Photo: Lexus
After three years on the market, the seventh-generation Lexus ES is getting a much-needed facelift. Like the outgoing model, the 2022 ES made its global debut in China, at the 2021 Auto Shanghai this time. A revised exterior, a new infotainment display, and a new ES 300h F Sport version are the main highlights.
An obvious evolution of the old design, the 2022 ES is more of the same with a few refined visual elements. The headlamps retain the old shape, but they're not quite as sharp now. There's also a new LED pattern with three main points in the upper section and smaller boomerang-shaped lights at the bottom.
The compact headlamps flank a revised "spindle" grille. It's just as big as the outgoing unit, so the bottom end is really wide if you dig that, but the mesh now features horizontal elements.
Changes are a little less obvious around back but the F Sport model looks nice thanks to its revised lower bumper and trunk lid spoiler. The facelift also adds new 17- to 19-inch wheels and two new exterior colors: Sonic Iridium and Sonic Chrome.
The ES remains the same stylish sedan inside the cabin, but there's notable news in the form of a new infotainment display. Lexus offers an eight-inch unit as standard, but you can upgrade to the larger 12.3-inch screen for a fee. The display has been moved forward by 4.3 inches, which should put it within easier reach.
Other than that, the facelift is mostly about revised trim and new colors. There's Sumi Black and Dark Brown, plus a Mauve color that Lexus describes as a "grayish-tone." The F Sport is a bit fancier thanks to a white interior with Flare Red seat inserts and back sections finished in black. The ES also comes with walnut trim and laser-etched "hairline ornamentation" for fine detailing.
Not surprisingly, the ES carries over with the same engine options. Depending on the market, it will become available with the same four-cylinder, hybrid, and V6 drivetrains. The only novelty is the ES 300h F Sport trim, which provides a combined 218 PS (215 horsepower) from a 2.5-liter four-banger and an electric motor.
While it doesn't deliver more oomph than the regular ES 300h, the F Sport model features a new Dynamic Handling Package with a Sport+ mode and adaptive variable suspension. Getting info on the drivetrain from various sensors, it provides sharper steering response while still maintaining a high-quality ride.
All ES trims now feature a more rigid rear suspension for superior steering stability during high-speed lane changes, while gasoline models have optimized master cylinder and booster for a more linear feel and response. The hybrid delivers something similar via a returned braking system.
The U.S.-spec Lexus ES will arrive in dealerships this fall, with additional information to be released closer to launch. Pricing should remain similar at $40,000 for the base model.
The compact headlamps flank a revised "spindle" grille. It's just as big as the outgoing unit, so the bottom end is really wide if you dig that, but the mesh now features horizontal elements.
Changes are a little less obvious around back but the F Sport model looks nice thanks to its revised lower bumper and trunk lid spoiler. The facelift also adds new 17- to 19-inch wheels and two new exterior colors: Sonic Iridium and Sonic Chrome.
The ES remains the same stylish sedan inside the cabin, but there's notable news in the form of a new infotainment display. Lexus offers an eight-inch unit as standard, but you can upgrade to the larger 12.3-inch screen for a fee. The display has been moved forward by 4.3 inches, which should put it within easier reach.
Other than that, the facelift is mostly about revised trim and new colors. There's Sumi Black and Dark Brown, plus a Mauve color that Lexus describes as a "grayish-tone." The F Sport is a bit fancier thanks to a white interior with Flare Red seat inserts and back sections finished in black. The ES also comes with walnut trim and laser-etched "hairline ornamentation" for fine detailing.
Not surprisingly, the ES carries over with the same engine options. Depending on the market, it will become available with the same four-cylinder, hybrid, and V6 drivetrains. The only novelty is the ES 300h F Sport trim, which provides a combined 218 PS (215 horsepower) from a 2.5-liter four-banger and an electric motor.
While it doesn't deliver more oomph than the regular ES 300h, the F Sport model features a new Dynamic Handling Package with a Sport+ mode and adaptive variable suspension. Getting info on the drivetrain from various sensors, it provides sharper steering response while still maintaining a high-quality ride.
All ES trims now feature a more rigid rear suspension for superior steering stability during high-speed lane changes, while gasoline models have optimized master cylinder and booster for a more linear feel and response. The hybrid delivers something similar via a returned braking system.
The U.S.-spec Lexus ES will arrive in dealerships this fall, with additional information to be released closer to launch. Pricing should remain similar at $40,000 for the base model.
Google News