The 32-year old luxury sedan accounted for one-fourth of the brand’s vehicle sales in 2020.
Since it was first unveiled in 1989, 2.65 million units of the Lexus ES have been sold worldwide. It remains one of luxury carmaker’s core models and accounts for one-fourth of its vehicle sales in last year.
The latest iteration of the ES, which was launched last week, builds on the qualities that the model has come to be known, particularly when it comes to cabin comfort and spaciousness. With this 2021 version, car styling and ride and responsiveness were also updated, technology-led equipment features were introduced.
Improvements can be found inside of the cabin, again making use of its “driver-centric cockpit concept” design POV. Called this “Seat in Control,” the idea is to have all needed controls within reach and all information in plain view of the driver.
This new ES embraces has human-centered updates to the Lexus Multimedia System, which also includes a streamlined instrument panel design as a centerpiece for seamless cabin integration. Improvements were also made from behind the wheel, with a focus on balance, control, and driver confidence.
The ES continues the Lexus Driving Signature philosophy with additional performance updates, including an enhanced rear suspension member brace further improving torsional rigidity, handling stability, and ride comfort.
Updates were made on the ES brake system, both for petrol and hybrid models. The brake pedal shape has been enlarged to improve foot stability and confidence when the pedal is depressed.
On ES gas models, the vacuum brake system master cylinder and booster have been optimized to provide a more linear brake pedal feeling and response. The regenerative and hydraulic brake control characteristics of the Electronically Controlled Brake System (ECB) on ES hybrid models have also been optimized to improve pedal feeling when the brake pedal is released.
Powerfully efficient
Two variants of the new ES have been launched in the Philippines:
The ES 350 (P4,728,000) delivers strong and efficient performance from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that offers 302ps and 356Nm of torque. This is combined with an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic transmission. Power is put to the ground through 235/45 R18 tires.
Other features unique to the ES 350 Premier variant are rain-sensing wipers; automatic trunk operation with a kick sensor; semi-aniline leather seats, driver and front passenger 10-way power seats, and front-seat ventilation systems.
Front and center is a 12.3″ Electro Multi Vision Touch Display which has Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Smartphone Linking and Miracast. Audio is projected through 17-Speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound. Wireless charging comes standard as well.
The ES 350 Premier is also equipped with brand’s most advanced safety technology. The Lexus Safety System (LSS) addresses the three most common accident types: frontal collisions, lane departures, and nighttime accidents.
Dynamic radar cruise control; adaptive high beams; lane-tracing assist with lane-departure alert; blind-spot monitor (BSM); and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) work in conjunction with an entire suite of standard luxury safety features.
Fresh and sporty
The new ES 300h (3,758,000)exhibits a newfound sportiness which thoroughly captures the ideals of the new generation of Lexus. At the heart of the car’s more athletic nature is the brand’s latest driving technology, namely, the GA-K platform and new-generation hybrid electric system.
After analyzing human movements and responses, Lexus engineers have created a car that, as much as possible, serves as a natural extension to the driver’s body. The engineers focused especially on precisely executing the driver’s inputs, immediate vehicle response, and creating a comfortable cockpit.
The 2.5-liter inline-4 engine of the ES 300h is equipped with laser-clad intake valve seats, which permit increased airflow into the cylinder and an optimized intake port shape that increases the tumble-flow turbulence of incoming air and fuel for high-speed combustion.
This new engine promises world-leading thermal efficiency. It combines robust power delivery with excellent response to deliver superb fuel efficiency. Power and torque is rated at 178ps and 221Nm, respectively, and the 300h rolls on 215/55 R17 tires.
The ES hybrid electric system achieves excellent fuel efficiency and powerful acceleration due to the new hybrid transaxle with improved efficient internal power flow and a higher-efficiency power control unit.
A new, more compact hybrid battery is located beneath the rear seats, contributing to ideal weight balance and low center of gravity, while maintaining cargo space. Total system output of the gasoline engine and electric motor is 218ps.
The interior features synthetic leather; 8-way power adjustment for driver and front passenger; HEV indicator; 8” Touch Display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Smartphone Linking and Miracast; and a 10-speaker sound system.
On the safety front, ABS, EBD, and traction control come standard alongside a host of safety features expected on a Lexus luxury sedan.
The new Lexus ES was designed for the luxury-car buyer looking for a comfortable executive saloon with European character and nimble handling. The new ES family builds upon this recipe for success with numerous multimedia, safety and, style, updates.
For more information, lexus.com.ph.
