Lexus has launched the facelifted ES executive sedan in Singapore, with updated looks, refreshed interior, improved suspension and new F Sport variant

SINGAPORE

Pictures: Lexus

Lexus has given its ES a mid-life facelift, and the updated version of the executive sedan gets mildly revised styling, a refreshed interior, and suspension that has been retuned for even better ride comfort. Pricing starts at S$270,888, and for the first time there is an F Sport trim for the ES.

The drivetrains are essentially carried over unchanged, with five variants available across two engine options. The ES 250, which has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 203hp and 247Nm of torque, is offered in Executive, Luxury and the new F Sport trim.

The ES 300h meanwhile, which uses the same 2.5-litre engine mated to a hybrid powertrain to produce 214hp and 221Nm of torque, is available in Executive and Luxury trims. Pricing details are illustrated below:

Styling

The styling enhancements on the facelifted ES are relatively minor, and are mostly restricted to the redesigned Lexus ‘spindle’ grille up front, as well as new sharper headlamps which now incorporate the BladeScan Adaptive High Beam System (AHS).

There are also new 18-inch alloy wheel designs for the Executive trim, as well as a choice of two new body colours: Sonic Iridium and Sonic Chrome.

The newly-introduced F Sport variant (above) for the ES 250 gets a more aggressive blacked out grille design, as well as a rear spoiler, dark lower valance, 19-inch gloss black wheels, and F Sport badging throughout the car.

Interior

The interior of the ES has also been mildly updated, with the key enhancement being the new touchscreen infotainment system, with the previous version using a non-touchscreen system. Lexus also says that the screen is now closer to the driver by 100mm and tilted by five degrees for easier reach by the driver.

There is also now a 10.2-inch head-up display which Lexus says is the largest in its class, as well as a panoramic sunroof, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. The F Sport variant gets sport seats that’s available in either white, red or black, as well as unique metallic trim for the cabin.

Safety and Drive

The Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver assistance system remains, and has been slightly enhanced on the updated ES. The Pre-Collision System (PCS) has been fine-tuned for better accuracy to detect pedestrians and cyclists in low light conditions and at intersections. It also incorporates Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), which provides steering assistance if the PCS detects an impending collision.

Other driver assistance functions include Lane Tracing Assist, which helps to keep the car within its lane, as well as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Lexus says it has strengthened the ES’ rear suspension braces, which allow for even better ride comfort and greater high speed stability. The brakes have also fine-tuned for better controllability, for a more predictable response. The dynamic enhancements serve to give the ES a more comforting and relaxing driving experience overall.