A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Current Lexus ES hero image.Current Lexus ES exterior view 1.Current Lexus ES exterior view 2.
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Current Lexus ES exterior view 3.Current Lexus ES exterior view 4.Current Lexus ES exterior view 5.Current Lexus ES interior view 1.Current Lexus ES interior view 2.Current Lexus ES interior view 3.Current Lexus ES interior view 4.Current Lexus ES interior view 5.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
ES
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Black Badge Ghost
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
ES
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Model Introduced Year
2022
2021
Generation
Second-generation Black Badge Ghost in Series II form
Current seventh-generation Lexus ES executive sedan
Facelift History
The current-generation Black Badge Ghost debuted globally in 2021, was introduced in South Africa in 2022 and evolved into Black Badge Ghost Series II in October 2024
Current South African ES range; the next-generation local range has not yet received final derivative confirmation
Facelift Launched Since
2024
Current South African ES range; the next-generation local range has not yet received final derivative confirmation
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Body Style
Four-door performance-luxury saloon
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Full-size performance super-luxury saloon
Executive sedan
Vehicle Type
Internal-combustion passenger car
Sedan
Tare Mass Kg
-
1740 kg
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Length
5545 mm
4975 mm
Width
1998 mm
1865 mm
Height
1573 mm
1445 mm
Wheelbase
3295 mm
2870 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
118 mm
158 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
118 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
454 l
Kerb Weight
2505 kg
1740 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3130 kg
2150 kg
Payload Capacity
625 kg
410 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.5 m
5.9 m
Front Headroom
1030 mm
-
Rear Headroom
990 mm
-
Front Legroom
1060 mm
-
Rear Legroom
1075 mm
-
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Engine
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol in high-power configuration
2.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
N74B68A
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
6749 cc
2500 cc
Cylinders
12
4
Cylinder Layout
V
Inline
Valves
48
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Petrol Hybrid EFI+D-4S
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
89 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
90.4 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
441 kW
160 kW @ 5700 rpm
Maximum Torque
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
221 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
e-CVT
Top Speed
250 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.7 sec
8.9 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Low
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
176 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
359.3 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Gearbox
8-speed ZF automatic
ECVT
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
FWD
Transfer Case
ATC 13 transfer case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Electronic differential lock (EDS); no mechanically lockable differential
-
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
2.81:1
-
Number of Gears
8
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
8-speed ZF automatic
ECVT
Clutch Type
Torque converter
-
Gear Shift Type
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection via column stalk with Low button
Automatic
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
FWD
4WD Engagement
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Standard
Gearbox Type
8-speed ZF automatic
ECVT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
All-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
FWD
Transmission Speeds
8
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Claimed Mileage
6.33 km/l
21.7 km/l
City Mileage
5.10 km/l
17.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.08 km/l
25.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
50 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6e (B6e)
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Automatic start/stop: Yes
Standard
Real-world Mileage
6.33 km/l
21.7 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
90
50
Combined Driving Range
570-584 km (calculated from 90 L and 15.4-15.8 l/100 km WLTP)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
822 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
576 km
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Airbags
8
Side,Knee,Curtain,Driver,Passenger
ABS
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Standard
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard,,
Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control
-
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Rear child-safety locks
Standard Rear door
ISOFIX Mounts
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Standard 2
Brake Assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Vehicle immobiliser
Horn/ Intrusion Sensor
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Front + Rear/ Buzzer
Front Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
AEB
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Standard
BA
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Front Head Protection System
Standard
Driver Airbag
Driver airbag
Standard
EBD
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Vehicle immobiliser
Horn/ Intrusion Sensor
Hill Hold
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Front-passenger airbag
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Front + Rear/ Buzzer
Side Airbags
Front side-impact airbags
Standard
Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Standard
TCS
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard,,
Knee Airbag
Active front knee protection
Standard
ABS EBD
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Standard
Alarm System
-
Horn/ Intrusion Sensor
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Horn/ Intrusion Sensor
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Cruise Control
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Rear View Camera
Rear View Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
360 Degree Camera
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Driver Attention Alert System
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Speed Limit Information
-
Auto Highbeam
High-Beam Assistance
Standard
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Rainsensing,Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Reverse Camera
Rear View Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Park Assist
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
-
Around View Monitor
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Warning
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Standard
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Seat Material
Leather, Duality Twill or Bespoke alternatives
Semi-Aniline Leather
Heated Seats
Heated front seats; rear-seat heating available
Standard Front and Rear
Ventilated Seats
Front and rear seat cooling available
Standard Driver + Passenger
Ambient Lighting
Illuminated Fascia with Black Badge infinity motif
-
Steering Wheel Material
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
3 Spoke/ Leather+Wood+Heated
60 40 Split Seat
No
- Power
Driver Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
-
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access keyless entry
Standard Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Push Button Start
Push Start
Wireless Charging
Wireless smartphone charging
Standard
Sunroof
No
Moonroof,Tilt & Slide
Electric Tailgate
Power open/close luggage compartment
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic four-zone climate control
Auto 3-Zone,Humidity Sensor
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Heads Up Display
-
Standard
Air Conditioning
Automatic four-zone climate control
Auto 3-Zone,Humidity Sensor
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Infotainment System
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands
Mark Levinson/ DAB,12.3-inch
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Standard
Android Auto
Android Auto compatibility
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth wireless technology
Standard
Number of Speakers
16
Standard 17
Digital Instrument Cluster
SPIRIT digital instrument interface
Standard TFT Colour
USB Ports
USB Type-C ports
Standard 4PCs
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
12.3-inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
12.3-inch
Navigation System
-
Standard/ EMV
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
12.3-inch
Audio Speakers
16
Standard 17
Audio System
-
Mark Levinson/ DAB,12.3-inch
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Standard 4PCs
Connected Services
-
Standard
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
LED Headlamps
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Series II daytime-running-light treatment
Standard LED
Fog Lamps
Front fog lamps
-
Roof Rails
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
-
Exterior Colour Options
Bespoke colour commissions available
White Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black GF, Opulent Blue, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Iridium
Headlights
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
-
Locking Differential
Electronic differential lock (EDS); no mechanically lockable differential
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
-
158 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
158 mm
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Tyre Size
255/35 R22 102Y front and 285/30 R22 104Y rear; 255/40 R21 102Y front and 285/35 R21 105Y rear; 255/45 R20 105Y front and 285/40 R20 108Y rear; 255/45 R20 105V M+S all-round
F:235-45R18 Alloy / R:235-45R18 Alloy
Front Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Solid
Spare Wheel Type
No spare wheel
Space Saver T155-70D17:ST
Wheel Rim Size
20-, 21- and 22-inch approved fitments; 22-inch part-polished seven-spoke forged Black Badge wheels
18
Handbrake Type
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Electric
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Front Suspension
Black Badge Planar Suspension with electronic dampers and self-levelling air struts
MacPherson - Strut
Rear Suspension
Black Badge Planar Suspension with electronic dampers and self-levelling air struts
Wishbone - Trailing
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
CO2 Emissions
359 g/km
104 g/km
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Service Plan
4 years / unlimited km
-
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15,000km
Battery Warranty
-
8 years / 195,000km
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Ownership Role
High-power owner-driver expression of the Ghost saloon
Private luxury, family and business
Pricing Role
Price on application
Top
Price Zar
-
1138800 ZAR
Starting Price
-
1138800
Starting Price Zar
-
1138800
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
ES
Warranty
4 years; regional conditions apply
7 years / 105,000km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Black Badge Ghost and ES comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Black Badge Ghost 100 vs ES 58.
Efficiency index: Black Badge Ghost 29 vs ES 85.
Safety-equipment index: Black Badge Ghost 99 vs ES 93.
Practicality index: Black Badge Ghost 63 vs ES 62.
Ownership-cover index: Black Badge Ghost not separately scored vs ES not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Black Badge Ghost leads by 3 points
Black Badge Ghost and ES are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Black Badge Ghost +42
Efficiency
ES +56
Safety
Black Badge Ghost +6
Practicality
Black Badge Ghost +1
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Black Badge Ghost
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
29/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
63/100
ES
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
85/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
62/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexRolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost
leads the specification evidence index with 76 pts
vs 73 pts for ES
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Black Badge Ghost leads. However, ES may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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