Riding on the brand’s new front-wheel drive Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform shared with the recently launched Toyota Avalon, the seventh generation ES, which will reportedly also serve as a replacement for the GS, gains in nearly every dimension relative to its predecessor, by being 65 mm longer, 45 mm wider and a mere five millimetres lower.
Sporting a wheelbase that is 50 mm longer than the old ES, the newcomer incorporates Lexus’ latest Spindle Grille styling language dubbed “provocative elegance” by Chief Designer Yasuo Kajino, with a raked fastback appearance derived from the LS.
Available with either 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, the ES can now be speificied in F Sport guise for the first time, which adds 19-inch alloy wheels taken from the LC, a black honeycomb grille, F Sport badges, a model specific boot spoiler, dark exterior trim and two new bespoke colours; Heat Blue and F White.
Claimed to be more driver centric but with passenger space and comfort in mind, the ES’ interior takes after the NX and RX with pride of place going to the new 12.3-inch infotainment display in place of the previous eight-inch setup.
Swapping the much criticised mouse-like controller for a touchpad, the system incorporates navigation, Apple CarPlay (a first), Amazon Alexa and voice control, and sits on top of the dashboard now angled towards the driver, and boasting a cut-out like design with material finishes consisting of real wood, a selection of new upholstery options and even aluminium. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay sound system can also be had.
Unique to the F Sport is a new metallic finish said to have been inspired by the traditional Japanese sword making method of Hadori, which, according to Lexus, “has fluctuating wave patterns that give it a three-dimensional look that varies depending on the viewing angle”.
On the safety-front, the ES comes fitted as standard with Lexus’ Safety System+, which, apart from the already equipped items, boasts daytime cyclist detection as part of the Pre-Collision System and two-stage Adaptive High Beam headlights with 24 individual LEDs for the first time.
With the aim of “transform(ing) the image of the ES”, the adoption of the GA-K platform has resulted in the fitment of a new multi-link rear suspension, improved chassis stiffness, a new rack-mounted electric power steering system, extensive use of high-tensile steel components and in the case of the F Sport, Adaptive Variable Suspension as well as a Sport+ mode for Drive Mode selector.
Up front, the ES comes powered by a choice of two petrol engines; a 3.5-litre V6 in the ES 350 making 183 kW and mated to a brand-new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox, and a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle hybrid in the ES 300h with a total system output of 160 kW connected to a CVT. An entry-level ES 250 will debut at a later stage.
Sales of the ES are expected to commence around September internationally, with an exact local launch date yet to be announced.
