free, automated process that doesn’t require drivers to leave their vehicle. The system also performs a full system health check with every swap and optimizes battery charging to extend lifespan. Furthermore, the swappable battery design facilitates easier reuse and recycling.

The UAE’s inaugural Power Swap Station opened in February 2025 at Yas Marina Circuit. Since its launch, about 15% of NIO users in the UAE are actively utilizing the battery swapping service, indicating growing local user preference. Unlike conventional charging, which slows as the battery nears full capacity, battery swapping provides instant full charge, enhancing efficiency and making EVs more practical for daily use.

NIO reports significant time savings compared to traditional charging methods. For instance, charging a 100-kilowatt-hour battery from 5% to 95% via an 11kW AC charger typically takes 8 hours, while a Power Swap Station completes this in minutes, offering up to a 99% time saving. Similarly, it provides substantial time reductions compared to 50kW DC (up to 97% saving) and 120kW DC (up to 93% saving) fast chargers.

To date, over 1,749 kilowatt-hours of electricity have been delivered through battery swaps. This energy delivery, which would take approximately 15 hours with a 120kW DC charger, was completed in just 1.4 hours of total swapping time using the Power Swap Station, marking a tenfold improvement in energy delivery efficiency.

As demand for battery swapping increases, a second NIO Power Swap Station is scheduled to open in Dubai in the coming weeks, with additional stations planned throughout the year. This expansion aligns with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which promotes investment in sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to support the UAE’s expanding population.

Continue Reading

Cars

The 2025 INFINITI QX55 Arrives in the Middle East

Published

on

INFINITI has announced the arrival of the 2025 QX55, a stylish and comfortable crossover coupe that makes a statement with its iconic sloped roofline and confident presence. The latest iteration of the QX55 emphasises daring design, a meticulously crafted interior, and user-friendly technology, promising an elevated driving experience.

The 2025 model year offers buyers a streamlined selection of three well-appointed grades, each providing the added confidence of standard INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Prioritising driver and passenger safety, every QX55 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard active safety technologies. This includes Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, High Beam Assist, and Cross Traffic Alert.

The entry-level QX55 LUXE offers a compelling package, powered by a potent and efficient 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Exterior highlights include 20-inch dark-painted aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, drivers will appreciate a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the ProACTIVE Package, heated front seats, a convenient wireless phone charging pad, and the intuitive INFINITI InTouch infotainment system featuring both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay integration.

Stepping up to the QX55 ESSENTIAL grade adds practical enhancements designed for everyday convenience. These include the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection for enhanced visibility, integrated navigation, climate-controlled front seats for optimal comfort, and rain-sensing front wipers. The top-of-the-line QX55 SENSORY builds upon the already well-equipped ESSENTIAL grade with a focus on premium materials and advanced features.

The interior is adorned with black natural maple open-pore wood trim and luxurious semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, complemented by heated rear seats. Audiophiles will appreciate the rich and immersive sound delivered by a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system, complete with metallic speaker grilles for the tweeters. The SENSORY grade also boasts an elite 3-zone full auto air-conditioning system with front and rear ventilation shut function, auto recirculation with ionizer, and fine particle anti-allergen deodorising filters, along with a convenient head-up display and a motion-activated liftgate.

Continue Reading
Advertisement