SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: New Lexus ES coming soon
Tech updates and visual tweaks for facelifted luxury sedan due in Australia in second half of 2021The upgraded 2021 Lexus ES has been unveiled at the Shanghai motor show in China, revealing a subtle new look and upgraded luxury and tech features for the mid-size luxury sedan.
Set to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2021, the new Lexus ES is claimed to “‘reset the benchmarks for comfort, craftsmanship and technology” in its class, which sounds like a precursor for a price increase over the current series, which ranges from $62,525 to $77,000 (plus on-road costs).
The exterior of the 2021 Lexus ES doesn’t look dramatically different to the current model, with the obvious reference points being a new mesh grille pattern up front and fresh alloy wheel designs.
While the headlights are unchanged, the geometric square bezels that sit inside are new, as is the LED daytime running light signature.
Top-spec models also get Lexus’ BladeScan adaptive high-beam technology.
The major changes to the facelifted Lexus ES are on the inside, with a high-definition 12.3-inch touch-screen now added, allowing users to bypass the controversial touchpad system.
Lexus says new soft-touch dashboard and door materials have been added along with fine stitching on the seat and steering wheel upholstery.
Safety technology improvements include upgrades to the front camera and radars, designed to improve and increase the scope of the autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control and automatic lane centring systems.
Lexus says it has improved ride and handling dynamics via tweaks to the rear suspension array.
“In addition to further improving quietness and ride comfort, we pursued linearity in vehicle movement, in response to steering wheel operation, that is faithful to the driver’s intentions,” said Lexus chief engineer Tetsuya Aoki.
The Lexus ES has notched up seven generations since the launch of the Toyota Camry-like Lexus ES in 1991. The current-generation Lexus ES made its world premiere in 2018.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain (160kW) is expected to continue as the sole engine option in Australia.
Sales of the Lexus ES have increased by almost 24 per cent this year, to 188 units, but it remains well behind the top-selling Mercedes-Benz C-Class (1105) and BMW 3 Series (830).
Detailed specifications of the new 2021 Lexus ES will be announced closer to its local Australian launch in the second half of the year.
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