Lexus is making a facelift on the ES. The sedan, added to the European delivery range in 2018, will be tackled both inside and out during its by-point session. However, the adjustments are not drastic.
The now nearly three-year-old Lexus ES is being renewed. The just under 5 meter long sedan gets a new grille that is built up vertical slats that, if you look closely, in fact all contain L-shapes. More striking are the new headlights. Although its shape is almost identical to that of the current copies, Lexus does adjust the interpretation of the lamps. The LED matrix kernels are now square. Also new is the shape of the lightning bolt-shaped LED daytime running lights on the underside of the headlight. The top point of it is longer and from now on it starts more in the center of the headlight and runs less far towards the grille. Also interesting: the ES is now available with BladeScan technology, fast rotating mirrors in the units for improved light output. The Lexus ES also benefits from the arrival of new alloy wheels in 17-, 18- and 19-inch sizes, and Lexus brings the new exterior colors Sonic Platinum and Sonic Gray to the ES.
In the interior much remains the same, but here too things are being renewed. For example, the touchscreen of the infotainment system is a bit closer to the driver and is now also angled towards the driver. The system can handle Apple Carplay and Android Auto and can be linked to a new telephone application. Lexus continues to bring new materials to the interior of the ES. Sumi Black Walnut and Dark Brown Walnut finish are now available. The interior color Forest Brown is new. The interior of the sporty F-Sport editions comes in the color combination white, red and black.
More adjustments? Certainly. Lexus is overhauling the rear suspension and says stability has increased. Lexus improves the braking system by overhauling the controls and places a larger pedal in the car. In addition, the adaptive chassis of the ES has been revised. The previously extensive package of safety systems that goes by the name Lexus Safety System + has been expanded. Pre-Collision System now also recognizes cyclists in daylight and pedestrians in semi-darkness. It also includes Intersection Turn Assist that warns of oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing when turning at an intersection. Then there is Emergency Steer Assist, a system that can avoid pedestrians by moving the steering wheel. Lane Trace Assist has been tightened up and the adaptive cruise control now also takes into account approaching bends. Lexus also says the digital exterior mirrors, Digital Side View Monitor, have been improved by, among other things, renewing the cameras.
D powertrain of the ES, only available in the Netherlands as a hybrid ES 300h, remains unchanged.