Lexus ES

HIGHLIGHTS

Lexus ES is the mid-size luxury sedan which has enjoyed relatively huge success so far, Toyota still decided to give some cosmetic changes to the car in order to keep it competitive. Lexus ES facelift exhibits the features of Toyota Avalon based full-size sedan with price beginning at RM 259K. In the new facelift, there are some noticeable changes which can easily be seen by Lexus lovers comprising front grille changes and rear fascia modification. The ES 250 Premium/ Luxury is powered with 2.5 litre 2AR-FE four-cylinder engine while the ES 300h is equipped with 2.5 litre 2AR-FXE engine. Further range of advanced safety system is also likely to be fitted.

OVERVIEW

A series of full-size luxury sedan, Lexus ES is sold by Lexus since 1989 which has gone through its six generation to date, each offering the front wheel layout and drive and the V6 engine. The ES stands for Executive Sedan while it is also known as the backronym name,“Elegant Sedan”. The sixth generation ES was debuted in 2012 and featured increased wheelbase shared with full-size Toyota Avalon. The elite brand Lexus has updated the ES line-up of sedans for 2016 model with the range of stylistic changes. The 2016 model houses two unchanged engine where ES 250 will continue with 2.5 litre 2AR-FE four-cylinder engine belting out 181 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 235 Nm of peak torque at 4100 rpm while ES 300h hybrid will be housing the 2.5 litre four cylinder with 200 horsepower. It is estimated that V6 version of ES will start at RM 259K for 2016 and the hybrid will cost a little more. The range of cosmetic changes can easily be noticed by Lexus aficionado which include tweaked grille with the distinctive styles making the larger mouth of the car, LED headlights, rear LED tail lamps, rectangular exhaust lamps and three exterior colors. Interiors are also anticipated to be given refined touch while the power steering and sheaf of equipment will also be fitted elegantly as standard in the upcoming model. Among all the speculation, one thing which is sure about the car is, the host of technologies which also include active and passive safety measure. The active safety system is likely to be built with the pre-collision safety system and ventilated disc brakes with ABS, EBD and Traction control system while the passive safety will noticeably made with 10 airbag system.

EXTERIORS

The aggressive and arresting looks of Lexus ES is going to appears better in the all new 2016 model. The eye-catching design and captivating looks are likely to be given the bold impression. The ES hybrid is also speculated to be the front runner with the range of cosmetic changes which are believed to appear in the upcoming model. One of the most noticeable change on the exterior is tweaked spindle grille. The grille has lost the center stripe which splits the vertical bar into two with additional chrome over the frame. The front profile of the car is likely to be dominated with the larger uninterrupted mouth with Lexus badge at the center that breaks the uniformity of surface. The cosmetic changes are continued to the LED headlights also which has been tweaked and given the sportier look while the fog lights will be complementing the lines of the lower grille. At the rear, taillights are also likely to house changes where the sharper angles will be given with some restyling. The rectangular exhaust tips will be featured with subtle changes all around. The three new exterior color are estimated to join the lineup including Autumn Shimmer, Nightfall Mica, Caviar and Eminent White Pearl.

ACCELERATION & PICK-UP

The 2.5 litre 2AR-FXE Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine will be embodied in the 300h hybrid version which is equipped with continuously variable valve timing with intelligence technology. This engine is optimized for high output and quipped with electric drive motor with EV mode. It takes 8.1 sec to reach the speed mark of 100 kmph while touches the top speed figure of 180 kmph.

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

As per speculations, The two variants of the Lexus ES will be equipped with 2.5 litre 2AR-FE four-cylinder engine and 2.5 litre 2AR-FXE Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine for ES250 Premium/luxury and ES 300h respectively. The 2.5-litre engine embodied in ES 250 makes the output of 181 powerhouse at 6000 rpm along with maximum torque of 235 Nm at 4100 rpm. The ES 300h is claimed to be equipped with the 2.5 litre cylinder good for 200 horsepower. The engine is mated with the Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with intelligence and makes the vehicle catch 100 kmph within 8.1 secs while allowing to catch the top-speed of 180 kmph.

MILEAGE

According to the rumors, the upcoming model will be equipped with the 2.5 litre 2AR-FE engine and 2.5 litre 2AR-FXE engine. The latter is fitted within ES 300h which is equipped with the continuous variable valve timing with intelligence and has got the Certified Super Ultra-low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) accolade. The engine promises to put the combined fuel economy of 40 MPG.

POWER OF Lexus ES

Although much details have not been revealed, but according to rumors the upcoming Lexus ES will be embodied with the choice of two engines across its variants. Lexus ES 250 Premium and Luxury is likely to get the power from 2.5 litre 2AR-FE four cylinder engine which sends its 181 horses to front wheels at 6000 rpm along with the peak torque of 235 Nm at 4100 rpm. The upgraded ES 300h is speculated to be fitted with the powerful 2.5 litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle power-mill mated to electronically controlled continuous variable transmission with intelligence which makes the power output of 200 horsepower.

STEREO & ACCESSORIES

The Lexus ES sedan is known for offering the level of luxury in the ride where the sheaf of equipment inside makes it pure luxurious sedan. Some standard equipment are likely to be fitted in the all new 2016 ES model which includes Lexus Enform App Suite offering the access to the mobile application through center console display. Further advanced voice recognition system will also be available. From the scarce details, it is speculated that 4.2 inch TFT LCD colour multi-info display and new “Enter” button to complement the mouse-like Remote touchy interface (RTI) will be there in the upcoming model. The new steering wheel and different leather is there while the dual zone auto climatic HVAC control will be fitted depending on the variant.

BRAKING & HANDLING

The luxury sedan has always been appraised for inculcating the ample of safety measure where the braking system gets the first priority. The upcoming car is estimated to continue with the four-wheel ventilated power-assisted disc brakes. The braking system is equipped with the brake assist system which automatically apply increased braking boost in panic stop scenarios. The four sensor, four channel anti-lock brake system will also be there to help prevent wheels from locking or skidding while the EBD system will also take place which helps in enhancing the brake force.

SAFETY & SECURITY

The range of stylistic changes is given with the host of the safety system. The Lexus ES is anticipated to possess the updated suit of safety tech, Lexus safety System+ package. The advanced system combines the lane departure alert, steering assist system and intelligent high beam technology. The high-speed dynamic radar cruise control is also available in the upcoming model while the pre-collision safety system is also there which is intended to apply brake accordingly sensing the vehicles or pedestrians in car's path. The lane departure system is believed to be coupled with steering assist system which helps the driver to keep the car in the center of its lane by correcting the steering in small increments. Further the standard safety measures common to its class is also speculated to take place which comprise Intuitive parking assist system, pre-collision system, blind spot detection system, traction control and direct tyre pressure monitor system. Further, the model is likely to continue with the rigid body architecture which helps in dissipate the force of collision and crumple zones in the front and rear are intended to help protect occupants. Moreover the efficient safety technologies used in outgoing model is also likely to be included in the upcoming model which includes smart stop technology, windshield wiper DE-icer, rain sensing wiper, whiplash injury lessening front seats and vehicle proximity notification system as standard.

WHEELS

The elegant stylistic updates are likely to be embellished with the meticulous engagement of each and every component. The upcoming facelift will be equipped with the redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels. While the other variant ES 300h has 10 spoke wheel design whereas the non-hybrid model gets the 20 spoke wheels. Both wheel segments are designed to make the impeccable performances with the tight grip road over the surface.

PROS

1. Longer wheelbase will make ample of legroom inside
2. Spacious interiors shown with longer dimensions
3. Impressive set of technologies inside is likely to be included
4. Ample of safety system
5. Eye-catching designs.

CONS

1. Engine performance can be raised
2. Comparatively high prices
3. Car stability must be maintained.
4. Fewer changes at interior.