New cabin concept and performance components
The executive saloon segment is about to get more exciting. Say goodbye to that year-end bonus when Lexus begins retails sales of the newly-launched 2022 ES starting Q4 of this year.
There’s a reason this model has become one of the best-selling sedans in the United States for 15 years — on the way to selling 2.65 million units worldwide — and yet it gets a restyled exterior, new interior concept, and updated performance components in its latest facelift.
Only the façade was touched on the exterior. It gets a redesigned spindle grille with thicker, shinier slats that make it look bolder and more stunning. The headlamps are also much sharper, especially with the jagged edges on either side.
Inside is a host of noteworthy improvements starting with the implementation of the ‘Seat in Control’ cabin concept. The idea is to have a cockpit-type layout so the driver has all controls within reach and all the gauges easily visible for a better connection with the vehicle and in turn enhancing the driving experience. Part of this is the human-centered update on the touchscreen Lexus Multimedia System and a more streamlined instrument panel design.
To keep up with the signature Lexus driving feel, the rear suspension member brace has been enhanced for torsional rigidity, handling ability, and ride comfort. The brake system 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. Hybrid models get an optimized Electronically Controlled Brake System (ECB) to improve pedal feeling when the brake pedal is released.
Two options will be available: the entry-level ES300h and the ES350 Premier.
The ES300h is a front-wheel drive hybrid vehicle that uses a 2.5L inline-4 with laser-clad valve seats that 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. Along with the electric motor, it can send a total of 218-PS and 221-Nm of torque to the e-CVT (electronic continuously variable transmission). For improved acceleration and lower fuel consumption, it comes with a new hybrid transaxle with better internal power flow and higher-efficiency power control unit. The hybrid batteries are located beneath the rear seats. The cabin uses synthetic leather, has an eight-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seat, HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) indicator, an eight-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. It’s priced at P3.758 million.
Its more well-appointed sibling is the ES350 Premier that goes for P4.728 million. Powering the front wheels via an eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission is a 3.5L V6 engine putting out 302 PS and 356Nm of torque. Inside is a 12.3-inch Electro Multi Vision Touch Display with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Audio is pumped into the cabin via its 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system. Wireless charging comes standard along with rain-sensing wipers, automatic trunk operation with a kick sensor, semi-aniline leather 10-way power seats (driver and front passenger), and front-seat ventilation systems. Exclusive to this variant is Lexus’ most advanced safety technology, the Lexus Safety System (LSS) that features dynamic radar cruise control, adaptive high beams, lane-tracing assist with lane-departure alert, blind-spot monitor (BSM), and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA).
This model sold so well that it made up 25-percent of global Lexus sales last year. To learn more about the 2022 ES, visit the Lexus website at lexus.com.ph or their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @lexusmanila. Should you wish to go to the dealership, find Lexus Manila, Inc. at 3402 8th Avenue cor. 34th Street, North Bonifacio Global City Taguig City 1634.