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EXPERIENCE ELEGANCE
The car comes in hybrid and electric forms
- Harry Torrance
A LEADING luxury car brand is launching a new model competing against acclaimed German brands.
The new car will rival BMW's 5 series and Audi's A6.
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Lexus has announced their eighth generation of their opulent ES model.
The new motor was unveiled at the Shanghai motor show today in China - where the ES holds the remarkable title of being the country's most imported car.
The new ES is set to launch in the UK next spring.
Following the Japanese manufacturer's withdrawal of its larger LS models from British markets, the new car will be Lexus' only saloon on sale in the country.
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The design of the new model has been inspired by the car's successes in the Chinese market.
Consequently, it features a minimalist interior design, unlike the model's previous incarnation.
Individual buttons have been kept to a minimum to make way for an all new multimedia system, which is housed on a whopping 12.3-inch touchscreen console, and takes centre-stage on the dashboard.
This system will also continuously update its features due to 'Over-The-Air' wireless software updates.
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The car's shape and design has also had a makeover.
The eight generation ES has a new chassis which boasts increases in 'rigidity' to the car's front end, floor and rear.
Lexus says these reinforcements will "minimise vibration and contribute to sharp, intuitive steering, smooth acceleration and braking response, all faithful to the driver’s intentions."
The company added: "At the same time, the car has an agile, responsive feel that belies its size."
The car has also grown in size, increasing by 165mm in length, enabling an additional 77mm distance between rear and front seats for extra legroom.
The seating positions are also higher, making exit and entry into the car easier.
Lexus have also utilised new technology to modernise the driving experience of the ES.
The steering system has a variable gear-rack which offers balance at high speed, sharp cornering and excellent manoeuvrability.
The car's suspension also features a multi-link system at the rear of the car, previously unused in an ES, to create a better ride for passengers and easier vehicle control.
The ES will be available in both electric and hybrid models.
The hybrid ES 300h has a widely-used self-charging petrol-electric set-up, cultivating a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine to produce either 200 break horse power (bhp) or 245 bph.
These will be able to operate either the front two, or all four wheels simultaneously.
Meanwhile the electric version comes in two versions, with the ES 350e driving the front two wheels with 222bhp, and the ES 500e operating both axis with 338bhp.
Lexus says it is "introducing new technologies and advanced comfort, connectivity and safety to sustain the build the model’s global reputation.
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"The aim has been to ensure the ES can be enjoyed by all occupants: a connected, rewarding experience and sense of always being in control for the driver and first class comfort for everyone on board.
"The advantages the ES has always enjoyed in ride quality, comfort and quietness have been taken to a higher level."
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