Segment: Medium
Production years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Lexus introduced the ES model in 1989, and by 2012 it rushed through new models, facelifts, and improvements, reaching its sixth generation.
It was launched at the 2012 New York Motor Show, and its letters symbolized "Executive Sedan," even though some Lexus dealers chose to communicate that it stood for "Elegance Sedan." Either way, both definitions were good. For the sixth-generation ES, the Japanese premium brand added more engine options and, obviously, a hybrid drivetrain to provide better fuel efficiency.
Based on the same platform as the Toyota Camry, the ES featured the spindle grille at the front with its swept-back headlights towards the front fenders and corner-mounted turn signals. In the lower bumper, the apron was flanked on the sides by round fog lights, which contradicted the car's sharp-angles styling. Its profile revealed a slight upward kink at the rear doors, just in front of the C-pillars. Finally, at the back, the ES featured wide taillights spread on the rear quarter panels and on the trunk lid.
Like any Lexus, the ES offered a nice interior garnished with expensive materials and excellent fittings. The dashboard focused on the driver with a small instrument cluster that featured two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, flanked by the coolant temperature gauge on the left and the fuel level on the right. Lexus installed the screen for the infotainment unit atop the center stack into the dashboard. It was controlled via a controller placed on the center console. The cabin was good for up to five occupants, with two bucket seats at the front and a bench in the rear.
Under the hood, Lexus installed a wide engine choice, all gasoline-powered, ranging from 184 hp to 268 hp. The hybrid version featured a 2.5-liter inline-four Atkinson-cycle powerplant and an electric motor.
ENGINE SPECS - 250 6AT FWD (184 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 135 KW @ 6000 RPM 184 HP @ 6000 RPM 181 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 173 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM 235 Nm @ 4100 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 123 mph (198 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed, Automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.7 in (4895 mm) |
Width: | 71.7 in (1821 mm) |
Height: | 57.1 in (1450 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.6/42.7 in (1,590/1,085 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 111 in (2819 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.3 cuFT (490 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.27 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3660 lbs (1660 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4630 lbs (2100 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 21.4 mpg US (11 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 38.6 mpg US (6.1 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km) |
Notes |
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China model |
ENGINE SPECS - 350 6AT FWD (268 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3458 cm3 |
Power: | 197 KW @ 6200 RPM 268 HP @ 6200 RPM 264 BHP @ 6200 RPM |
Torque: | 248 lb-ft @ 4700 RPM 336 Nm @ 4700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.3 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed, Automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Solid Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55VR17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.7 in (4895 mm) |
Width: | 71.7 in (1821 mm) |
Height: | 57.1 in (1450 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.6/62 in (1,590/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 111 in (2819 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.2 cuFT (430 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.27 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3549 lbs (1610 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4696 lbs (2130 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 21 mpg US (11.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 300h CVT FWD (200 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 118 KW @ 5700 RPM 160 HP @ 5700 RPM 158 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 157 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 213 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Hybrid |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Continuously variable automatic transmission |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Solid Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/55VR17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.7 in (4895 mm) |
Width: | 71.7 in (1821 mm) |
Height: | 57.1 in (1450 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.6/62.4 in (1,590/1,585 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 111 in (2819 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.2 cuFT (430 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.27 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3702 lbs (1679 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4740 lbs (2150 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 39.9 mpg US (5.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 40 mpg US (5.9 L/100Km) |
Notes |
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ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTOR Front high-output, permanent-magnet, electric-drive motor with EV mode TOTAL SYSTEM HORSEPOWER 200 hp |