Toyota Crown Sedan and Lexus ES price difference? What are their differences?

[PCauto] As the new Toyota Crown Sedan returns to the spotlight with its rightful status, its price and spec have garnered significant attention from middle-class professionals.

A highly debated topic has emerged: In cases where the prices are highly overlapping, or even inverted, is the Toyota Crown Sedan, as Toyota's flagship, more worth buying compared to the Lexus ES?

Prices of Lexus ES and Crown Sedan

In the current market landscape, the Lexus ES 250, as a long-standing model officially introduced through standard channels, has a very well-established pricing system.

The starting price of the Lexus ES 250 Premium is approximately RM 320,888, while the top-spec F Sport version stretches up to RM 371,888. This pricing includes Lexus' signature high-standard after-sales service and official warranty.

In comparison, the Toyota Crown Sedan is in a much more unique position. As it currently enters the market primarily through Recon (parallel import) channels, and given its starting price of around 7.3 million yen in Japan, plus taxes, the Toyota Crown Sedan Price falls within the range of RM 390,000 to RM 440,000 in the local market.

This means that choosing a 2024 or 2025 Toyota Crown flagship actually costs more than a comparable Lexus ES.

Differences Between GA-L and GA-K Platforms

The Lexus ES is built on the GA-K transverse front-wheel-drive platform. Although it performs excellently in space utilization, it is limited by its front-wheel-drive layout and has a physical ceiling in terms of dynamic refinement.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Crown Sedan is the only member of the family based on the GA-L longitudinal rear-wheel-drive platform, sharing the same base as Lexus's flagship LS.

The longitudinal rear-wheel-drive layout brings an inherent 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, where the front wheels are responsible for steering and the rear wheels handle driving.

This architecture not only reduces the turning radius of this full-size sedan but also imbues it with a deeply refined driving experience. The chassis quality achieved is something that traditional front-wheel-drive models cannot match.

Which Is the True "Executive Car"?

In terms of body dimensions, the Crown Sedan demonstrates an overwhelming advantage. Its length reaches 5,030 mm, and the wheelbase extends to 3,000 mm, which is a full 130 mm longer than the 2,870 mm wheelbase of the Lexus ES.

In terms of configuration, the Crown Sedan perfectly replicates the tradition of Japanese executive sedans, with its rear central armrest integrated with a touch-control screen that allows passengers to adjust the seat reclining angle, multi-mode massage functions, and sunshade with one touch.

This thoughtful consideration for "rear-seat buyers" elevates the Toyota Crown Interior’s sense of luxury far beyond the scope of a regular family car.

Differences in the Powertrain Systems of Lexus ES and Crown Sedan

The powertrain system is a key dividing line between the two. The Lexus ES 250 is equipped with a proven 2.5 L Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 204 PS.

In contrast, the Toyota Crown Sedan is equipped with a more sophisticated 2.5 L Multi-Stage Hybrid system.

This system incorporates a 4-speed automatic transmission mechanism within the hybrid structure, simulating a 10-speed shifting feel, with a total system output of approximately 245 PS.

It achieves a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 8.6 seconds, offering significantly better fuel economy and quietness compared to the pure gasoline-powered ES 250 (0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.1 seconds).

Which One is More Worth Buying?

For buyers, the advantage of the Lexus ES lies in its worry-free ownership experience and the brand's high resale value in the second-hand market.

However, the Toyota Crown Sedan offers a longitudinal rear-wheel-drive chassis of the same class as the Lexus LS, as well as the executive presence brought by a longer wheelbase.

For seasoned car owners who value mechanical quality, pursue ultimate executive comfort, and wish to showcase unique taste outside mainstream luxury brands, the technical sophistication carried by this Crown Sedan is sufficient to justify its premium price.