INSIGHT BY S Y D N E Y C I T Y L E X U S
SEPTEMBER 2026
LEXUS ES DEFINES THE LUXURY SALOON SYDNEY CHIC DISCOVERS LEXUS RZ
LEXUS OWNERSHIP TO THE MAX
A GOLDEN MOMENT AT SYDNEY CITY LEXUS
SYDNEY CITY
SYDNEY CITY LEXUS www.sydneycitylexus.com.au 824 Bourke Street, Waterloo | PH 02 9160 0330 36-38 Parramatta Road, Glebe | PH 02 9565 6363 Pre-production model shown.
THIRTY YEARS OF ES: A GENERATIONAL CHANGE
When Lexus launched its first-generation ES300 at Sydney’s Opera House in June 1992, journalists cried foul. They weren’t calling out the car. They quite liked it. But they were in a conference room doing a two-way sound and vision cross with Lexus’ boss in North America. He was able to hear them and answer their questions in real time. It was technology so advanced no one believed it. Journalists were sneaking behind the screen in search of the smoke-and-mirrors trick. Of course it was real. It was Lexus Australia showing off. They were always the first with the best. The same applied to the ES300. For its time it was groundbreaking in the mid-sized prestige market. Lexus had launched globally as a brand only two years before, and its flagship model, the LS400 limousine, had turned the luxury market on its head, quality way up, price way down. The value-for-money equation had been redefined. The ES300 threw out the same challenge. It was judged by the media to have introduced a balance of luxury, comfort and technology which confronted the established top-end European car makers. Technology has advanced. A smartphone can now do what it took several remote satellite dishes to achieve at the Opera House. The ES300 has also advanced. The original ES300 developed 138kW from its 3.0-litre V6 quadcam engine, no matter that its fuel consumption was quoted at 11.8 litres/100km. Our new ES500e develops 252kW. The combined fuel economy of our ES300h (we can’t quote fuel consumption figures on all-
electrics) is 4.5L/100km. And it’s worth noting the improvement in hybrid delivery. Lexus first introduced hybrid technology to the ES range in 2013, in its fifth generation. Then, fuel efficiency was 30 percent less than it is now. The new ES300 is longer (+375mm) and wider (+140mm) than the first-generation car. In fact, its dimensions are now closer to the original LS400. Most of that translates into passenger and luggage space. The rear-seat legroom is of limousine proportions. Most importantly, it’s worth examining the price. The original ES300 came to market at the stunning price of $59,600. It was considered a true price leader. More than 30 years later, the new ES300h Luxury carries a recommended retail price of just $75,000 (plus on-road costs). For comparison, the median price for a home in Sydney in 1992 was $180,000. Now it’s $1.6 million. It’s a strong indication of just how much value for money is built into Lexus today. JOHN ROCA DEALER PRINCIPAL SYDNEY CITY LEXUS | I N S I G H T | 3
LEXUS ES DEFINES THE LUXURY SALOON The SUV revolution has done wonders for the way we drive, which is why its shape and size have become the preferred automotive architecture of our time.
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But still, some people favour the elegance and cloistered comfort of a luxury sedan. Drivers and their passengers simply appreciate the intimacy of a saloon. Is it possible to have both? The new Lexus ES reimagines the luxury sedan. The eighth generation of Lexus’ most popular four-door saloon car makes an unmatchable statement of elegance. Its road presence: sleek, ground-hugging and eye-turning, is subtly imposing.
While many sedan cars of the luxury marques have faded to grey in the face of the SUV onslaught, the new ES has surged forward. With its bold new styling, luxurious appointments and, importantly, well-proportioned space, it has truly become the standard bearer for future luxury sedan cars. The arrival of the all-new Lexus ES represents a generational shift.
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THE ES PROVIDES LUXURIOUS SEATING FOR FIVE AND LUGGAGE SPACE OF SUV PROPORTIONS WITHOUT EVER LOSING ITS SEDAN APPEAL.
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It is in Sydney City Lexus’ showroom now as a class-leading battery electric vehicle (BEV) and will shortly also come to market as a fuel-saving parallel hybrid (HEV).
The boot is voluminous, of SUV proportions, and there’s a centre hatch in the rear seats which allows long objects like snow skis to be carried with ease.
Importantly, the ES design team has applied the “golden ratio” principle to achieve an ideal relationship between the key dimensions (wheelbase, length, width and height) with its SUV-like interior space.
The new ES is the first Lexus to have been built from the ground up to support both internal combustion and all-electric powertrains.
The ES provides luxurious seating for five and luggage space of SUV proportions without ever losing its sedan appeal.
The ES300h mates an economical 2.5-litre four-cylinder combustion engine to Lexus’ sixth-generation series-parallel hybrid powertrain. It’s state-of-the-art when it comes to combined power delivery and economy.
The exterior design is completely new, yet it is instantly recognisable as a Lexus thanks to the evolution of its distinctive spindle-shaped grille, which now extends from the bumper into the bonnet. The cabin is a delight, clean and simple, and full of intriguing surprises. It features world-first responsive hidden switches on the dashboard and wheel which react to hover and touch commands. You have to experience it to understand how much of a breakthrough it truly is.
The front-drive ES350e uses a single front electric motor and the ES500e has two, working on all four wheels.
That raises the point: on a road trip, what’s your preference? Sitting high in your spacious and luxurious Lexus SUV, or enjoying the grand touring luxury of your ES sedan? Both are sensational solutions. Happily, with the new Lexus ES line, we’re now able to offer you the choice.
Interior space is larger than its predecessors, yet it still maintains the feel of a cabin designed with each occupant’s individual comfort as top of mind.
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SYDNEY CHIC DISCOVERS LEXUS RZ Deb Carr is a friend of Sydney City Lexus, a person we greatly admire. She’s the owner-proprietor of Sydney Chic (www.sydneychic.com.au), a very worthwhile online lifestyle publication which captures the heart and soul of our city.
The substantially upgraded RZ500e Luxury and Sports Luxury grades now deliver a 16 percent increase in driving range, to a maximum 460km.
It’s the go-to place if you want to discover what’s on and learn more about the people who shape our society. Naturally, as a new-age communicator, Deb has a great interest in newly developing technologies.
And they can be fully recharged in a shorter time of just 3.5 hours.
In the automotive sector, Sydney City Lexus is right on top of that. That’s why we’ve involved her directly in the launch of our new upgraded battery-electric RZ range. The new RZs are just reaching our showrooms, with increased power, a high level of luxury appointments and a sensational styling upgrade. There’s a new model too, the range-topping RZ550e F Sport, which delivers 300kW.
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The new RZ550e F Sport introduces an innovative steer-bywire system controlled by a yoke steering wheel. The yoke design provides even clearer visibility of the instrument cluster and the road ahead. It integrates paddle shifters which enable the driver to shift through eight simulated gears that emulate the throttle feeling, G-forces, engine sound and tachometer display of a traditional combustion engine. Click here for Deb’s report on the Lexus RZ.
THE YOKE DESIGN PROVIDES EVEN CLEARER VISIBILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE ROAD AHEAD.
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LEXUS OWNERSHIP TO THE MAX It’s the question that tricks politicians every election: “What’s the price of a dozen eggs?” (Answer: give or take $4.78, as at end of August 2026.) The fact is nobody can accurately forecast the current cost of living. The variables are too great. Even the Australian Bureau of Statistics has trouble. “The LCI (Living Cost Index) for the 12 months to June is estimated to have risen between 3.7 and 4.7 percent,” it recently reported, a wide margin. Forecasting their financial future is, for most people, a necessity. For some it’s become an obsession. Whole websites are dedicated to tracking trends, sometimes on a minute-by-minute global basis (www.numbeo.com). The one certainty is that in the pie chart of expenditure, housing remains the greatest allocation at better than 40 percent of total income. Food, leisure, health, and education all hover closely. Transportation is relatively low, at around 14 percent. Yet it’s still a significant amount. Of late, Sydney City Lexus has noticed a significant increase in customers seeking to better manage their vehicle purchase and all-of-vehicle life planning. We can help with that. “Lexus Ownership Solutions offers flexible vehicle financing combined with a guaranteed future value,” according to our general manager, Enzo Alessi.
Enzo is a bit obsessed himself. He sees it as his calling to ensure every one of our owners becomes a customer for life. The key to that is to make their entire ownership experience seamlessly enjoyable. Membership of our automotive-category Encore program, with all its advantages, along with fixed-price servicing, are two standouts. Introducing our customers to the proposition of Lexus Ownership Solutions is another. “I recognise that many people still prefer a cash transaction and others bring their own finance tied to their total moneymanagement package,” Enzo said. “But even if they do, they should consider the most efficient means of securing and maintaining ownership.” Simply put, Lexus Ownership Solutions allows owners to select a loan term, nominate a deposit amount, estimate the kilometres they’ll travel and achieve a guaranteed future value. At the end of the term, it’s possible to replace, retain or return the vehicle with the certainty of its value. Flexible loan terms from twelve to forty-eight months will also be offered with a fixed interest rate. “By using the guaranteed final value as the last payment, progressive scheduled repayments are generally lower than traditional methods,” Enzo said. “I see no reason why anyone should pay a dollar more for their Lexus than they need to.”
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sydneycitylexus.com.au SYDNEY CITY LEXUS | 824 Bourke Street, Waterloo | PH 02 8303 1900 SYDNEY CITY LEXUS | 36-38 Parramatta Road, Glebe | PH 02 9565 6363
SAFETY FIRST Above your head near the roof lining, able to be reached within an arm span, is a single SOS button. It’s protected by a hinged clip so that it cannot be pressed accidentally. In an emergency, it will summon help, which will find you because your inbuilt GPS will guide assistance to you. The emergency SOS function is fitted to every Lexus we sell. To our knowledge, it’s never been used in a vehicle we’ve delivered. And yet we consider it to be one of the most important features of the entire Lexus range. Lexus Connected Services is a multi-functional range of applications designed to make your ownership experience more fulfilling, enjoyable and practical. Yet at its heart is safety. “The peace of mind that comes from that is invaluable,” said Con Hatzivasiliou, Sydney City Lexus’ general manager, service and technical. “In your time of need, you are not only able to call for help but, if you happen to be incapacitated, your Lexus will send out its own alert.” The suite of features embedded in Lexus Connected Services is so comprehensive that it’s likely few owners know or use them all. The Lexus App, available on smartphone or other devices, is the command centre. It allows owners to remotely lock and unlock doors and precondition their cabin’s temperature. On certain models it’s even
possible to start or stop the engine. Drive Connect enhances navigation and voice command capabilities. It includes cloud navigation which picks up live traffic reports and suggests alternate routing. The very latest feature on most recent models offers an aerodynamic mode enabling the driver to determine the optimum slipstream advantage from the vehicle in front to enhance fuel savings. Service Connect generates on-demand vehicle condition reports. It sends maintenance alerts when service is due.
LEXUS CONNECTED SERVICES IS A MULTIFUNCTIONAL RANGE OF APPLICATIONS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOUR OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE MORE FULFILLING, ENJOYABLE AND PRACTICAL. 1 2 | SYDNEY CITY LEXUS | I N S I G H T
Lexus Service Connect integrates with multimedia systems, enabling the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But above all, safety comes first. “In the worst-case situation of a crash in which the driver is not able to communicate, the system will automatically alert our Lexus Call Centre if an airbag is deployed or an impact sensor is triggered,” Con said. “The operator will attempt to reach the occupants and, if there is no response, will dispatch emergency responders.” But for Con, there’s regrettably a more pressing use for the service. “It’s an unfortunate fact that car theft, carjacking and even assault are a small but growing risk,” he said. “Lexus Connected Services offers some assistance. “And in the event of theft, there’s a tracking function that may assist authorities in recovery.”
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INTRODUCING OUR NEW 200-YEAR-OLD AMBASSADOR Two hundred years ago this year, the businesspeople of the thriving city of Sydney formed their first Chamber of Commerce. It had its finger on the city’s pulse and actively sought ways to make the lives and the lifestyles of our citizens better. It’s never ceased to do that. It’s now called Business Sydney, and Paul Nicolaou, its chief executive, has made Sydney City Lexus a partner in his quest to advocate for growth. There’s urgent need for planning. By 2045, our population will have grown to 6.5 million. Our metropolitan economy will be increasingly structured around multiple centres rather than one CBD alone. “Transport and mobility are fundamental to Sydney’s economic success,” Paul said. “Working with an organisation with deep expertise in transport, movement and infrastructure gives us access to specialist thinking that strengthens our policy work. “It helps us understand the practical consequences of planning and transport decisions for business, workers and communities.” It’s a two-way street. For Sydney City, our new Business Sydney relationship provides a direct connection to the business community, especially to who use, invest in and are affected by Sydney’s transport system. “That’s exactly the type of collaboration Sydney needs,” Paul said. “Business, government and experts working together instead of operating in silos. “Our shared objective should be a Sydney that moves people and goods efficiently, supports investment and remains one of the world’s great cities.” Paul’s take on the future of Sydney is an invaluable insight we can bring to our Sydney City Lexus Insight readers. Each issue we’ll ask him a question pertinent to the future of our community. Stand by. It’s another value-added service from Sydney City Lexus.
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“TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO SYDNEY’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS” PAUL NICOLAOU, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, BUSINESS SYDNEY
AD LEXUS ENCORE. THE EXCLUSIVE OWNER BENEFITS PROGRAM. Every Lexus is the embodiment of amazing. But we believe that amazing should extend beyond the vehicle. Lexus Encore gives you access to a suite of exclusive owner benefits that bring amazing to every area of your life. You can embark on a culinary adventure at a Dining Event. Feel the thrill of the racetrack at a Track Day. And take advantage of seamless vehicle services. Welcome to Encore, where life meets amazing.
CONTACT US TODAY
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SYDNEY CITY LEXUS | 824 Bourke Street, Waterloo
SYDNEY CITY LEXUS | 36-38 Parramatta Road, Glebe
PH 02 9160 0330 | sales@sydneycitylexus.com.au
PH 02 9565 6363 | sales@sydneycitylexus.com.au
Lexus Encore Member Benefits apply on all eligible new and demonstrator Lexus vehicles, for a 36-month period from the date Encore is first activated by the Dealership. Inclusions may change. Subject to availability. For full T&Csand eligiblemodels, see Sydney City Lexus or lexus.com.au/encore.
LUKE’S SPRING SENSATION TREVALLA FILLET WITH CRUSHED PEAS, LEMON & BASIL SAUCE VIERGE INGREDIENTS 4 x 150g fillets of blue eye trevalla 400g frozen garden peas, defrosted 300ml extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp coriander seeds 8 basil leaves, finely sliced 2 basil stalks 2 tomatoes, core removed and flesh cut into 2cm dice Juice of one lemon 2 strips pancetta (100g) cut into lardons (strips) (streaky bacon could be used instead) 50g diced butter Salt and freshly ground black pepper to season
METHOD Blend the peas in a food processor, until crushed. Gently warm the olive oil in a pan, add coriander seeds and basil stalks then remove from heat and leave to infuse. Once cooled, strain the oil and combine with the diced tomato, sliced basil, lemon juice and a little salt and pepper. Season the fish and sear in a hot pan with a little oil until the fillet is nicely coloured on both sides. Place the pan in the oven at 200C, or on a tray, and cook for approx. 4 minutes. While the fish is in the oven, heat the peas with some butter and season in a pan. Fry the pancetta until crispy and place on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. When the fish is ready it should be cooked medium, with a little pink in the middle, so it retains its moistness.
TO SERVE Place a small pile of peas on each plate, top with the fish, add pancetta and dress with the lemon and basil sauce vierge.
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A GOLDEN MOMENT AT SYDNEY CITY LEXUS It’s the trophy that stopped a showroom. The Lexus Melbourne Cup, 1.165kg of 18ct yellow gold, valued at around $175,000 depending on the spot price of the raw material, visited our showroom recently for a priceless exhibit. The Cup is worth so much more than the sum of its parts – it’s emblematic of our national achievements, and not just in sport. We were one of 39 destinations chosen throughout Australia to participate in the Cup tour, an opportunity in its own way as significant as the carrying of the Olympic flame to its destination every four years. Sydney City Lexus was privileged to host the exhibit in partnership with our new associate Business Sydney and more than 100 influential members of that organisation attended. “The Lexus Melbourne Cup is truly a celebration of Australian culture,” our principal John Roca told the gathering. “And the Cup is truly the people’s trophy.”
From Left to Right: James Stevens (Mr. Roses CEO), Peter Snowden (world-class horse training and ambassador), Katelyn McDonald (prominent television presenter and Friend of the business), James McDonald (world’s best jockey and ambassador), John Roca (Dealer Principal)
Australia’s power racing couple James McDonald and his wife Katelyn, along with leading trainer Peter Snowden, were special guests. All three are Sydney City Lexus ambassadors. Another of our ambassadors, celebrity chef Luke Mangan, excelled with his culinary art. “Lexus has been closely partnered with the Flemington spring carnival festival for a quarter of a century and we’ve been the principal partner of the Lexus Melbourne Cup for a decade,” John Roca said. “It’s a privilege to play a role in its continued success.” James McDonald this year became the country’s premier group 1 rider with a total of 130 victories here and overseas, surpassing Damien Oliver’s mark of 129.
His combination with trainer Chris Waller has now reaped a record 55 group 1 victories, surpassing the long-standing record of TJ Smith and jockey George Moore. James, typically, was humbly excited. “To get to a mark like this is very special, especially with how I looked up to Damien Oliver,” he said. “As a 10-year-old kid, I watched him riding Melbourne Cup winners. “One that comes to mind is Media Puzzle in 2002 when he went through so much adversity and still had the audacity to come out on top (Oliver’s elder brother died in a race crash the week before the Cup). He was just a phenomenal rider.” This year marks the 166th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup. But we wonder how many people know it’s also the 216th anniversary of the first horse race ever held in Australia. And it happened in Sydney City Lexus’ back yard. Governor Lachlan Macquarie hosted the first race meeting in the newly constructed Hyde Park on 15 October 1810. The first race, over three miles, was won by William Charles Wentworth on his father’s horse, Gig. Wentworth was 20. Three years later he was a member of the trio that first crossed the Blue Mountains. He became one of the true champions of free government in Australia.
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Thank You for YourTrust Your trust is the greatest recognition we could receive. We are proud to be recognised as the highest rated dealership in NSW, a reflection of the confidence our customers place in us. Thank you for choosing Sydney City Lexus and allowing us to be part of your journey. We remain committed to delivering an experience that puts you first, every time.
SYDNEY CITY LEXUS www.sydneycitylexus.com.au 824 Bourke Street, Waterloo | PH 02 9160 0330 36-38 Parramatta Road, Glebe | PH 02 9565 6363
GET IN TOUCH SYDNEY CITY LEXUS WATERLOO 824 Bourke Street WATERLOO NSW, 2017 02 8303 1900
SYDNEY CITY LEXUS GLEBE 36-38 Parramatta Rd, GLEBE NSW 2037 02 9565 6363
sales@sydneycitylexus.com.au
www.sydneycitylexus.com.au SYDNEY CITY