Lexus has updated the ES mid-size luxury sedan with subtle styling tweaks, updated suspension and the latest safety technologies. It’ll go on sale in the U.S. market this fall as a 2022 model. The photos here feature the ES 300h and ES 350 F Sport.
The styling changes are almost non-existent compared to the original 7th gen model that debuted in 2018, especially when you look at the F Sport model. However, the regular ES 300h model gets a new grille pattern comprising L-shaped elements. There are new 17- and 18-inch wheel designs too. The F Sport model rides on exclusive 19-inch wheels with a gloss-black finish. Two new exterior colors are available for the first time: Sonic Iridium and Sonic Chrome.
The new ES also gets BladeScan AHS (Adaptive High-beam System) headlights that debuted with the LS facelift. Here, an LED light shines onto blade mirrors spinning at high speed, which is then transmitted to a lens to illuminate the road ahead. The Digital Side-View Mirrors continue to be offered in the ES as an option; the image quality is said to have been improved.
The adaptive variable suspension (AVS) system in the F Sport is said to have new actuators that enable high-quality ride comfort and sharper steering response by reducing the damping force and expanding the variable range.
Other improvements throughout the range include higher-rigidity rear suspension braces, and improved brake pedal pad in the cabin that expands the contact area for the driver’s foot. For hybrid versions, the brake controllability is improved by changing the control constants of the electronically controlled braking system, Lexus said.
The cabin remains almost unchanged, however, there’s a new touchscreen that has been moved closer to the driver by more than 100 mm. There are some new interior colors and materials as well. In terms of technology, the ES comes with the latest Lexus Safety System+ suite of active safety and driver assistance systems, including Pre-Collision System, Emergency Steering Assist, Low Speed Acceleration Control (Japan exclusive), Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Emergency Driving Stop System (Japan exclusive) and a few more.
For the Chinese market, Lexus is offering a Digital Key, which enables the vehicle to be locked/unlocked via a smartphone app.
Lexus doesn’t appear to have made any changes to the powertrains. The current ES 350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 petrol engine with 225 kW (306 metric hp) and 362 Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic that drives the front wheels. The ES 300h combines a 2.5-litre in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined system output of 160 kW (218 metric hp). Transmission is an e-CVT, driving the front wheels. Lexus hasn’t confirmed the ES 250 AWD models for 2022.
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
Note: Comments that are unrelated to the post above get automatically filtered into the trash bin.
