The Lexus ES is a model renowned for its quiet, smooth performance, and high levels of cabin comfort and spaciousness. Its latest iteration focuses on strengthening these qualities, refreshing the car’s styling, improving ride and responsiveness, and introducing new, technology-led equipment features. First unveiled in 1889, the brand has sold 2.65 units of the Lexus ES. The nameplate remains to be one of the brand’s core models which accounted for 1/4th of its vehicle sales in 2020.
Notable improvements can be found inside of the cabin as all Lexus interiors are designed to blend a driver-centric cockpit with spacious and comfortable areas for the passengers. Lexus calls this concept “Seat in Control,” a simple idea that says, from the moment you get in, all the controls you need are within reach and all the information you want is in plain view. In true Lexus fashion, the new ES embraces continuous improvement with human-centered updates to the Lexus Multimedia System. Additional interior updates include a streamlined instrument panel design that is an example of seamless cabin integration.
Improvements were also made from behind the wheel. The ultimate goal is to deliver a new generation of Lexus vehicles that is more balanced, refined in control, and more confident than ever before.
The ES continues the Lexus Driving Signature philosophy with additional performance updates, including an enhanced rear suspension member brace further improving torsional rigidity, handling stability, and ride comfort. The ES brake system has also received updates on both petrol and hybrid models. The brake pedal shape has been enlarged on all ES models to improve foot stability and confidence when the pedal is depressed. On ES gas models, the vacuum brake system master cylinder and booster have been optimized to provide a more linear brake pedal feeling and response. The regenerative and hydraulic brake control characteristics of the Electronically Controlled Brake System (ECB) on ES hybrid models have also been optimized to improve pedal feeling when the brake pedal is released.
The new ES improves on the quality and elegance that has been well received by ES customers. The exterior has evolved into a more modern look by way of a newly designed front grille and newly designed headlamps, while the interior has adopted new interior colors.
Now available: the new Lexus ES
The Lexus ES will be available in two variants:
Lexus ES 350 Premier (Php 4,728,000)
The ES 350 Premier is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that offers 302ps and 356Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic transmission. Power is put to the ground through 235/45 R18 tires.
Other features unique to the ES 350 Premier variant are rain-sensing wipers; automatic trunk operation with a kick sensor; semi-aniline leather seats, driver and front passenger 10-way power seats, and front-seat ventilation systems.
Entertainment is courtesy of a 12.3″ Electro Multi Vision Touch Display which has Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Smartphone Linking, and Miracast. Audiophiles will appreciate the high-end 17-Speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound. Wireless charging comes standard as well.
The ES 350 Premier is equipped with Lexus’s most advanced safety technology, the Lexus Safety System (LSS). This addresses the three most common accident types: frontal collisions, lane departures, and nighttime accidents. Dynamic radar cruise control; adaptive high beams; lane-tracing assist with lane-departure alert; blind-spot monitor (BSM); and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) work in conjunction with an entire suite of standard luxury safety features.
Lexus ES300h (Php 3,758,000)
At the heart of the Lexus ES200h’s more athletic nature is the brand’s latest driving technology, namely, the GA-K platform and new-generation hybrid electric system.
The 2.5-liter inline-4 engine of the ES 300h is equipped with laser-clad intake valve seats, which permit increased airflow into the cylinder and an optimized intake port shape that increases the tumble-flow turbulence of incoming air and fuel for high-speed combustion. The new engine achieves world-leading thermal efficiency, combining robust power delivery with excellent response to deliver superb fuel efficiency. Power and torque are rated at 178ps and 221Nm, respectively. The ES 300h rolls on 215/55 R17 tires.
The ES hybrid electric system achieves excellent fuel efficiency and powerful acceleration due to the new hybrid transaxle with improved efficient internal power flow and a higher-efficiency power control unit. A new, more compact hybrid battery is located beneath the rear seats, contributing to ideal weight balance and low center of gravity, while maintaining cargo space. The total system output of the gasoline engine and electric motor is 218ps.
The interior features synthetic leather; 8-way power adjustment for driver and front passenger; HEV indicator; 8” Touch Display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Smartphone Linking, and Miracast; plus, a 10-speaker premium sound system.
On the safety front, ABS, EBD, and traction control come standard alongside a host of safety features expected on a Lexus luxury sedan.
The new Lexus ES was designed for the luxury-car buyer looking for a comfortable executive saloon with European character and nimble handling. The new ES family builds upon this recipe for success with numerous multimedia, safety, and style, updates.
To learn more, visit the Lexus website at lexus.com.ph.