The 7th-generation Lexus ES Facelift has been revealed with a new grille and some other upgrades.
When it comes to pure luxury, the Lexus ES has always delivered the best value and comfort in its segment. We experienced this for ourselves with ES 250 last year. This year, Lexus are giving the ES a minor facelift, with most of the original design intact, but a few notable changes.
Suspension and braking improvements
The first two big changes come in the way the car is tuned. The Lexus ES gets a new rear suspension bracing. This makes it more rigid, improving rigidity, stability and comfort. It also gets an improved brake system. The brake pedal is a little larger, for easier operation while the vacuum brake system master cylinder, booster, regenerative and hydraulic brake control characteristics have all been optimised.
Equipment Improvement
The infotainment display now features touch control, but still retains the Remote Touch interface as a secondary input method. To accommodate the new touch functionality, the screen has been repositioned. It has now been brought closer to the occupants.
The suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems on the facelifted ES, known as Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, has been improved and made standard across the ES model range. A new camera lens, radar system, as well as new software allow for an improved set of safety features. Furthermore, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control now has the ability to help perform overtaking manoeuvres.
Design
In terms of looks, the sheet metal hasn’t changed at all. It’s clear Lexus hit upon a design that they are happy with the way the car looks as a whole. That being said, some improvements and changes have been made for the facelift.
First of all, there’s a very dramatic new grille design on all Lexus models. The bi-LED headlight upgrade is also a little sleeker looking with a slightly revised daytime running light graphic. The grey and silver exterior colour options have also been updated. New rim designs have also been added.
F Sport Updates
A New Hybrid F Sport
There is now an F Sport version of the ES 300h, the hybrid model in the family. This most likely won’t be coming to Malaysia, but in case you’re interested, it has a few darker trim pieces, a decklid spoiler, black 19″ wheels and F Sport badging. No mechanical changes were made as far as we can tell.
Update Petrol F Sport
The Lexus ES 350 F Sport also makes a return, but this version actually has a few new tricks up its sleeves. It now comes with a Dynamic Handling Package, which adds Sport+ and Custom driving modes. It also adds Adaptive Variable Suspension which has 650 parameters of adjustment. We wonder how that comes through behind the wheel.
