Lexus’ popular sedan, the ES, is undergoing a minor change and is scheduled to be released in December 2024. The new facelift model of the ES had its world premiere at the 2024 Guangzhou Motor Show in China on November 15, 2024. This major minor change will see a wide range of improvements, including a redesigned exterior and interior, the adoption of a large 14-inch display , a wider range of advanced equipment, and improved driving performance, making the ES an even more attractive model.
Lexus New ES Minor Change Major Improvement Article Summary
- Exterior and interior design changes
- Large 14-inch display with analog clock
- Mark Levinson high-end sound system
- Enhanced functionality of the latest active safety technology, “Lexus Safety System +”
- Latest infotainment system with enhanced smartphone connectivity Improved driving performance
History of the Lexus ES
The ES is a historic mid-size sedan that was launched in 1989 as the first model of the Lexus brand. The first-generation ES was developed based on the Toyota Camry, and was highly popular, especially in the North American market, as a model that combined luxury and comfort.
Since its second generation, the ES has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the times as a flagship model for Lexus. The seventh-generation ES, which was released in 2018, is based on the concept of “Provocative Elegance,” and combines sleek coupe-like styling with excellent comfort and advanced safety technology, evolving into a model truly worthy of being called a flagship sedan.
Main changes in this minor change
This minor change will include the following changes:
Changes to the exterior design
The design of the front spindle grille, headlights, and rear combination lamps has been changed to give a sharper, more sophisticated impression.
Current model Lexus ES exterior
Current model Lexus ES
LEXUS-ES300h
New model Lexus ES exterior
The front design features new triple LED headlights, daytime running LEDs that are “two Ls connected together to form a Z shape,” and a spindle grille.
The rear features long, horizontal taillights. Also, like the new NX and RX, the Lexus emblem has been changed from an “L” to the letter “LEXUS.”
Interior design changes
Current model Lexus ES interior
Lexus ES
New Lexus ES interior
It features a large 14-inch display with an analog clock. In addition, the design of the shift knob has been changed, and changes have also been made to the seat upholstery and interior decoration, creating a more high-quality and comfortable space.
Featuring a high-end Mark Levinson sound system.
Adoption of a 14-inch display
The most notable feature of this minor change is the adoption of a large 14-inch display with an analog clock. Not only does it improve the operability of the navigation system and audio system, but it also strengthens smartphone connectivity, providing a more comfortable and convenient car life.
The latest infotainment system with enhanced smartphone connectivity
The latest infotainment systems have enhanced smartphone connectivity to provide a more comfortable and convenient driving experience. For example, it is now possible to display a smartphone’s navigation app on the vehicle’s display or play music from the smartphone through the vehicle’s audio system.
Enhanced advanced equipment
The latest active safety technology, “Lexus Safety System +,” has been enhanced. In addition, the latest infotainment system has been adopted, with enhanced smartphone connectivity.
Enhanced functionality of the latest active safety technology, “Lexus Safety System +”
The latest active safety technology, “Lexus Safety System +,” adds the following new features to the existing functions.
- Detection of oncoming vehicles and pedestrians when turning right or left at an intersection
- Emergency steering assist function
- Curve speed control function
These enhancements ensure an even higher level of safety for the ES.
Improved driving performance
The suspension and steering have been retuned to provide a more comfortable and stable ride.
A more comfortable and stable ride
The suspension and steering have been retuned to provide a more comfortable and stable ride. The ES gives the driver a sense of security and comfort, not only on long highway trips but also on winding roads.
This minor change model specs
Like the current model, it will feature a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder “Dynamic Force Engine” engine and motor.
| Specifications | New ES300h |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,975mm |
| Overall width | 1,865mm |
| Overall height | 1,445mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,870mm |
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
| Maximum power | 131kW (178ps) / 5,700rpm |
| Maximum torque | 221Nm(22.5kgm)/ 3,600-5,200rpm |
| Motor maximum output | 88kw (120ps) |
| Motor Max Torque | 202Nm (20.6kgm) |
| System Output | 155kw (211ps) |
| transmission | Electric continuously variable transmission |
| battery | Lithium-ion battery |
| Drive system | 2WD (FF) |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
| JC08 mode fuel economy | 23.4km/L |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 20.6km/L |
price
The price of the new ES will be revised due to rising raw material costs, and I think it will be more expensive than the current model.
ES price as of 2024
| grade | Price (10%) |
|---|---|
| ES300h | 6,020,000 yen |
| ES300h F sport | 6,540,000 yen |
| ES300h version L | 7,180,000 yen |
Release date
The release date is scheduled for December 2024.
A word from the editorial department
With this minor change, the ES has evolved in every aspect, including interior and exterior design, advanced equipment, and driving performance. With the adoption of a large 14-inch display with an analog clock, enhanced functionality of the latest active safety technology “Lexus Safety System +,” and a state-of-the-art infotainment system with enhanced smartphone connectivity, the ES has evolved into a model worthy of being called a next-generation premium sedan.
Going forward, the ES will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the times as a flagship model for the Lexus brand.
