Lexus’ only front-wheel drive sedan has been updated with LS-inspired styling tweaks and, at long last, a touchscreen.
The 2022 Lexus ES has been revealed at Auto Shanghai 2021, and will be arriving in Australia in the second half of this year.
Local specification and pricing will be confirmed closer to its arrival.
It’s the first major update for the seventh-generation ES since it was introduced in 2018 and it visually aligns the ES more closely with its flagship LS brother.
These aesthetic changes include the adoption of square bezels in the headlights and the ‘spindle’ grille incorporating an L-shaped mesh pattern.
There are also new 17- and 18-inch wheel designs, as well as gloss-black 19-inch wheels on the F Sport trim.
The 12.3-inch infotainment display now features a touch display and has been moved forward 100mm closer to the driver and passenger.
The autonomous emergency braking system now includes daytime cyclist detection and junction assist, while its camera and radar can now also detect pedestrians in low-light conditions.
There’s also a new emergency steering assist feature, while the adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist have also received some improvements.
Regular ES models include a reworked rear suspension with improved torsional and lateral rigidity, whereas the F Sport trim includes an updated adaptive variable suspension with a wider range of damping force.
Lexus has also reworked the brake pedal configuration for the hybrid-electric system to improve controllability.
Depending on the trim level, the ES features a reworked BladeScan automatic high-beam system that uses a spinning blade mirror to shield portions of the road.
New exterior paint colours introduced are Sonic Iridium, which is a silver, and Sonic Chrome, which is a high-gloss grey.
On the inside, there is also the option of a new walnut ornamental material.
There’s a new mauve interior colour available on regular ES models, as well as a white and red colour scheme with black seat backs on the F Sport trim.
Lexus is implementing Lexus Connected Services for the first time in the ES.
This system includes SOS calling, automated collision notifications and stolen vehicle tracking.
Power is set to be delivered by an unchanged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined power output of 160kW.
Combined fuel economy is 4.8L/100km.
With the demise of the GS last year, the ES is now the only sedan in Lexus stable between the IS and LS in size.
It’s available with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine in markets such as North America, however it’s only offered with the hybrid powertrain in Australia.
