Lexus is continuing its commitment to making advanced technologies available to its customers for even higher levels of safety and convenience with the introduction of Digital Side-View Monitor for its ES 300h luxury hybrid sedan in Europe. The technology makes its European debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, with an immediate start of the sales in selected markets*.

Initially introduced in Japan in 2018 as a world-first for a high-volume production car, the system replaces conventional door mirrors with compact, external, high-resolution cameras linked to in-car monitors. These provide an enhanced view of the area behind and immediately alongside the vehicle in all driving conditions, reducing or eliminating the driver’s blind spots and adapting automatically to give an extended view when the car is turning or reversing.

ERGONOMIC DESIGN

The ergonomic design of the system allows the view around the car to be checked with less left-right head movement, in line with Lexus’ aim of reducing the driver’s workload. The two five-inch colour monitors are positioned at the base of the front pillars, closely aligned to the door mirror height, so they fall within the driver’s intuitive line of sight. This means the driver doesn’t have to significantly change their natural mirror-checking action.

The cameras are housed in slim, aerodynamic casings that complement the elegant lines of the ES and, being smaller than the door mirrors, reduce wind noise and obtrude less in the driver’s forward diagonal view.

The units have built-in heaters to avoid freezing or misting, and are located so they are not vulnerable to being obscured by raindrops or snow. If necessary, the driver can activate the demister using a dashboard switch to ensure clear view at any time.

The system has a luminescence sensor which automatically reduces glare from the headlights of following vehicles during night-time driving, giving the driver a much clearer rearward view.

AUTOMATIC EXTENDED VIEW

When the driver uses the turn indictors or selects reverse gear, the Digital Side View Monitors automatically present an extended view of the area alongside and behind the car, eliminating the blind spot and helping safer manoeuvres. An icon in the corner of the screen alerts the driver to the change in aspect. When the turn, lane-change or parking action is completed, the system automatically returns to its standard setting. The driver can also switch to extended view manually, or turn the function off.

The system can be adjusted using controls on the driver’s door panel, like those for conventional door mirrors. A menu function gives access to the system’s settings, including brightness and – a feature unique to the Lexus system – automatic retraction of the camera units when the car is parked. The system also incorporates a Blind Spot Monitor.

AUTOMATIC REFERENCE LINES

The Digital Side View Monitor system also helps the driver position the car safely when parking or driving, automatically adding reference guidelines to the images.

When parking, the lines indicate 20 and 50 cm distances from the rear bumper, and 50 cm along each side of the car. These are shown on the live image and also in an icon on the display depicting the car’s position viewed from above.

When highway driving, the driver is helped to judge safe distances from other traffic with reference lines indicating 5 m, 10 m and 15 m on the road ahead when driving at speeds up to 70 km/h. At higher speeds the distances are 5 m, 10 m, 15 m and 30 m.

Lexus is the global leader in sales of electrified vehicles in the premium market, having delivered about 250,000 hybrid vehicles to customers in 2019, and 1.7 million since the launch of the first Lexus hybrid model, the RX 400h in 2005.

January – December 2019 sales results by main regions:

• North America 324,667 +0%
• China 201,783 +25%
• Europe 87,206 +14%
• Japan 62,394 +13%
• East Asia 34,419 +8%
• Middle East 32,421 +8%

Comment from Lexus International President Koji Sato:

” I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every Lexus customer around the world. From the time of our founding, we at Lexus have been earnestly pursuing the spirit of innovation and untiring evolution, and we will continue to take up the challenge of building vehicles that exceed our customers’ expectations.

Looking forward, based on our ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision, we will expand our lineup of electrified vehicles, starting with the launch of our first BEV production model, the UX300e. We will further evolve the Lexus DNA to achieve the ideal balance of ride comfort and quietness with driver confidence and engagement. By applying advanced Lexus technologies such as the integrated control of drive power, learned over many years developing electric motor control technologies in our hybrid vehicles, we will provide an inspiring and enjoyable driving experience unique to Lexus.”

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The Lexus ES 300h luxury sedan leads the ranking in the ‘upper middle class’ segment, being the only model reaching 4 stars out of a possible 5 in this 2019 ADAC Ecotest.

Looking more specifically at CO₂ emissions, which are in direct proportion to fuel consumption, ES achieved outstanding results. Fuel consumption was assessed as low as 5.5 litres per 100km in the overall test which combines test-bench and road measurements. It even decreased further to 4.3l/100km in urban driving conditions, where the benefits of Lexus’ self-charging hybrid powertrain can be fully leveraged.

The new Lexus ES 300h has been launched in Europe at the start of 2019. Its self-charging hybrid powertrain features an ultra-efficient 2.5l petrol engine combined with an electric motor which together deliver a total output of 160kW or 218 DN hp.

Lexus self-charging hybrids can be driven in zero-emissions mode for up to 50% of the total driving time in urban driving conditions – whatever the duration of the trip, and without ever any need to plug and recharge the vehicle.

For more details about the new Lexus ES, please visit the following page: https://newsroom.lexus.eu/european-dynamic-press-launch-press-kit-lexus-es-january-2019/

ADAC is Germany’s leading automobile club. Founded in 1903, it is presently the largest association of its kind in Europe, with more than 20 million members. Full results of the 2019 Ecotest can be found here: https://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/eco-test/

· A FOUNDING MODEL FOR THE BRAND, THE ES IS LEXUS’ MOST POPULAR SEDAN

· THE RIGHT TIME FOR ES’ DEBUT IN WESTERN EUROPE

After six decades of success in the mid-size sedan category, the seventh generation Lexus ES is forging a new and more ambitious path. Long renowned for its comfort, refinement and luxury appointments, the new ES builds on its established strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design and even better driving performance.

It stands as a further expression of Lexus’ design direction and commitment to crafting vehicles that provide more excitement, emotional connection and passion, helping bring its vision for its future to a wider audience. Traditional buyers will find the new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before, while a new generation of customers will be introduced to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this market segment.

THE ROOTS OF THE ES

The original ES launched the Lexus brand in 1989, alongside the LS flagship sedan. Since then, its popularity has been built on class-leading comfort and Lexus’ commitment to human-centred experiences expressed through intuitive driving behaviour or driver-centric cockpit.

Lexus has gained valuable insights by listening to the opinions of luxury car buyers around the world. This intelligence has been used in extensive real-world testing of the ES on different types of roads worldwide. Today, the ES is Lexus’ most popular sedan, amassing more than 2.3 million cumulative global sales.

READY FOR EUROPE

The seventh generation model is the first ES to be introduced to Western and Central Europe. It follows the LS flagship sedan and LC luxury coupe in carrying forward a new chapter in Lexus design that has a much stronger emotional quality. The eye-catching styling, made possible by the use of an all-new Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, will have particular appeal to customers in the region, together with a more engaging driving experience and even higher safety provisions. Western and Central European markets will introduce the ES 300h, powered by a new self-charging hybrid system. In other global markets, ES is also available with different petrol engine options, as the ES 200, ES 250 and ES 350.

Lexus achieved more than 75,000 sales in Europe in 2018, its highest total yet, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth. The new ES sedan becomes a core model in its line-up, contributing to Lexus’ ambition to reach 100,000 annual new car sales in Europe by 2020.

NEW DIMENSIONS IN ES DESIGN

· ‘PROVOCATIVE ELEGANCE’ DESIGN CONCEPT, UNDERPINNED BY USE OF THE NEW GLOBAL ARCHITECTURE-K PLATFORM

· SPACIOUS AND COMFORTABLE CABIN THAT REPRESENTS THE FUTURE OF LEXUS INTERIOR DESIGN

EXTERIOR DESIGN AND THE CONCEPT OF ‘PROVOCATIVE ELEGANCE’

The new ES is built on the all-new Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, giving Lexus the opportunity to explore new territories in mid-size luxury sedan design. The car is longer (+65 mm), lower (-5 mm) and wider (+45 mm) than its predecessor. The longer wheelbase (+50 mm) allows the wheels to be pushed closer to the car’s corners, with wider front and rear treads (+10 and +37 mm). Its stance and proportions reflect its new-found performance capabilities and give the ES the kind of eye-catching appeal that will make owners and admirers take a second look.

Yasuo Kajino, the ES Chief Designer, describes the car’s new look as ‘Provocative Elegance’: “The ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge buyers’ traditional expectations,” he said.

The new GA-K platform allowed for a lower bonnet line, which gave Kajino’s team the freedom to produce a distinctive silhouette with a strong downward slant, creating a dynamic yet fluid shape. Up front, the ES’ face is dramatically different, with variations according to model grade. The standard versions display elegant bars that radiate out from the centre of the signature Lexus spindle grille, while the F SPORT models – featured for the first time in the ES range – adopt a black cross-hatch pattern of interlocking ‘L’ shapes that correspond with cut-out sections at the car’s front corners.

In a break with past generations, the design features a rearward-sloping fast roofline that emphasises the vehicle’s lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. The rear end is clean and sharply chiselled, with LED lamps that wrap around the quarter panels to generate a continuous styling line when viewed from any angle. F SPORT models add a rear bootlid spoiler, badging and a dark lower valance to add emphasis to the look. Three different 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs are available for the standard ES models, with the F SPORT versions running on 19-inch¹wheels that are similar in appearance to those found on the Lexus LC coupe.

A palette of 12 colours includes new beige and green shades: Ice Ecru is designed to capture the effect of light reflected off fresh snow, while Sunlight Green is inspired by ocean water in sunlight. Two exclusive colours - Sapphire Blue and F White - are available for F SPORT models, complementing their high-energy design.

CABIN DESIGN THAT REPRESENTS THE FUTURE OF LEXUS INTERIORS

When designing the look and feel of the ES’ cabin, Kajino’s team’s starting point was the Lexus Future Interior concept, which blends a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. The driver’s focus is kept on the road ahead by locating the centre display screen, instrument panel and head-up display in a tight cluster within their field of view. Lexus calls this concept ‘Seat in Control,’ a simple idea that says from the moment you get in, all the controls you need are within reach and all the information you want is in plain view. Arm rests slide comfortably under your elbows and buttons can be pushed without taking your hands off the wheel.

Another means to reduce driver distraction is an optional head-up display that projects relevant vehicle information onto the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight. Fully adjustable to suit the driver’s preferred parameters, the colour display is the largest in the luxury car class. In addition to basic functionality, such as speed, fuel level and shift position, the display can also present speed limit signs, Lane Tracing Assist warnings and navigation directions.

What the driver sees is also enhanced by what they feel. The driving position in the ES has been refined with a more natural steering wheel angle, revised pedal positions and even a 12-way adjustable seat as standard. The steering wheel itself is borrowed directly from the LS and features an ergonomically shaped rim and optional wood trim and integral heating elements. Heated seats are also available for the driver and front passenger, along with a new suction-type ventilation that draws directly from the air conditioning system for a quicker cooling effect.

The navigation system provides a 12.3-inch multimedia display and second generation Remote Touch touchpad control.

Rear passenger comfort has long been a hallmark of the ES and the new model upholds this quality, in spite of the sleeker, sloping exterior roof line. A lower hip point and carefully configured headlining preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase ensures generous legroom.

The interior colour options include a new combination that reflects the ‘Provocative Elegance’ design theme. The Rich Cream option matches cream upholstery with a brown headlining to give the cabin a modern, yet warm look and feel. Other choices include Black, Chateau and Topaz Brown.

¹ Subject to market availability

ELEVATED COMFORT IN THE NEW ES

· NEW ES MAINTAINS THE MODEL’S LONG-HELD REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENT CABIN SPACIOUSNESS AND QUIETNESS

· NEW ES SEATS DESIGNED FOR PERFECT BODY HOLDING AND COMFORT

· PAINSTAKING MEASURES TO SECURE ULTIMATE CABIN TRANQUILLITY THROUGH NOISE BLOCKING, INSULATION AND ABSORPTION

Roominess and quietness are long-established as core qualities of the Lexus ES sedan. The all-new model sustains this reputation, with undisputed class leadership in spaciousness thanks in no small part to a 1,022 mm couple distance – which is best in class.

The quality of the cabin has been secured with a forensic approach to designing the best seats in terms of comfort and body holding, regardless of the shape or size of the occupant, and to achieving the quietest and most tranquil interior ambience.

Lexus knows there is a direct link between quietness and quality and that a calm and peaceful cabin is a key element in the omotenashi hospitality that defines its vehicles. The all-new ES takes on-board quietness to a higher level, using new technologies and design features first seen in the Lexus LS to enhance its established reputation as one of the most serene models in its class.

To achieve its goals for the new ES, Lexus focused its efforts in three areas: countermeasures to tackle noise and vibration at their source; sound insulation, to prevent noise intruding in the cabin; and sound absorption, making extensive use of special materials to soak up unwelcome noise. The advances made with the all-new model surpass anything achieved before, delivering a calm and welcoming environment at all times, from the moment you enter the car to cruising at high speed.

STORY

PERFECTING THE IDEAL SEATS – A THREE-YEAR DESIGN PROJECT FOR THE NEW ES

Great seat design is a critical part of any new car’s development and Lexus undertook a three-year project to produce the ideal seats for the all-new ES, working through numerous prototypes to find the best combination of support and comfort, no matter the size or shape of the occupant.

For the design team this meant ensuring you feel at ease and your posture is just right with full support for your lower back, whether you’re highway cruising, or pushing the new ES through bends on a twisting country route. For the driver, there was the added requirement for the seat to communicate how the car is behaving, but with no unpleasant vibrations.

The seats have a simple structure, with polyurethane foam wrapped around an iron frame. It’s the flat cushion and raised side sections that support the hips and keep the body stable, while subtle depressions in the cushion’s surface allow for smaller occupants to enjoy the same level of body-holding as larger people. In typical Lexus attention to detail, a thin, soft layer added to the top of each seat lets your head sink into the cushion, adding to the feeling of stability.

Where the ES F SPORT is concerned, the designers took their inspiration from the LC coupe to produce seats that offer even greater body holding. Leading engineer Takeshi Kawano explained: “It’s because the ES F SPORT is such a sporty car that I felt we needed to stabilise the driver’s body so that they wouldn’t move at all, even when driving on a racing circuit at full speed. We’ve tested the seats, and we can tell you that even when going around a corner at high speeds, the driver’s position barely changes.”

STORY

CREATING A WHISPER-QUIET CABIN

No detail was too small when it came to giving the new ES a perfectly quiet and calm cabin environment. Lexus engineers took three years to achieve their goal, using the LS flagship sedan as their benchmark. They knew it was important not produce the kind of deadening, disconcerting silence of a recording booth, but to produce a comfortable, undisturbed ambience that lets you enjoy the audio system to the full, or share a conversation with ease.

To eliminate potential noise sources, the ES underwent extensive wind tunnel testing, leading to tiny but telling adjustments to the position of the door mirrors, wipers and other parts that intruded in the airflow over and around the car. The next step was insulation measures to prevent external sounds getting into the car, filling openings or sealing them with sheet metal. Finally, noise absorption materials were added in key areas, such as the suspension towers, wings and underfloor to soak up sounds and vibrations.

When calculating what needed to be done, the design team had to take into account factors such as road conditions or the weather, which can change from moment to moment. It was a huge challenge that took a lot of time and patience, but the results succeed in making the famously quiet Lexus ES a more tranquil vehicle to travel in than ever before.

A NEW ERA IN SELF-CHARGING HYBRID POWERTRAIN PERFORMANCE

· ALL-NEW, FOURTH GENERATION OF THE SELF-CHARGING LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE SYSTEM, FEATURING NEW 2.5 LITRE ENGINE, NEW TRANSAXLE AND NEW BATTERY

· TOTAL SYSTEM OUTPUT 218 DIN HP / 160 KW, COMBINED CYCLE FUEL ECONOMY FROM WLTP 5.3 L/100KM¹

· HYBRID CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE AND LINEAR ACCELERATION RESPONSE, WITH DRASTIC REDUCTION OF RUBBER BAND EFFECT

· NEW 2.5-LITRE ENGINE ACHIEVES WORLD-BEST PEAK THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF 41% ALLIED TO A SPECIFIC ENGINE OUTPUT

FOURTH GENERATION LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE SYSTEM

The new ES 300h is equipped with a new, fourth generation self-charging Lexus Hybrid Drive system that can deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions for a mid-size luxury sedan. It couples an ultra-efficient 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with a lighter, more compact and more power-dense electric motor. Total system power is 218 DIN hp / 160 kW and combined cycle fuel economy is from WLTP 5.3 l/100km¹.

The 2.5-litre engine is all-new and incorporates fast-burn combustion technology that makes it the most thermally efficient engineto feature in a production vehicle (with thermal efficiency as high as 41% with a top level specific output). The result is more power without increasing emissions or fuel consumption. Features that help achieve such results include straight intake ports, increased valve angles and laser-clad valve seats. A variable-capacity oil pump, multi-hole injectors, VVT-iE electric intelligent variable valve-timing on the intake valves and a variable cooling system also contribute to the engine’s heat and combustion management. No fewer than 60 prototypes were built to achieve the best possible performance and more than 10 million kilometres of road testing were carried out.

Designed specifically to work with the 2.5-litre engine, the new transaxle has a multi-axle arrangement of the electric motors in place of the previous coaxial set-up, which reduces the overall length of the package by nearly 30 mm. The traditional planetary gear set has been replaced by a parallel shaft gear and a multi-function gear that incorporates a power split planetary ring gear, parking gear and counter drive gear into a single compact unit.

The nickel-metalhydride battery that powers the electric motor has been relocated from the boot to underneath the back seat. This was made possible by a 120 mm reduction in the height of the battery and the adoption of a more compact cooling system. Moving the battery under the seat not only frees up extra boot space, it also improves the car’s front-to-rear weight distribution for better handling.

Several new features have been incorporated into the ES 300h to improve overall driving satisfaction and engagement. The hybrid control system is designed to deliver a more linear acceleration feel by aligning engine speed more closely with vehicle speed, reducing the “rubber band” feel commonly associated with hybrid systems. Engaging the Sport drive mode further enhances acceleration by boosting torque at lower speeds, while paddle shifters can be used to move through six simulated gears for more precise control.

¹ Correlated NEDC values: Fuel consumption from 4.36 L/100Km, CO2 emissions from 99.85 g/Km

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION INNOVATIONS FOR EXCELLENT RIDE, HANDLING AND COMFORT

· ES DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE UNDERPINNED BY NEW FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE GA-K PLATFORM

· NEW SUSPENSION DESIGN WITH DYNAMIC CONTROL SHOCKS WITH WORLD-FIRST ULTRA-LOW VELOCITY VALVE

· HIGHLY RESPONSIVE RACK-ASSIST ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

· EXTENSIVE CHASSIS TESTING ON EUROPEAN ROADS AND HIGH-SPEED RACETRACKS

The engineering team for the new Lexus ES, led by Chief Engineer Yasuhiro Sakakibara, had a clear goal: transform the model’s image. That meant turning a sedan known primarily for comfort and quietness into one that is equally capable of delivering class-leading handling and power that you can feel and hear.

According to Sakakibara, this ES has been built to deliver a fundamentally higher level of performance than any of its predecessors. He said: “We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on. That can only be achieved with a solid foundation.”

The starting point was the new GA-K platform. It is an exceptionally rigid, front-wheel drive chassis that rivals the GA-L rear-wheel drive platform used for the LC coupe and LS sedan in terms of torsional stiffness. Various grades of high-tensile steel reduce weight compared to previous platforms, while enhancements such as an all-new multi-link rear suspension design, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace behind the rear seat gave the engineers the flexibility to tune the ES with a new-found precision.

The chassis team sought to create a sense of comforting predictability coupled with a feeling of quick response to every movement.

SUSPENSION THAT ADAPTS TO ITS SURROUNDINGS

With a solid base to build on, Sakikabara’s team turned its efforts to designing a suspension that could be tuned to deliver both exceptional comfort and precise handling. The resulting design uses MacPherson struts at the front and a trailing arm, multilink set-up at the rear, with anti-roll bars at each end.

Yoshiaki Ito, chief test driver, described the ES’s heightened level and refined definition of comfort: “We want every kind of driver to feel a sense of complete control when they are behind the wheel of the ES. It’s a level of comfort that goes beyond merely delivering a smooth ride.”

Although the design of the front suspension is similar to the previous ES, several changes have been made to improve overall responsiveness. The angle of the strut itself has been revised to better align it with the load path from the wheel for improved ride quality, while an increase in caster angle (+2 degrees) and caster trail (+8 mm) help improve straight line stability. New Dynamic Control Shocks are capable of responding to even the smallest movements thanks to a non-overlapping auxiliary valve that allows damper oil to flow in either direction before entering the main valve (see separate story below).

The new ES F SPORT is equipped with a new Adaptive Variable Suspension, details of which are given in the F SPORT chapter of this press kit.

The rear suspension design has a trailing arm, multilink setup that also benefits from the responsiveness of the new Dynamic Control shocks. Higher placement of the trailing arm mounting point and a larger bushing size result in improved control over road irregularities. Wider spacing of the anti-roll bar bushing mounts also contributes to overall roll reduction.

More precise steering inputs are delivered by a new rack-assist type Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Unlike the previous ES which used an assist motor mounted on the steering column, the new EPS set-up puts the assist motor directly on the steering rack, which returns more precise feedback to the steering wheel. The new lay-out also allows for additional steering wheel adjustability with 30 mm of additional tilt and 40 mm of additional telescopic range.

INNOVATIONS IN SUSPENSION DESIGN

Lexus’ determination to take the ES’ famous smooth, quiet and refined ride to a higher level prompted a world-first engineering solution: a new Swing Valve Shock Absorber fitted with an ultra-low velocity valve. Simply put, this makes sure the right level of damping force is provided, even when there’s just the slightest movement in the wheels and suspension, for example when pulling away slowly.

The secret to the system’s effectiveness is the way the oil flow is controlled inside the new valve arrangement. The additional ultra-low velocity valve allows for operation at very low speeds, with the main valve coming into play at low and higher speeds. In each case, supple ride comfort is the result.

The development team also came up with a new double wishbone rear suspension, with components located with pinpoint accuracy to gain the rigidity needed for excellent steering response and handling stability. The complete chassis system was put through rigorous testing on European road surfaces of all types, as well on high-speed race tracks.

CLASS-LEADING SAFETY PROVISIONS WITH LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM +, CONFIRMED IN EURO NCAP TESTING

· ES ACHIEVES A 5-STAR RATING AND SIMULTANEOUSLY TOPS TWO CATEGORIES, “LARGE FAMILY CAR” AND “HYBRID AND ELECTRIC”, IN EURO NCAP’S 2018 BEST IN CLASS AWARDS

· SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCED LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM + WITH ADDITIONAL CYCLIST AND NIGHT-TIME PEDESTRIAN DETECTION FUNCTIONS

· LEXUS CODRIVE PROVIDES SAE LEVEL 2 OF DRIVER ASSIST SUPPORT

· HIGHLY RIGID BODY THANKS TO DEPLOYMENT OF NEW GLOBAL ARCHITECTURE - K PLATFORM

The class-leading quality of the safety provisions in the all-new Lexus ES has been independently confirmed in official, independent Euro NCAP testing. The model secured the maximum five-star rating with one of the highest average points scores the organisation has recorded under its tougher 2018 assessment criteria.

Key to the ES’ excellent safety performance is the latest version of Lexus Safety System +, an advanced package of active safety technologies (featured as standard on all versions of the car sold in Western and Central Europe). The development of Lexus Safety System + demonstrates the brand’s commitment to making sure the benefits of advanced safety technologies are not limited to high-end, high-specification models, but are made available across the board.

As implemented in the new ES, the latest version of Lexus Safety System + adds new capabilities and increases the range of driving scenarios in which it can provide extra alerts and safeguards to help prevent an accident from happening. The new features include daytime cyclist and night-time pedestrian detection as part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS).

Already capable of detecting vehicles and pedestrians in the car’s path, the PCS now addresses one of the most common accident scenarios on the road today by being able to identify cyclists as well. The system has also been enhanced to detect pedestrians at night by increasing the radar’s sensitivity and dynamic range.

The combination of Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist correspond to Level 2 automated driver support (as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers) – aimed at enhancing safety while the driver remains in control of the vehicle.

Another new safety advance offered in the ES is a two-stage Adaptive High Beam system (AHS). This not only turns the headlight high beams on and off automatically for the driver, its 24 individual LED light array can adapt the light pattern to provide an enhanced field of illumination while reducing glare for oncoming drivers.

The new ES also has impressive passive safety provisions, underpinned by the quality of its ultra-rigid new GA-K (Global Architecture - K) platform. In the cabin, occupants are protected by an array of 10 airbags.

SUPREMELY IMMERSIVE AUDIO EXPERIENCE WITH MARK LEVINSON PUREPLAY

· 17-SPEAKER MARK LEVINSON PUREPLAY SYSTEM DELIVERS A NEW LEVEL OF IMMERSIVE AUDIO QUALITY

· PERFORMANCE ACHIEVED THROUGH PRECISION STAGING, WORLD-CLASS SPEAKER DESIGN AND ADVANCED TUNING AND DECOMPRESSION TECHNOLOGY

· NEW ES MARKS FIRST USE OF MARK LEVINSON PUREPLAY IN A VEHICLE

· 10-SPEAKER PIONEER AUDIO ALSO SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE INTERIOR OF THE NEW ES

The Mark Levinson PurePlay concept makes its debut in a 17-speaker Surround Sound System specifically designed for the all-new Lexus ES. Its world-first architecture has been created to immerse each individual in the car in the most powerful, precise and pure audio experience yet.

PurePlay leverages multiple unique approaches to deliver outstanding in-vehicle performance with precision staging, world-class speaker design and placement, and unparalleled tuning and decompression technology.

The ultra-quiet interior of the ES provides an ideal environment in which to enjoy the quality of the system. Mark Levinson was involved from the start of the new car concept programme, so that it can contribute to securing the best possible acoustic quality in the vehicle’s interior.

The array of speakers – two more than in the previous generation ES – includes 14 90 mm Unity^TMspeakers, installed at seven points around the cabin, in a line from the instrument panel, through the top of the door panels, effectively surrounding the driver and passengers.

Placing the speakers at shoulder level enhances the acoustics and creates a tonal synergy. These perfectly timbre-matched locations deliver a consistent tonal colour between all the mid-range speakers and tweeters, effectively creating two identical sound stages for the front and rear passengers. As a result, each person in the car is enveloped in sound, creating a listening experience that is consistent in every seating location.

The system also features two nine-inch elliptical woofers in the front doors and a powerful 265 mm subwoofer – the largest ever installed in a production Lexus – behind the rear seats. There’s pleasing attention to design detail as well, with the visible speaker grilles finished with an organic pattern inspired by the veins of a leaf.

Mark Levinson makes use of impressive technology to achieve both superb reproduction quality and energy-efficient performance. This includes new Quantum Logic Surround to help build an accurate and full-bodied acoustic stage and high-clarity sound definition. The ES’ audio system also benefits from ClariFi 2.0, which plays sound as close to the original as possible, particularly with music from low-quality sources, such as highly compressed digital files.

Technology apart, the human ear remains an essential tool: the ES’s system is tuned by a team of expert acoustic engineers with exceptional aural sensitivity. Their skills help ensure that the sound produced evokes the authentic emotional quality of the music being played.

BESPOKE PIONEER AUDIO SYSTEM

The new ES is also offered with a 10-speaker audio system, designed specifically for the vehicle by Pioneer. It integrates a number of advanced technologies to provide accurate reproduction of any sound source, creating a real-life, immersive soundscape that adds another layer of enjoyment to any journey.

Pioneer’s digital signal processing technology can produce CD-quality sound from compressed MP3 audio files, with clear sound even when playing at low volume.

The architecture features 9 cm CST speakers on the left and right of the instrument panel that combine both a tweeter and a mid-range speaker. A single source is thus used to play back the full mid to high range, giving realistic reproduction of vocals and the effect of the artist singing live in front of the listener.

The speakers are positioned at the optimum angle to create a dynamic and rich sound field, with sound efficiently delivered to the listener both directly and reflected off the interior window glass. The result is a wide, deep, three-dimensional sound.

THE FIRST-EVER ES F SPORT

· THE FIRST ES GENERATION TO OFFER F SPORT VERSIONS

· EXCLUSIVE SPORTS-THEME STYLING AND EQUIPMENT FEATURES

· INTERIOR TRIM INSPIRED BY TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KATANA SWORD-MAKING TECHNIQUES

· ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSION AND ADDITIONAL SPORT S AND SPORT S+ DRIVE MODES HELP DELIVER A MORE ENGAGING DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The seventh generation ES is the first in the history of the executive sedan range to be available as a Lexus F SPORT model. It is distinguished by exclusive, sports-themed exterior and interior design features, wheels colours and equipment features.

Going beyond sporty looks, the ES F SPORT also benefits from special chassis tuning and the provision of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The result is a more engaging driving experience, but without sacrificing the comfort and refinement that are intrinsic to the traditional quality and character of the ES.

EXCLUSIVE F SPORT DESIGN ELEMENTS AND CABIN APPOINTMENTS

The ES F SPORT is distinguished at a glance by a wealth of sporty detailing that complements the car’s low, eye-catching lines. The bespoke features include a close-mesh pattern in the signature spindle grille made up of interlocking ‘L’ shapes, set within a jet black frame.

The same black plating is also applied to the rear combination light surrounds, while the F SPORT also adopts a discreet, integrated bootlid spoiler, lower rear bumper valance and F SPORT badging.

The model is fitted with 19-inch forged alloy wheels, similar in design to those found on the Lexus LC Coupe. Two exclusive colours - Heat Blue and F White - are available for F SPORT models, complementing their high-energy design.

The cabin features sports front seats embossed with the F SPORT emblem and a striking new aluminium Hadori trim, inspired by traditional Japanese katana sword-making techniques (see separate story, below). The F SPORT steering wheel and the shift lever are wrapped in highly tactile perforated leather and there is a set of sports-style aluminium pedals. Also exclusive to the F SPORT, the leather upholstery can be specified in a bold Flame Red colour.

F SPORT WITH EXTRA CAR CONTROL FEATURES

For an even higher level of dynamic performance, the ES F SPORT models adopt Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) in place of the Dynamic Control Shocks and adjustable dampers featured on other versions. Similar to the system first introduced on the LC coupe, this provides 650 levels of automatic, seamless adjustment to the damping force at each wheel to deliver optimal ride quality and precise control on any road surface.

Adjustments are based on information from sensors that measure both linear and vertical G loads, vehicle speed, steering angle, yaw rate and master cylinder pressure, in addition to information from the engine control computer and skid control computer.

AVS brings with it additional Sport S and Sport S+ settings for the Drive Mode Select system. Throttle response and the transmission program are made sharper in Sport S, while for even sportier driving, Sport S+ mode adjusts the throttle, transmission and steering parameters along with the adaptive dampers.

STORY

DRIVEN BY INTUITION: LEXUS CREATES THE WORLD’S FIRST FILMED ADVERT ENTIRELY SCRIPTED BY AI

Lexus pioneered the world’s first advert to be scripted entirely by artificial intelligence (AI) and directed by an Oscar-winning director.

The 60-second film, ‘Driven by Intuition’, forms a key part of the launch campaign for the new Lexus ES executive sedan in Europe. It was created using a bespoke AI scriptwriter that was developed by Lexus in partnership with creative agency The&Partnership London and technical partner Visual Voice. IBM Watson was used to analyse a range of external audio, text and visual data.

The story was brought to life by Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald, whose credits include ‘The Last King of Scotland’, the Whitney Houston biopic ‘Whitney’ and the Oscar-winning documentary ‘One Day in September’.

This world-first collaboration between AI and a renowned craftsman aimed to test the boundaries of how humans and machines can work together in perfect harmony, exploring the importance of intuition in the relationship between the two to showcase the responsive features of the new Lexus ES executive sedan.

The result is an engaging short drama that tells the story of a Lexus Takumi master craftsman who completes his painstaking work and releases the new Lexus ES into the world, only for it to be taken away and threatened with destruction.

At the crucial moment, the car’s automatic emergency braking system cuts in to save the day, demonstrating the value and effectiveness of the intuitive technology built into the car.

Vincent Tabel, Senior Manager Brand and Communications, Lexus Europe, said: “Here at Lexus we love to push the boundaries of technology and design, that’s why we wanted to do something completely different – a world first – to launch the new Lexus ES.

“The ES is both intuitive and innovative, so we wanted the advert to reflect this. The resulting film surpasses our expectations of what an AI is capable of, from its creativity to its human emotion.”

STORY

INSPIRED BY THE FINE TRADITIONS OF JAPANESE SWORD-MAKING

Lexus has a great reputation for seamlessly combining contemporary styling and materials with craftsmanship and aesthetics rooted in Japanese tradition. Such is the case with new Hadori aluminium trim featured exclusively in the ES F SPORT. It’s directly inspired by a centuries-old method of polishing the long, curving blade of the katana, the sword wielded by Japan’s famous shogun warriors.

Designer Toshihide Maseki recruited experts in the ancient craft to produce a prototype by hand. This was then replicated using machine technology, right down to capturing minute, randomly created lines that give the technique its special, hand-crafted look.

Maseki explained: “Although being refined is an important quality in craftsmanship, a product is incomplete without the addition of more human, more instinctive elements that are not based on simple calculation. Being machine-made but artisanal, being refined but having impact – these may seem like contrasting elements, but through a lot of trial and error, we were finally able to achieve this combination.”

Euro NCAP has crowned the all-new, seventh generation Lexus ES as 2018 Best in Class model in the categories “Hybrid and Electric” and “Large Family Car”.

This award follows the 2018 5-star Euro NCAP vehicle safety rating achieved earlier this year by ES, with an outstanding average score of 86.25 – one of the highest scores of all cars tested under the new, more stringent 2018 test regime including cyclist protection AEB.

The new ES integrates the latest version of Lexus Safety System +, the brand’s advanced package of active safety technologies, as well as outstanding passive safety credentials resulting from its ultra-rigid GA-K platform (Global Architecture-K) and 10 airbags as standard.

The latest version of Lexus Safety System + provides new capabilities and expands the driving scenarios in which it can provide added protection for driver and passengers and help prevent an accident from happening. The new features include daytime cyclist detection as part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS), as well as night-time pedestrian detection. Lexus Co-Drive, combining Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist, provides SAE level-2 automated driving support – aiming at enhancing safety while the driver remains in control of the vehicle.

Order books for the all-new ES are already open in Europe, with first customer deliveries expected in January 2019.

Lexus Safety System + is available on 99% of Lexus models sold in Europe, in line with the brand’s commitment to ensure that the benefits of advanced safety technologies are not limited to high-end, high-specification models, but are made available across the board.

Throughout the six generations of success, the Lexus ES has been famous for its smooth, quiet and refined ride. Now this signature quality has been taken to an even higher level in the all-new 7^th generation of the luxury sedan thanks to a detailed and innovative approach to suspension design and packaging.

The attention to detail produced a new Swing Valve Shock Absorber with an ultra-low velocity valve – a world-first in the industry. In simple terms, this innovation makes sure an appropriate damping force is provided when even the slightest movement is experienced in the car’s wheels and suspension. This makes for a comfortable, unruffled ride and a stable feel, whether you’re pulling away slowly, or driving at speed on the highway.

The benefit is gained in the way the flow of oil is controlled inside a new valve arrangement. As well as a main valve, the ES’s shock absorbers have an additional ultra-low velocity valve, which allows for very low oil speed operation; at low to high oil speeds, the main valve opens to suppress the damping force, giving supple ride comfort.

Delivering superior standards of both handling stability and ride comfort is a big ask but it was a challenge Lexus was ready to meet by drawing up a new double wishbone rear suspension design. Critically, the system’s trailing arms have been located with pinpoint accuracy to give the set-up the rigidity it needs to give true, linear steering response to the driver’s use of the wheel and excellent handling stability.

Much of the testing to evaluate the new ES’s ride and handling took place in Europe where the development team could be sure of a wide range of road types and surfaces, from no-limit German highways, to winding mountain routes and urban streets with rough surfaces. Further testing was carried out on track, including at the famous Nürburgring, and in California.

At the same time as Lexus’ engineers determined the optimum suspension performance, they also took care to produce a design that doesn’t compromise the size or convenient shape of the boot. To meet this requirement, they placed the shock absorbers closer to the back of the rear seats and mounted them separately from the coil springs.

It’s a world-first design, based on a new sound system concept called Mark Levinson PurePlay.

Lexus has a long-established auto industry-exclusive partnership with Mark Levinson to develop bespoke systems for its models that take in-car entertainment to a higher level. Mark Levinson’s involvement starts from the moment a new car concept is first imagined and developed, so it can help ensure the vehicle’s interior delivers the best possible acoustics.

Performance is not about the quality of the hardware alone, but also the location and calibration of each speaker around the cabin. In the ES there are 17 in all, two more than in the previous generation model.

Fourteen of these are 90mm Unity speakers, installed at seven points around the cabin, running in a line from the instrument panel through the top of the door panels, effectively surrounding the driver and passengers. Mounting the high and mid-range speakers along the shoulder line allows a purer and more natural field of sound to be created – what’s known as an acoustic stage. It also means there are minimal obstructions between the listener’s ear and source of the sound, supporting a true tonal reproduction quality.

The system also features two nine-inch elliptical woofers in the front doors and a powerful 265 mm subwoofer – the largest ever installed in a production Lexus – behind the rear seats.

There’s pleasing attention to design detail as well, with the visible speaker grilles finished with an organic pattern inspired by the veins of a leaf.

Mark Levinson makes use of impressive technology to achieve both superb reproduction quality and energy-efficient performance. The ES’s system uses new Quantum Logic Surround to help build an accurate and full-bodied acoustic stage and high-clarity sound definition.

The ES’s audio also benefits from ClariFi 2.0, which plays sound as close to the original as possible, particularly with music from low-quality sources, such as highly compressed digital files.

Technology apart, the human ear remains an essential tool for ensuring the best performance. The ES’s system is tuned by a team of expert acoustic engineers with exceptional aural sensitivity. Their skills help ensure that the sound produced evokes the emotional quality of the music being played.

• New ‘Driven by Intuition’ film created using bespoke AI, developed by Lexus in partnership with The&Partnership London and Visual Voice
• Story brought to life by Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald
• AI developed using IBM Watson and multiple data sources, including past award-winning luxury adverts and intelligence on human emotional responses
• Film forms a key part of new ‘Driven by Intuition’ campaign launching the new Lexus ES executive sedan in Europe. Available to view now on Lexus media channels

Lexus, a brand famous for being at the leading edge of technical innovation, has explored new ground in film-making with the release of ‘Driven by Intuition,’ an advert that has been scripted entirely by artificial intelligence (AI). It has been shot by director Kevin Macdonald, whose credits include ‘The Last King of Scotland,’ the Whitney Houston biopic ‘Whitney’ and the Oscar-winning documentary ‘One Day in September’.

This world-first collaboration between AI and a renowned craftsman aimed to test the boundaries of how humans and machines can work together in perfect harmony, exploring the importance of intuition in the relationship between the two to showcase the responsive features of the new Lexus ES executive sedan.

The result is an engaging short drama: a minute-long film telling the story of a Lexus Takumi Master Craftsman who completes his painstaking work and releases the new Lexus ES into the world, only for it to be taken away and threatened with destruction. At the crucial moment, the car’s automatic emergency braking system cuts in to save the day, demonstrating the value and effectiveness of the intuitive technology built into the car.

The innovative creative approach to the project is perfectly aligned with the qualities of the new ES, a car that is constantly aware of and instantly responsive to the driver’s intentions and changing road and traffic conditions. This is witnessed at a fundamental level in the agility, poise and strength of the ES’s new GA-K (Global Architecture – K) platform, and in the intelligent operation of its Lexus Safety System+ functions. These can recognise hazards and automatically initiate braking, steering and driver alerts to prevent an accident from happening, or reduce the consequences if a collision does occur.

Lexus’ creative agency The&Partnership London collaborated with technical partner Visual Voice to create the AI scriptwriter, using IBM Watson to analyse a range of external audio, text and visual data and extract insight on what makes content award worthy from which the AI could contribute to the creation of a script outline that would be emotionally intelligent and entertaining for the audience. Once this process evolved, Kevin Macdonald was approached to direct the work and bring the story to life.

To produce the original story, the AI was “trained” with 15 years’ worth of car and luxury advertisements that have won prestigious Cannes Lions international awards for creativity. It was also primed with emotional intelligence data by video marketplace Unruly to learn which moments connected most strongly with viewers and understand how actions, objects, locations and emotionality are used in different combinations and sequences to communicate the desired messages.

In using so much information about previous adverts, it was important to avoid the risk of producing something that felt familiar, or too mass-market in tone. Thus additional data on the Lexus brand and the project guideline were input into the AI to keep the script original and on-brand.

Macdonald was immediately intrigued by the concept and recognised how it required a different approach from a conventional film. He said: “When I was handed the script, the melodrama of the story convinced me of its potential. The fact the AI gave a fellow machine sentience, placed it in a sort of combat situation, and then had it escaping into the sunset was such an emotional response from what is essentially a digital platform. The charmingly simplistic way the AI wrote the story was both fascinating in its interpretation of human emotion, and yet still unexpected enough to give the film a clearly non-human edge.”

Alex Newland, Co-Founder of Visual Voice, said: “This was both a highly challenging and deeply fascinating project to have had the privilege to be a part of. From the outset, it was almost impossible to know what level of quality or intelligibility the AI would produce.

“To see the project brought together with such a rich finished piece is extremely satisfying and exciting to witness. We believe this project moves AI-generated content into the beginnings of true, stand-alone creative merit.”

To focus closely on the “intuitive” aspect of the story, the AI was further coached with intelligence from a bespoke experiment conducted by MindX, the applied science division of the University of New South Wales in Australia. This explored what makes someone intuitive and how people who have a high level of intuition respond to car adverts.

The result is a script that is rich in genuine human emotion and undistinguishable from one written by a human, bar some unexpected details. For example, AI gives the character of the car sentience and a surprising emotional depth, while appearing to treat human behaviour, such as the habit of watching disasters unfold from behind a screen, with a degree of healthy cynicism.

Dave Bedwood, Creative Partner at The&Partnership, said: “I thought I’d be writing an ad with the assistance of AI. Instead it took over and wrote the whole script: a machine telling the story of a machine coming to life. Much AI work to date has been interesting because of the process itself; this has been because the end product is good in its own right.”

Vincent Tabel, Senior Manager Brand and Communications, Lexus Europe, said: “Here at Lexus we love to push the boundaries of technology and design, and that’s why we wanted to do something completely different – a world first – to launched the new Lexus ES. The ES is both intuitive and innovative, so we wanted the advert to reflect this. The resulting film surpasses our expectations of what an AI is capable of, from its creativity to its human emotion.”

Reece Medway, Media and Entertainment Specialist, IBM Watson, UK and Ireland said: “We applaud Lexus, Visual Voice and The@Partnership for being first movers in harnessing the power of Watson AI and analytics as a springboard for the creative process. The magic of storytelling will always come to life in the human creative process, and using Watson to identify the common attributes for truly award winning creative work is an example of how man and machine will collaborate in the AI era. It was a privilege to be part of this process”

APPENDIX: DRIVEN BY INTUITION – THE AI PRODUCTION STORY IN DETAIL

The lengthy AI creation process involved the machine “learning” a large volume of information to ensure the data produced was as useful and detailed as possible.

The first step was to integrate a number of third-party AI Visual Recognition tools into the Visual Voice AI platform, which included IBM Watson.This process was used to examine the past 15 years of Cannes Lions award-winning automotive adverts. The parameters for the data collection focused on elements such as the actions, objects, locations and emotionality contained within these adverts, together with where in the adverts they occur and in what combinations. Adverts that expressed intuition, instinct and knowledge were given higher relevance scoring, with other aspects organised and categorised around these pillars.

Once this data had been collected, the Visual Voice AI platform was used to analyse the large quantities of information for trends and correlations, such as things that typically happen in the middle of an advert, and objects and locations which frequently occur together. From the initial findings, it was apparent that there was a commonly occurring kind of award-winning advert which was heavily weighted towards more mass market car brands. In order to avoid making an advert that would feel both very familiar and mass market, further detail was provided to the AI.

Firstly, Cannes Lions award-winning adverts about luxury brands, not just cars, were entered. This introduced new ideas and data to help avoid the finished script feeling too mainstream. In addition, the AI was provided with Lexus’ brand guidelines. When an element of the award-winning adverts aligned with a Lexus guideline, the highest AI confidence level data was recorded.

Lastly, to identify individual preferences of intuitive individuals in respect to automotive adverts, a study was commissioned in collaboration with MindX; the applied science division of the University of New South Wales. This data was provided to the AI, in addition to the underlying data on the preferences of the wider population. Teaching the AI in this way enabled it to give the highest weighting to preferences which were most prevalent in intuitive individuals, relative to the wider population.

One of the strongest findings from the MindX study was the preference for an emotional experience. To identify which aspects of adverts stimulated an emotional response, data from Unruly was inputted which showed which automotive adverts had the highest emotional indices. This data consisted of a series of automotive adverts (which were ingested by the AI in the same means as above) but also raw data collected around human responses to these adverts in terms of their emotions. The emotional response scoring was broken down into various categories for different emotions. From this data, the AI was able to correlate the objects, actions and locations (among many other parameters) with the resultant emotional effect on a human. From this information, the AI formed the ability to ‘turn on’ different emotions in the person watching the advert.

All of this data was processed by the AI, with particular confidence given to the aspects where there was a convergence between the various data sources, for example, aspects which were frequently occurring in award-winning adverts, that provided a high emotional impact and also aligned with the brand guidelines.

The resulting script output was two-fold in that, as well as the sequence of objects, actions, people and locations forming the basis for a script, there was also a separate output outlining the underlying findings of the AI, such as the preference for limited speech, for example. It is this ‘success’ criteria document which gives insight into what the AI was attempting to achieve, with the elements included or excluded from the script, resulting in the unique Lexus ES ad film.

Lexus’s global reputation for pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation have inspired the creation of the world’s first filmed advert entirely scripted by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The 60-second feature, Driven by Intuition, is directed by Oscar-winner Kevin Macdonald and celebrates in both its creative concept and its content the bold, innovative and imaginative characteristics that define Lexus as a brand.

The film will be premiered tomorrow (November 15) in the UK and then released across digital, social and cinema channels in Europe to herald the launch of the all-new ES executive sedan early next year.

In the same spirit of daring technical achievement that delivered the Lexus Hoverboard, the film’s storyline and script are wholly sourced from an AI, built by technical partner Visual Voice in collaboration with The&Partnership, with support from the IBM Watson suite of AI tools and applications.

The concept has been brought to life by Kevin Macdonald, acclaimed director of The Last King of Scotland and Whitney, and the winner of a Best Documentary Academy Award for One Day in September.

The production process involved developing the bespoke AI and training it with data including 15 years of award-winning luxury adverts, emotional intelligence about what connects most strongly with viewers and specially commissioned information about human intuition.

The new advert will be free to view on Lexus channels from November 19.

The all-new, seventh generation Lexus ES has achieved the maximum 5-star vehicle safety rating in the latest 2018 Euro NCAP test results, with an outstanding average score of 86.25 - one of the highest scores of all cars tested under the new, more stringent 2018 test regime including cyclist protection AEB.

The new ES integrates the latest version of Lexus Safety System +, the brand’s advanced package of active safety technologies, as well as outstanding passive safety credentials resulting from its ultra-rigid GA-K platform (Global Architecture-K) and 10 airbags as standard.

The latest version of Lexus Safety System + provides new capabilities and expands the driving scenarios in which it can provide added protection for driver and passengers and help prevent an accident from happening. The new features include daytime cyclist detection as part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS), as well as night-time pedestrian detection. Lexus Co-Drive, combining Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist, provides SAE level-2 automated driving support – aiming at enhancing safety while the driver remains in control of the vehicle.

Order books for the all-new ES are already open in Europe, with first customer deliveries expected in January 2019.

Lexus Safety System + is available on 99% of Lexus models sold in Europe, in line with the brand’s commitment to ensure that the benefits of advanced safety technologies are not limited to high-end, high-specification models, but are made available across the board.

NOTES TO MEDIA

For more details on the all-new Lexus ES and its safety features, please visit https://newsroom.lexus.eu/the-all-new-lexus-es-a-higher-level-of-performance-and-sophistication/

For more details about Euro NCAP, please visit www.euroncap.com

The pursuit of “Provocative Elegance”

The evolution of the Lexus car can be attributed to continuous addition of traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques and details in the design concepts of its past models. The new ES F SPORT follows this tradition with a door trim inspired by Hadori—a traditional polishing technique that applies a silvery wave-like finish to katana swords. The finest katana throughout history feature Hadori that is simultaneously refined and powerful, possessing a beauty that marks the sword as a true work of art.

Incorporating such a refined finish to the door trim of the ES F SPORT was never going to be an easy process. However, Toshihide Maseki, who designed the car’s interior, stepped up to the challenge.

“Looking at sketches for the new ES F SPORT, I was struck by how sporty its design was; it was like nothing I had seen in previous models,” Maseki said. “Its weight had been shifted to the rear, giving it a sharp form. I immediately understood that my job was to achieve both dynamism and elegance in the trim design. When considering design concepts, I asked myself, what among traditionally Japanese craft arts features sharpness and dynamism, as well as beauty? That’s when I arrived at the katana.”

Maseki traveled to Gifu Prefecture to make a stop in Seki—a city that has produced some of the finest katana in all of Japan. It is home to the Seki Smithing Museum, a treasure trove of information and items related to the 700-year history of Japanese swordsmithing. Here, visitors get to view some of the greatest swords ever forged and live demonstrations of traditional katana forging techniques— performed by master swordsmiths.

“I was most surprised by the incredible visual impact of the hammers hitting the metal during the forging process,” Maseki says. “A tremendous amount of power goes into shaping the metal into a blade. However, although a just-forged blade possesses a raw and tangible intensity, it’s missing the elegance that the new ES required. That’s when I turned to the next step following the forging process: polishing. Hadori, in particular, is a technique used to polish a blade into a singular work of art, and I felt that this fit the design concept of the new ES.”

A deep and enduring beauty

Of the many classic katanas that Maseki studied, the ones that inspired him the most were blades crafted between the 14th and 16th centuries.

“Once you get to the 17th century, you start to see more katanas that were crafted mainly for decoration,” Maseki says, “but the katanas created before, were intended for use in war. They feature only minimal ornamentation. This style—eschewing excessive ornamentation for a more genuine craft-based beauty, as well as a high level of practicality—seemed to fit the production concept of the new ES.”

Compared to the wide, heavy swords common in Europe, the Japanese katana may look somewhat delicate on first glance. However, there is a sort of aesthetic power in the katana, a deep and enduring beauty that can withstand the passage of time. It was this power that Maseki wanted to convey through the door trim.

“To understand the beauty of the katana, you need to first recognize that the power of the katana comes from within. It has a deep character that has been painstakingly crafted by a master artisan. I wanted drivers of the new ES to be able to feel this inner power, and in the process understand the timelessness of true beauty.”

Faithfully replicating an artisan’s masterwork

Once Maseki had settled on a concept and design direction for the door trim, he began developing a prototype. He first had skilled artisans craft the prototype by hand, so he could then replicate the design using a machine. However, Maseki encountered a problem. The machine was fed precise data related to the pitch and other details of the Hadori pattern, and yet it failed to produce results that in any way resembled the prototype. This puzzled Maseki.

“The numbers were correct, so I decided to take a closer look at the prototype,” he explains. “As I studied the pattern with a microscope, I discovered the existence of randomly created lines that could not be replicated with a machine. It was these lines that were giving the overall design its powerful impact.”

These “random lines” had been instinctively added by the artisans who created the prototype, based on their many years of experience and keen understanding of katana aesthetics.

“We discovered that using a fixed pitch created patterns that were lacking in impact, while introducing a random element to the data led to patterns that were far more striking,” Maseki says.

“Although being refined is an important quality in craftsmanship, a product is incomplete without the addition of more human, more instinctive elements that are not based on simple calculation. Being machine-made but artisanal, being refined but having impact— these may seem like contrasting elements, but through a lot of trial and error, we were able to achieve this combination, in the process imbuing the door trim of the new ES with a deep katana - like beauty.”

True beauty can only be achieved if every detail that composes an object has been refined to an exceptionally high degree. Hadori is one of many details accumulated in the new ES that offer a momentary escape from the everyday.

But the latest seventh generation ES was conceived as a higher-segment vehicle.

Achieving a level of quiet suitable for such a classification was a true challenge that took three years of innovation, creativity, and patience.

Quiet, not soundless

There is something about the complete silence created in a soundproof space that is cut off from the outside, such as a radio or recording studio, that can be unnerving or even suffocating—not quite the relaxation one normally associates with quietness.

The same applies to the silence inside a car. Although a low level of noise is particularly important in a luxury model, where the driver expects to be able to enjoy music and conversations without difficulty, quietness should not be mistaken for a complete lack of sound. Creating a quiet atmosphere is actually about allowing sounds that are pleasing to the ear to flow freely through the car, while doing everything possible to suppress unpleasant noises. Such an audio environment is essential to the interior design of a car.

“Every generation of the ES has had a reputation for offering an impressive level of quietness,” says Hirotaka Tsuru, who designed the noise and vibration control and sound control of the new ES—the seventh-generation model. “Naturally, we considered a quiet cabin to be the most important feature when developing the latest model. The LS, as well as its higher-segment competitors, served as our benchmark for this project.

“Quietness is not a quality that can be improved by simply blocking more noise. For example, we developed a test model in which we greatly suppressed bandwidths at or around 1 kHz—the range that is most readily picked up by our ears. But doing so raised the air density inside the car, which caused ringing in the ears and even nausea—not relaxing at all.”

Noise source elimination, sound insulation, and noise absorption

Tsuru, of course, was erring on the side of caution—his job, after all, was to cut off driving noises that the driver and passengers may find unpleasant. “Quietness is in the ES’s DNA,” Tsuru says. To ensure that the new model properly inherited this quality, Tsuru divided his task into three phases.

First, he focused on eliminating noise sources. Early on during the development of noise and vibration control, Tsuru incorporated wind tunnel testing—more commonly employed in air resistance development—to pinpoint every source of wind noise. He tested the car under a number of different circumstances, making tiny adjustments in the position of the outer mirrors, wipers, and other car parts with each trial. With each source of wind noise he found, he worked to reduce the volume of airflow, even if it was just a few milliliters.

Next, Tsuru turned his focus to sound insulation as a way of reducing the noise entering the car. This phase involved cutting off passages through which noise could enter, through methods such as filling in openings in the floor and inner trunk lid or sealing them off with sheet metal. In the third phase, Tsuru focused on noise absorption. He applied absorbent to the suspension tower, fender, undercarriage, and other areas.

“Thanks to our use of wind tunnel testing, we were able to efficiently reduce the level of wind noise in very little time,” Tsuru says. “The advantage of using the Lexus wind tunnel is that it is a lab designed for testing low-noise levels, which means we can quantitatively measure the wind noise level while controlling for interior noise levels and interior noise sources.

“With regard to sound insulation, from the time we began to develop the new platform, we were already studying ways to reduce the number of openings and were considering covering the entire floor with silencers, which in previous models had only been placed on some parts of the floor. In other words, the new ES represents our effort to greatly improve the specifications of the car base itself.”

Through imagination, creativity, and meticulous engineering, Tsuru sought to take the ES car base to the next level and, in the process, produce an environment of comfortable quietness that skillfully filters out sounds that the driver may find unpleasant. However, achieving such an ambitious design was never going to be easy. Factors such as road conditions– which change moment to moment while driving– are always difficult to account for when designing a car. Although one cannot fully prepare for changes in external factors, failing to account for sounds at certain bandwidths may result in those sounds being even more perceptible than usual– in other words, an even noisier car.

“If you look at other modes of transportation, planes have a sound pressure level of 80 decibels,” Tsuru says. “In cars, that figure is usually between 60 and 70 decibels. Generally speaking, people find higher sound pressure levels to be more irritating to the ears.

However, despite the level being higher in planes, most people would not consider planes to be particularly noisy. When you’re in a car, though, the environment through which you travel constantly changes. Depending on the circumstances, you might find the ride to be noisy even if the sound pressure level is not that high. Changes

in the environment are most often caused by natural winds and changes in the road condition. In the end, we needed to incorporate these factors into the design as well, in order to produce a pleasing aural environment in which every type of sound– both good and bad– is precisely adjusted. It was a difficult process that required a lot of patience.”

An engine sound that embodies the thrill of an F SPORT with a 3.5-L V6 engine

In this way, Tsuru was able to dramatically upgrade the ES in terms of noise and vibration control and sound control. One new feature in particular deserves special mention: the Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE) incorporated in the car’s 3.5-liter V6 engine. Thanks to ESE, the F SPORT’s thrilling performance is matched with an equally dramatic engine sound.

“As the engine rotates faster, the primary, secondary, and tertiary ignition sound components are manipulated to create a linear and beautiful harmony of sound waves that is also dynamic and impactful,” Tsuru says. “As a result, we were able to establish the identity of the new ES through its engine sound. Essentially, the ESE produces sounds that are merged with the actual engine sound—which consists primarily of these ignition sound components– to create an auditory effect that crescendos smoothly and linearly.”

This means that dynamic sound effects are produced not only when starting the car or accelerating—such as when merging onto a highway–but also when shifting down gears via paddle shifters, such as on a winding road. In this way, the new ES provides drivers with a more sensory way of experiencing the joy of driving.

“The new ES is the first to incorporate F SPORT specifications,” Tsuru explains. “It has a V6 engine that allows for a much more powerful performance. We didn’t want to sacrifice the quietness that the ES is renowned for, nor did we want to prevent drivers from enjoying the engine sound that is part of the thrill of driving a sports car. This is why we created a sound design that allows for both.”

The right feel

“Clear and deep.” This, according to Lexus, is the central concept of the brand’s seat development. They may not be words one necessarily associates with car seats, but there is a good explanation, according to Takeshi Kawano, a leading engineer in the development of the new ES’s seats.

“The moment you sit in the seat of the new ES, you’ll notice that your posture feels just right,” Kawano says. “There’s no need to squirm around until you find the right position. This is the ‘clear’ part. Then, while you’re seated, you’ll notice that your lower back is fully supported. You’ll feel at ease, as if you’re enveloped in a protective bubble. No matter the G-forces acting on the car from the front, back, left, or right, your posture never wavers. This is the ‘deep’ part.”

Achieving this “clear and deep” design was easier said than done—it took Kawano and his team three years to develop a product they were happy with. According to Shin Maezawa, who directs all Lexus seat development, one reason for this difficulty was the unique position that car seats have among all car parts.

“Technically, the seats are just one part of the platform on which a car is built, but they are also the only parts of this platform that are in constant contact with and constantly supporting the bodies of the driver and passengers,” he says. “To develop a good seat, you need to combine a high level of durability with a high level of comfort.

“Meanwhile, to ensure the driver feels safe behind the wheel, the driver’s seat must be able to convey the G-forces and motions acting on the car without exposing the driver to unpleasant vibrations. Durability and comfort, stimulation and suppression: achieving a coexistence of such contrasting qualities is what defines the Lexus YET philosophy, but it requires a lot of time and effort to accomplish. To perfect our seat design, we needed to thoroughly discuss every detail—even those that couldn’t be or hadn’t yet been expressed in terms of data.”

The development of the new ES seats was an immense undertaking that involved everyone from engineers to department heads—including the top administrator who has final say on seat quality and the artisans responsible for the TAKUMI (craftsmanship) incorporated in previous Lexus models.

“Of course, we wanted nothing more than to develop a seat that would get high marks all around, but satisfying everyone is no easy task. It’s difficult, but it’s also what makes seat development such an enjoyable challenge” Maezawa says.

Accommodating every body type

There is no one type of driver who owns a luxury sedan such as the ES. Owners vary in height, weight, bone structure, and other physical characteristics. For this reason, the seats needed to be designed to accommodate every body type, creating a formidable hurdle—or “an enjoyable challenge” if you’re Maezawa—for the team to clear.

“The ES is in a class whose owners come in all shapes and sizes,” Kawano says. “But no matter how big or small the driver is, they should be able to experience the exact same sense of luxury. Our biggest dilemma during development was how to design the seats so that they could effectively cancel out physical differences.”

The seats of the new ES are structurally simple, composed of polyurethane foam wrapped around an iron frame. The cushion is flat, but the sides are elevated to provide hip support and stabilization for the body. However, if the cushion is designed to be wide enough for large drivers to snugly fit into the seat, smaller drivers will find the hip support to be too far apart and will not feel secure.

“To develop a seat cushion that could cancel out physical differences, we incorporated very subtle depressions in the surface so that even smaller body types can sink firmly into the seat,” Kawano explains. “We also added a laminated layer to the top of each seat. This layer is thin and soft, which allows the head to sink into the cushion for better stability.”

A sporty option offering complete stability

In designing the sports seats, the team sought to create something that would offer excellent hold and functionality, as well as a much sportier design. For inspiration, they looked to their ideal: the seats of the LC.

“When designing seats for an F SPORT car, qualities such as side support resilience need to be set at a much higher level than in a standard model,” Kawano says. “This allows the driver to feel that much more secure. To provide exceptional snugness and posture stability, we designed the seats to conform to the body type of the driver or passenger.”

Kawano and his team also increased the resilience of the side support, which protects the body from G-forces that act on the car when cornering at high speeds. They also designed the seats so that the hips, back, and shoulders are stabilized against a single surface. As a result, the team was able to develop an impressive sports seat available exclusively for the new ES.

“An F SPORT is just such a sporty car,” Kawano says. “That’s why I felt we needed to stabilize the driver’s body so that the driver wouldn’t move at all, even when driving on a racing circuit at full speed. We’ve tested the seats, and we can tell you that even when going around a corner at high speeds, the driver’s position barely changes.”

After six generations of success in the mid-size sedan category, the new, seventh generation Lexus ES is forging a new, more ambitious path. Long renowned for its comfort, refinement and luxury appointments, the new ES builds on its strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design and even better driving performance.

It is a further expression of Lexus’ design direction and commitment to crafting vehicles that provide more excitement, emotional connection and passion, helping bring the brand’s vision for its future to a wider audience. Traditional buyers will find the new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before, while a new generation of customers will be introduced to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this market segment.

The seventh generation ES will be the first to be introduced to markets in Western Europe. It follows the new LS flagship sedan and LC coupe in carrying forward a new chapter in Lexus design that has a much stronger emotional quality. The eye-catching styling, made possible by the use of an all-new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, will have particular appeal to customers in the region, together with a more engaging driving experience and even higher safety provisions. The range will include the ES 300h, on sale from December 2018, powered by a new self-charging hybrid system, together with the ES 200, ES 250 and ES 350 petrol engine models that went on sale from September 2018.

Lexus achieved close to 75,000 sales in Europe in 2017, its highest total yet, marking a fourth consecutive year of growth. The new ES sedan will be a core model in its line-up, contributing to Lexus’ ambition to reach 100,000 annual new car sales in Europe by 2020.

New dimensions in ES design

The new ES is built on the all-new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, giving Lexus the opportunity to explore the limits of mid-size luxury sedan design. The car is longer (+65 mm), lower (-5 mm) and wider (+45 mm) than its predecessor. The longer wheelbase (+50 mm) allows the wheels to be pushed closer to the car’s corners, with wider front and rear treads (+10 and +37 mm). Its stance and proportions reflect its new-found performance capabilities and give the ES the kind of eye-catching appeal that will make owners and admirers take a second look.

Yasuo Kajino, ES Chief Designer, describes the car’s new look as “provocative elegance”.

“The ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge buyers’ traditional expectations,” he said.

The new GA-K platform allowed for a lower hood line, which gave Kajino’s team the freedom to produce a distinctive silhouette with a strong downward slant, creating a dynamic yet fluid shape. Up front, the ES’ face is dramatically different, according to model. The standard versions display elegant bars that radiate out from the centre of the signature Lexus spindle grille, while the F SPORT models – featured for the first time in the ES range – adopt a black cross-hatch pattern of interlocking “L” shapes that corresponds with cut-out sections at the car’s front corners.

In a break with past generations, the design features a rearward-sloping fast roofline that emphasises the vehicle’s lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. The rear end is clean and sharply chiselled, with LED lamps that wrap around the quarter panels to generate a continuous styling line when viewed from any angle. F SPORT models add a rear spoiler, badging and a dark lower valance to add emphasis to the look. Three different 17 and 18-inch wheel designs are available for the standard ES models, with the F SPORT versions running on 19-inch wheels¹ that are similar in appearance to those found on the Lexus LC coupe.

A palette of 12 colours includes new beige and green shades: Ice Ecru is designed to mimic light reflected off fresh snow, while Sunlight Green is inspired by ocean water in sunlight. Two exclusive colours - Heat Blue and F White - are available for F SPORT models, complementing their high-energy design.

The future of Lexus interiors

When designing the look and feel of the ES’ cabin, Kajino’s team’s starting point was the Lexus Future Interior concept, which blends a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. The driver’s focus is kept on the road ahead by locating the centre display screen, instrument panel and head-up display in a tight cluster within the field of view. Lexus calls this concept “Seat in Control”, a simple idea that says from the moment you get in, all the controls you need are within reach and all the information you want is in plain view. Arm rests slide comfortably under your elbows and buttons can be pushed without taking your hands off the wheel.

Another means to reduce driver distraction is the optional head-up display that projects relevant vehicle information onto the windscreen. Fully adjustable to suit the driver’s preferred parameters, the colour display is the largest in the luxury car class. In addition to basic functionality, such as speed, fuel level and shift position, the display can also present speed limit signs, lane keeping assist warnings and navigation directions.

What the driver sees is also enhanced by what they feel. The driving position in the ES has been refined with a more natural steering wheel angle, revised pedal positions and even an optional 10-way adjustable seat. The steering wheel itself is borrowed directly from the LS and features an ergonomically shaped rim and optional wood trim and integral heating elements. Heated seats are also available for the driver and front passenger, along with a new suction-type ventilation system that draws directly from the air conditioning system for a quicker cooling effect.

The cabin is a connected space, too, with the availability of a navigation system with a range of connected services. The navigation also provides a 12.3-inch multimedia display and second generation Remote Touch touchpad control; its voice recognition capabilities extend to a mobile assistant, allowing contactless driver’s smartphone control.

Rear passenger comfort has long been a hallmark of the ES and the new model upholds this quality, in spite of the sleeker exterior roof line. A lower hip point and carefully configured headlining preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase ensures generous legroom.

The interior colour options include a new combination that reflects the “provocative elegance” design theme. The Rich Cream option matches cream upholstery with a brown headlining to give the cabin a modern, yet warm look and feel. Other choices include Black, Chateau and Topaz Brown.

To create an entirely different appearance for the interior of the new F SPORT models, a new kind of metallic cabin trim was developed, unlike anything Lexus has used before. Inspired by traditional Japanese sword-making, the Hadori trim has fluctuating wave patterns that give it a three-dimensional look that varies depending on the viewing angle. The effect is subtle, but indicative of the level of detail and craftsmanship invested in giving the F SPORT a unique place in the line-up. The standard ES models will continue to make use of traditional materials such as bamboo and Shimamoku wood, which give the ES the kind of hand-crafted appearance that luxury customers expect and appreciate.

A new era of performance

The engineering team, led by Chief Engineer Yasuhiro Sakakibara, had a clear goal: transform the image of the ES. That meant turning a sedan known primarily for comfort and quietness into one that is equally capable of delivering class-leading handling and power that you can feel and hear.

According to Sakakibara, this ES has been built to deliver a fundamentally higher level of performance than any of its predecessors. He said: “We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on. That can only be achieved with a solid foundation.”

The starting point was the new GA-K platform. It is an exceptionally rigid, front-wheel drive chassis that rivals the GA-L rear-wheel drive platform used for the LC coupe and LS sedan in terms of torsional stiffness. Various grades of high-tensile steel reduce weight compared to previous platforms, while enhancements such as an all-new multi-link rear suspension design, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace behind the rear seat gave the engineers the flexibility to tune the ES with a new-found precision.

The chassis team sought to create a sense of comforting predictability coupled with a feeling of quick response to every movement.

Suspension that adapts to its surroundings

With a solid base to build upon, Sakikabara’s team turned its efforts to designing a suspension that could be tuned to deliver both exceptional comfort and precise handling. The resulting design uses MacPherson struts at the front and a trailing arm, multilink setup at the rear, with anti-roll bars at each end.

Yoshiaki Ito, chief test driver, described the ES’s heightened level and refined definition of comfort: “We want every kind of driver to feel a sense of complete control when they are behind the wheel of the ES. It’s a level of comfort that goes beyond merely delivering a smooth ride.”

Although the design of the front suspension is similar to the previous ES, several changes have been made to improve overall responsiveness. The angle of the strut itself has been revised to better align it with the load path from the wheel for improved ride quality, while an increase in caster angle (+2 degrees) and caster trail (+8 mm) help to improve straight line stability. New Dynamic Control Shocks are capable of responding to even the smallest movements thanks to a non-overlapping auxiliary valve that allows damper oil to flow in either direction before entering the main valve.

The rear suspension design has a trailing arm, multilink setup that also benefits from the responsiveness of the new Dynamic Control shocks. Higher placement of the trailing arm mounting point and a larger bushing size result in improved control over road irregularities. Wider spacing of the anti-roll bar bushing mounts also contributes to overall roll reduction.

More precise steering inputs are delivered by a new rack-assist type Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Unlike the previous ES which used an assist motor mounted on the steering column, the new EPS set-up puts the assist motor directly on the steering rack, which returns more precise feedback to the steering wheel. The new lay-out also allows for additional steering wheel adjustability with 30 mm of additional tilt and 40 mm of additional telescopic range.

The added control of F SPORT

On F SPORT models, an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is offered that replaces the Dynamic Control Shocks with adjustable dampers. Similar to the systems offered on the LC coupe and LS sedan, the AVS system on the ES is capable of 650 levels of adjustment to deliver optimal ride quality and precise control. Adjustments are based on information from sensors that measure both linear and vertical G loads, vehicle speed, steering angle, yaw rate and master cylinder pressure, in addition to information from the engine control computer and skid control computer.

All versions of the ES have a Drive Mode Select system that allows the driver to tailor the car’s settings to varying road conditions. Models without AVS offer Eco, Normal and Sport modes while AVS-equipped cars replace Sport mode with Sport S and add Sport S+ and Custom modes.

In Eco mode, fuel consumption is prioritised by reducing the engine responses to the throttle and suppressing use of the climate control system. On non-AVS cars, Sport mode quickens throttle responses, changes the transmission shift program and alters the steering assist for added control, while AVS-equipped cars only adjust the throttle and transmission settings when in Sport S mode. For even sportier driving, Sport S+ mode adjusts the throttle, transmission and steering parameters along with the adaptive dampers. In Custom mode, drivers can choose their preference from three engine and transmission programs (Eco, Normal, Sport), two steering and suspension programs (Normal, Sport) and two climate programs (Eco, Normal).

Fourth generation hybrid drive system

The ES 300h – to be launched in Western and Central Europe – is equipped with a new, fourth generation self-charging hybrid drive system that can deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions for a mid-size luxury sedan. It couples an ultra-efficient 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with a lighter, more compact and more power-dense electric motor. Total system power is 218 DIN hp / 160 kW and combined cycle fuel economy is from 4.7 l/100km.

The 2.5-litre engine is all-new and incorporates fast-burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficiency engines to feature in a production vehicle. The result is more power without increasing emissions or fuel consumption. Features that help achieve such impressive results include straight intake ports, increased valve angles and laser-clad valve seats. A variable-capacity oil pump, multi-hole injectors, VVT-iE on the intake valves and a variable cooling system also contribute to the engine’s impressive heat and combustion management.

Designed specifically to work with the 2.5-litre engine, the new transaxle has a multi-axle arrangement of the electric motors in place of the previous coaxial set-up which reduces the overall length of the package by nearly 30 mm. The traditional planetary gear set has been replaced by a parallel shaft gear and a multi-function gear that incorporates a power split planetary ring gear, parking gear and counter drive gear into one compact unit.

The nickel metal-hydride battery that powers the electric motor has been relocated from the boot to underneath the back seat. This was made possible by a 120 mm reduction in the height of the battery and the adoption of a more compact cooling system. Moving the battery under the seat not only frees up boot space, it also improves the car’s front-to-rear weight distribution for better handling.

Several new features have been incorporated into the ES 300h to improve overall driving satisfaction and engagement. The hybrid control system is now designed to deliver a more linear acceleration feel by aligning engine speed more closely with vehicle speed, reducing the “rubber band” feel commonly associated with hybrid systems. Engaging the Sport drive mode further enhances acceleration by boosting torque at lower speeds while paddle shifters can be used to move through six simulated gears for more precise control.

Petrol powertrains and new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission

In Russia and other Eastern markets, ES will be available with a range of petrol powertrains.

The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that is designed to deliver commanding acceleration and a stirring note. This impressively smooth engine benefits from an update to the D4-S fuel injection system and now develops 250 DIN hp / 183 kW, marking significant increases on the performance of the previous generation V6 unit.

As well as the boost in power and torque, the ES 350 also gains a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. This uses an ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock-up clutch to transfer power to the front wheels more efficiently. It is tuned to deliver crisp, precisely timed shifts with quick pedal responses. With a wider spread of ratios, it can use high-torque gears at the low end for quick starts, and tall gearing at the high end of optimum efficiency.

High-speed combustion is a core element of the new engine’s ability to provide the most efficient use of fuel. To achieve this, the cylinder bores have been narrowed slightly (from 90 mm to 87.5 mm) and the stoke lengthened (from 98 mm to 103.4 mm) to create an optimal 1:1.2 bore-to-stoke ratio and reduce the distance the fuel must travel to reach the edges of the cylinder. The angle between the valves was also increased to create a more direct path for the incoming air, while the intake valve seats use a laser cladding process that allows for a larger valve seat area, reduced seat face temperatures and a smoother transition from the intake port to the combustion chamber. The result is an optimised swirl pattern and the ability to run more ignition advance in lean conditions without approaching knock limits.

The ES 250 will be available with an all-new, high-efficiency 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. Constructed in lightweight aluminium, it has a long-stroke design, laser-clad intake valve seats and advanced intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i) to achieve high-speed combustion. It has a high overall thermal efficiency of 38 per cent.

Like the V6, the D-4S injection system in the 2.5-litre engine is used to provide high-pressure direct fuel injection and low-pressure port injection for low-load, Atkinson cycle operation. Additional efficiencies are realised by a continuously variable oil pump and a variable cooling system, both of which adjust their operation to work only when needed. For instance, when the engine is cold, the piston oil cooling jets are disengaged to allow for quicker warm up and reduced exhaust gases. In the same situation, the electric water pump reduces the overall coolant flow rate as well as redirecting coolant from the engine block to the heater core for quicker cabin heating and engine warm up.

A More flexible transmission for maximum driveability and mileage

Both the 3.5-litre V6 and the 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder engines deliver power to the front wheels through a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. This new transmission uses an ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock up clutch to maintain a direct connection in almost all situations other than take off. The result is dual clutch-type feel in most situations along with the smooth application of power from a stop like a traditional automatic.

Compared to the previous six-speed automatic, the eight-speed Direct Shift transmission has a wider range of ratios, designed to return improve fuel consumption and more responsive performance. For instance, the previous first gear ratio in the six-speed automatic was 3.30:1 while the new eight-speed offers a 5.51 first gear when coupled to the V6 and a 5.25 first gear for the four-cylinder. At the high-end, the new transmission allows the engine to run between 250 and 300 rpm lower at 100 km/h compared to the six-speed.

Unparalleled safety provisions

The seventh generation ES is available with the latest Lexus Safety System + (standard on all models in Western Europe, available as an option in Eastern Europe markets). This package of active safety technologies provides new capabilities and expands the driving scenarios in which it can provide added protection for driver and passengers and help prevent an accident from happening.

The new features include daytime cyclist detection which is part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS). Already capable of detecting oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, the Pre-Collision System’s ability to detect cyclists addresses one of the most common accident scenarios on the road today. PCS has also been enhanced to detect pedestrians at night by increasing the radar’s sensitivity and dynamic range.

Another new safety advance offered in the ES is a two-stage adaptive high beam system (AHS). This system not only turns the headlight high beams on and off automatically for the driver, its 24 individual LED light array is capable of adapting the light pattern to provide enhanced illumination while reducing glare for oncoming drivers.

The world’s most immersive audio experience with Mark Levinson PurePlay

The 17-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay system makes its debut on the 2019 Lexus ES. Its world’s first design architecture was created to immerse each individual in the most powerful, precise and pure audio experience yet.

PurePlay leverages multiple unique approaches to deliver outstanding in-vehicle performance: precision staging, world-class speaker design and placement, and unparalleled tuning and decompression technology. Speakers are placed at shoulder level around the cabin, enhancing acoustics and creating a tonal synergy. These perfectly timbre-matched locations deliver a consistent tonal colour between all mid-range speakers and all tweeters, effectively creating two identical sound stages for the front and rear passengers. As a result, each individual is enveloped in sound, creating a listening experience that is consistent in every seating location.

The next chapter in the ES story

The seventh generation Lexus ES will usher in a new era for one of the brand’s longest-established and most popular models. In common with the Lexus flagship LS, the new ES sedan aims to engage a wider range of customers. It delivers everything traditional Lexus buyers expect, together with qualities that will draw in those who have not considered the brand before. Stronger styling, more dynamic performance, high-quality interior finishes and the latest safety technology will help recast the image of the ES into one that is new and unexpected.

^{1 Specifications vary per market}

The Paris Motor Show will host the world debut of the new Lexus RC luxury sports coupe on October 2. Its reveal precedes the start of European sales of the new model from late 2018.

Ever since its launch in 2014, the RC has played a key role in Lexus’ strategy to bring a stronger emotional quality to its vehicles. The new reimagined RC blends further comfort refinements with the latest Lexus signature design cues and sharper driving dynamics, drawing its inspiration from the LC flagship luxury coupe. The sporty appearance with its new-found elegance and engaging driving character, make the new RC exciting and more accessible entry point to Lexus coupe ownership.

The imaginative concept of #SharpYetSmooth will replace the classic on-stand motor show press conference and will tell the story of the new reimagined RC and Lexus brand values. The activity will take place from 11:00 to 16:00 CET at the show’s first press day. More details will be revealed through social media via the hashtag #SharpYetSmooth.

The second premiere for Lexus in Paris will feature the new LC Yellow Edition, a dazzling addition to the luxury brand’s flagship coupe range. The new model is distinguished externally by its vibrant Flare Yellow bodywork, achieved using painstaking selection of layered paint and primer colours. The result sets off the LC’s award-winning styling to head-turning effect, while the cabin is also rendered in a unique combination of warm yellow, white and black. The new LC Yellow Edition further benefits from the performance and handling features that are included in the top-of-the-range LC Sport+ specification.

Another Lexus highlight in Paris is the European premiere of the all-new, seventh generation ES luxury sedan. With a heritage of comfort, refinement and luxury, the new ES builds on its core strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a dynamic exterior design and engaging driving experience.

The new UX compact crossover will also be featured on Lexus’ stand and order books will open for the first time. The UX will take its place alongside the established CT luxury hatchback as a gateway model for the Lexus brand and will play an important role in helping the company reach its target of 100,000 annual new vehicle sales in Europe* by 2020. Its self-charging hybrid technology has growing appeal, as the market moves away from diesel power to embrace alternative, electrified powertrains.

^{*Lexus Europe sales include the European Union countries, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, as well as the following Eastern markets: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Caucasus region, Turkey and Israel.}

Nashville, TN -  After six generations of success in the mid-size sedan category, the new, seventh generation Lexus ES is forging a new, more ambitious path. Long renowned for its comfort, refinement and luxury appointments, the new ES builds on its strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design and even better driving performance.

It is a further expression of Lexus’ design direction and commitment to crafting vehicles that provide more excitement, emotional connection and passion, helping bring the brand’s vision for its future to a wider audience. Traditional buyers will find the new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before, while a new generation of customers will be introduced to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this market segment.

The seventh generation ES will be the first to be introduced to markets in Western Europe. It follows the new LS flagship sedan and LC coupe in carrying forward a new chapter in Lexus design that has a much stronger emotional quality. The eye-catching styling, made possible by the use of an all-new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, will have particular appeal to customers in the region, together with a more engaging driving experience and even higher safety provisions. The range will include the ES 300h, on sale from December 2018, powered by a new self-charging hybrid system, together with the ES 200, ES 250 and ES 350 petrol engine models that will go on sale from September 2018.

Lexus achieved close to 75,000 sales in Europe in 2017, its highest total yet, marking a fourth consecutive year of growth. The new ES sedan will be a core model in its line-up, contributing to Lexus’ ambition to reach 100,000 annual new car sales in Europe by 2020.

New dimensions in ES design

The new ES is built on the all-new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, giving Lexus the opportunity to explore the limits of mid-size luxury sedan design. The car is longer (+65 mm), lower (-5 mm) and wider (+45 mm) than its predecessor. The longer wheelbase (+50 mm) allows the wheels to be pushed closer to the car’s corners, with wider front and rear treads (+10 and +37 mm). Its stance and proportions reflect its new-found performance capabilities and give the ES the kind of eye-catching appeal that will make owners and admirers take a second look.

Yasuo Kajino, ES Chief Designer, describes the car’s new look as “provocative elegance”.

“The ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge buyers’ traditional expectations,” he said.

The new GA-K platform allowed for a lower hood line, which gave Kajino’s team the freedom to produce a distinctive silhouette with a strong downward slant, creating a dynamic yet fluid shape. Up front, the ES’ face is dramatically different according to model. The standard versions display elegant, vertical bars that radiate out from the centre of the signature Lexus spindle grille, while the F SPORT models – featured for the first time in the ES range – adopt a black cross-hatch pattern that corresponds with cut-out sections at the car’s front corners.

In a break with past generations, the design features a fast roofline that emphasises the vehicle’s lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. The rear end is clean and sharply chiselled, with LED lamps that wrap around the quarter panels to generate a continuous styling line when viewed from any angle. F SPORT models add a rear spoiler, badging and dark lower valance to add emphasis to the look. Three different 17 and 18-inch wheel designs are available for the standard ES models, with the F SPORT versions running on 19-inch wheels¹ that are similar in appearance to those found on the Lexus LC coupe.

A palette of 12 colours includes new beige and green shades. Ice Ecru is designer to mimic light reflected off fresh snow, while Sunlight Green is inspired by ocean water in sunlight. The two exclusive colours - Heat Blue and F White - are available for F SPORT models, complementing its high-energy design.

The future of Lexus interiors

When designing the look and feel of the ES’ cabin, Kajino’s team’s starting point was the Lexus Future Interior concept, which blends a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. The driver’s focus is kept on the road ahead by locating the centre display screen, instrument panel and head-up display in a tight cluster within the field of view. Lexus calls this concept “Seat in Control”, a simple idea that says from the moment you get in, all the controls you need are within reach and all the information you want is in plain view. Armrests slide comfortably under your elbows and buttons can be pushed without taking your hands off the wheel.

Another means to reduce driver distraction is the optional heads-up display that projects relevant vehicle information onto the windshield. Fully adjustable to suit the driver’s preferred parameters, the color display offers the largest display area in the luxury class. In addition to basic functionality like speed, fuel level and shift position, the heads-up display is also capable of showing of speed limit signs, lane keeping assist warnings and navigation directions.

What the driver sees is also enhanced by what he or she feels, as the driving position in the ES has been refined with a more natural steering wheel angle, revised pedal positions and even an optional 10-way adjustable seat. The steering wheel itself is borrowed directly from the LS and features an ergonomically shaped rim and optional wood trim and heating elements. Heated seats are also available for the driver and front passenger along with a new suction-type ventilation system that draws directly from the air conditioning system for a quicker cooling effect.

It will be a connected space, too, with the availability of an optional navigation system including a range of connected services. The navigation also provides a 12.3-inch multimedia display and second generation Remote Touch touchpad control; its voice recognition also extends to a mobile assistant allowing a contactless driver’s smartphone control.

Rear passenger comfort has long been a hallmark of the ES and the new model upholds this quality, in spite of the sleeker exterior roof line. A lower hip point and carefully configured headlining preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase ensures generous legroom.

The interior colour options include a new combination that reflects the “provocative elegance” design theme. The Rich Cream option matches cream upholstery with a brown headlining to give the cabin a modern, yet warm look and feel. Other choices include Black, Chateau and Topaz Brown.

To create an entirely different appearance for the interior of the new F SPORT models, a new kind of metallic cabin trim was developed, unlike anything Lexus has used before. Inspired by traditional Japanese sword-making, the Hadori trim has fluctuating wave patterns that give it a three-dimensional look that varies depending on the viewing angle. The effect is subtle, but indicative of the level of detail and craftsmanship invested in giving the F SPORT a unique place in the line-up. The standard ES models will continue to make use of traditional materials such as bamboo and Shimamoku wood, which give the ES the kind of hand-crafted appearance that luxury customers expect and appreciate.

A new era of performance

The engineering team, led by Chief Engineer Yasuhiro Sakakibara, had a clear goal: transform the image of the ES. That meant turning a sedan known primarily for comfort and quietness into one that is equally capable of delivering class-leading handling and power that you can feel and hear.

According to Sakakibara, this ES has been built to deliver a fundamentally higher level of performance than any of its predecessors. He said: “We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on. That can only be achieved with a solid foundation.”

The starting point was the new GA-K platform. It is an exceptionally rigid, front-wheel drive chassis that rivals the GA-L rear-wheel drive platform used for the LC coupe and LS sedan in terms of torsional stiffness. Various grades of high-tensile steel reduce weight compared to previous platforms, while enhancements such as an all-new multi-link rear suspension design, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace behind the rear seat gave the engineers the flexibility to tune the ES with a new-found precision.

The chassis team sought to create a sense of comforting predictability coupled with a feeling of quick response to every movement.

A Suspension That Adapts to Its Surroundings

With a solid base to build upon, Sakikabara’s team turned its efforts to designing a suspension that could be tuned to deliver both exceptional comfort and precise handling. The resulting design uses MacPherson struts in front and a trailing arm, multilink setup in back with stabilizer bars at each end.

Yoshiaki Ito, chief test driver, describes the ES’s heightened level and refined definition of comfort by saying:

“We want every kind of driver to feel a sense of complete control when they are behind the wheel of the ES. It’s a level of comfort that goes beyond merely delivering a smooth ride.”

Although the design of the front suspension is similar to the previous ES, several changes have been made to improve overall responsiveness. The angle of the strut itself has been revised to better align it with the load path from the wheel for improved ride quality while an increase in caster angle (+2 degrees) and caster trail (+8mm) help to improve straight line stability. New developed Dynamic Control Shocks are capable of responding to even the smallest movements thanks to a non-overlapping auxiliary valve that allows damper oil to flow in either direction before entering the main valve.

The rear suspension design utilizes a trialing arm, multilink setup that also benefits from the responsiveness of the new Dynamic Control shocks. Higher placement of the trailing arm mounting point and a larger bushing size results in improved control over road irregularities. Wider spacing of the stabilizer bushing mounts also contributes to overall roll reduction.

More precise steering inputs are delivered by a new rack-assist type Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Unlike the previous ES which used an assist motor mounted on the steering column, the new EPS setup puts the assist motor directly on the steering rack which returns more precise feedback to the steering wheel. The new layout also allows for additional steering wheel adjustability with 30 millimeters of additional tilt and 40 millimeters of additional telescoping range.

The Added Control of F SPORT

On F Sport models, an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is offered that replaces the Dynamic Control Shocks with adjustable dampers. Similar to the systems offered on the LC coupe and LS sedan, the AVS system on the ES is capable of 650 levels of adjustment to deliver optimal ride quality and precise control. Adjustments are based on information from sensors that measure both linear and vertical g loads, vehicle speed, steering angle, yaw rate and master cylinder pressure in addition to information from the engine control computer and skid control computer.

All versions of the ES offer a Drive Mode Select system that allows the driver to tailor the car’s settings to varying road conditions. Models without AVS offer Eco, Normal and Sport modes while AVS-equipped cars replace Sport mode with Sport S and add Sport S+ and Custom.

In Eco mode, fuel consumption is prioritized by reducing the engine responses to the throttle and suppressing the use of the climate control system. On non AVS cars, Sport mode quickens throttle responses, changes the transmission shift program and alters the steering assist for added control, while AVS-equipped cars only adjust the throttle and transmission settings when in Sport S mode. For more aggressive driving, Sport S+ mode adjusts the throttle, transmission and steering parameters along with the adaptive dampers. In Custom mode, drivers can choose three engine and transmission programs (Eco, Normal, Sport), two steering and suspension programs (Normal, Sport) and two climate programs (Eco, Normal).

Fourth generation hybrid drive system

The ES 300h – to be launched in Western and Central Europe – is equipped with a new, fourth generation self-charging hybrid drive system that can deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions for a mid-size luxury sedan. It couples an ultra-efficient 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with a lighter, more compact and more power-dense electric motor. Total system power is 218 PS/160 kW and combined cycle fuel economy is from 4.7 l/100km.

The 2.5-litre engine is all-new and incorporates fast-burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficiency engines to feature in a production vehicle. The result is more power without increasing emissions or fuel consumption. Features that help achieve such impressive results include straight intake ports, increased valve angles and laser-clad valve seats. A variable-capacity oil pump, multi-hole injectors, VVT-iE on the intake valves and a variable cooling system also contribute to the engine’s impressive heat and combustion management.

Designed specifically to work with the 2.5-liter engine, the new transaxle utilizes a multi-axle arrangement of the electric motors in place of the previous coaxial setup to reduce the overall length of the package by nearly 30mm. The traditional planetary gear set has been replaced by a parallel shaft gear and a multi-function gear that incorporates a power split planetary ring gear, parking gear and counter drive gear into one compact unit.

The nickel metal hydride battery that powers the electric motor has been relocated from the trunk to underneath the back seat. This was made possible by a 120mm reduction in the height of the battery and the adoption of a more compact cooling system. Moving the battery under the seat not only frees up trunk space, it also improves the front to rear weight distribution of the ES for better handling.

Several new features have been incorporated into the ES 300h to improve overall driving satisfaction and engagement. The hybrid control system is now designed to deliver a more linear acceleration feel by aligning engine speed more closely with vehicle speed to reduce the rubber band feel commonly associated with hybrid systems. Engaging the Sport drive mode further enhances acceleration by boosting torque at lower speeds while paddle shifters can be used to move through six simulated gears for more precise control.

Petrol powertrains and new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission

In Russia and other Eastern markets, ES will be available with a range of petrol powertrains.

The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that is designed to deliver commanding acceleration and a stirring note. This impressively smooth engine benefits from an update to the D4-S fuel injection system and now develops 250 PS/183 kW of torque, marking significant increases on the performance of the previous generation V6 unit.

As well as the boost in power and torque, the ES 350 also gains a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. This uses an ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock-up clutch to transfer power to the front wheels more efficiently. It is tuned to deliver crisp, precisely timed shifts with quick pedal responses. With a wider spread of rations, it can us high-torque gears at the low end for quick starts, and tall gearing at the high end of optimum efficiency.

High-speed combustion is a core element of the new engine’s ability to provide the most efficient use of fuel. To achieve this, the cylinder bores have been narrowed slightly (90mm to 87.5mm) and the stoke lengthened (98mm to 103.4mm) to create an optimal 1:1.2 bore-to-stoke ratio as well as reducing the distance the fuel must travel to reach the edges of the cylinder. The angle between the valves was also increased to create a more direct path for the incoming air while the intake valve seats use a laser cladding process that allows for a larger valve seat area, reduced seat face temperatures and a smoother transition from the intake port to the combustion chamber. The result is an optimized swirl pattern and the ability to run more ignition advance in lean conditions without approaching knock limits.

The ES 250 will be available with an all-new, high-efficiency 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. Constructed with lightweight aluminium, it has a long-stroke design, laser-clad intake valve seats and advanced intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i) to achieve high-speed combustion. It has a high overall thermal efficiency of 38 per cent.

Like the V6, the D-4S injection system in the 2.5L engine is used to provide high-pressure direct fuel injection at the combustion chamber and low-pressure port injection for low-load, Atkinson cycle operation. Additional efficiencies are realized by a continuously variable oil pump and a variable cooling system, both of which adjust their operation to work only as much as needed. For instance, when the engine is cold, the piston oil cooling jets are disengaged to allow for quicker warm up and reduced exhaust gases. In the same situation, the electric water pump reduces the overall coolant flow rate as well as redirecting coolant from the engine block to the heater core for quicker cabin heating and engine warmup.

A More Flexible Transmission for Maximum Drivability and Mileage

Both the 3.5-liter V6 and the 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder deliver their power to the front wheels through a new 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The newly developed transmission uses an ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock up clutch to maintain a direct connection in almost all situations other than take off. The result is dual clutch-type feel in most situations along with the smooth application of power from a stop like a traditional automatic.

Compared to the previous 6-speed automatic, the 8-speed Direct Shift transmission has a wider range of ratios designed to return improved mileage and more responsive performance. For instance, the previous first gear ratio in the 6-speed automatic was 3.30:1 while the new 8-speed offers a 5.51 first gear when coupled to the V6 and a 5.25 first gear for the four-cylinder. On the high-end, the new transmission allows the engine to run between 250-300 rpm lower at 60 mph compared to the six-speed.

Unparalleled safety provisions

The seventh generation ES is available with the latest Lexus Safety System + (standard on all models in Western Europe, available as an option in Eastern Europe markets). This package of active safety technologies provides new capabilities and expands the driving scenarios in which it can provide added protection for driver and passengers and help prevent an accident from happening.

The new features include daytime cyclist detection which is part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS). Already capable of detecting oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, the Pre-Collision System’s ability to detect cyclists addresses one of the most common accident scenarios on the road today. PCS has also been enhanced to detect pedestrians at night by increasing the radar’s sensitivity and dynamic range.

Another new safety advancement offered in the ES is a two-stage adaptive high beam system (AHS). This system not only turns the high beams on and off automatically for the driver, its 24 individual LED light array is capable of adapting the light pattern to provide enhanced illumination while reducing glare for oncoming drivers.

The world’s most immersive audio experience with Mark Levinson PurePlay

The 17-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay system makes its debut on the 2019 Lexus ES. Its world’s first design architecture was created to immerse each individual in the most powerful, precise and pure audio experience yet.

PurePlay leverages multiple unique approaches to deliver outstanding in-vehicle performance: precision staging, world-class speaker design and placement, and unparalleled tuning and decompression technology. Speakers are placed at shoulder level around the cabin, enhancing acoustics and creating a tonal synergy. These perfectly timbre-matched locations deliver a consistent tonal colour between all midrange speakers and all tweeters, effectively creating two identical sound stages for the front and rear passengers. As a result, each individual is enveloped in sound, creating a listening experience that is consistent in every seating location.

The next chapter in the ES story

The seventh generation Lexus ES will usher in a new era for one of the brand’s longest-established and most popular models. In common with the Lexus flagship LS, the new ES sedan aims to engage a wider range of customers. It delivers everything traditional Lexus buyers expect, together with qualities that will draw in those who have not considered the brand before. Stronger styling, more dynamic performance, high-quality interior finishes and the latest safety technology will help recast the image of the ES into one that is new and unexpected.

^{1 Specifications vary per market}

After six generations of success in the mid-size sedan category, the new, seventh generation Lexus ES is forging a new, more ambitious path. Long renowned for its comfort, refinement and luxury appointments, the new ES builds on its strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design and even better driving performance.

It is a further expression of Lexus’ design direction and commitment to crafting vehicles that provide more excitement, emotional connection and passion, helping bring the brand’s vision for its future to a wider audience. Traditional buyers will find the new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before, while a new generation of customers will be introduced to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this market segment.

The seventh generation ES will be the first to be introduced to markets in Western Europe. It follows the new LS flagship sedan and LC coupe in carrying forward a new chapter in Lexus design that has a much stronger emotional quality. The eye-catching styling, made possible by the use of an all-new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, will have particular appeal to customers in the region, together with a more engaging driving experience and even higher safety provisions. The range will include the ES 300h, on sale from December 2018, powered by a new self-charging hybrid system, together with the ES 200, ES 250 and ES 350 petrol engine models that will go on sale from September 2018.

Lexus achieved close to 75,000 sales in Europe in 2017, its highest total yet, marking a fourth consecutive year of growth. The new ES sedan will be a core model in its line-up, contributing to Lexus’ ambition to reach 100,000 annual new car sales in Europe by 2020.

New dimensions in ES design

The new ES is built on the all-new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, giving Lexus the opportunity to explore the limits of mid-size luxury sedan design. The car is longer (+65 mm), lower (-5 mm) and wider (+45 mm) than its predecessor. The longer wheelbase (+50 mm) allows the wheels to be pushed closer to the car’s corners, with wider front and rear treads (+10 and +37 mm). Its stance and proportions reflect its new-found performance capabilities and give the ES the kind of eye-catching appeal that will make owners and admirers take a second look.

Yasuo Kajino, ES Chief Designer, describes the car’s new look as “provocative elegance”.

“The ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge buyers’ traditional expectations,” he said.

The new GA-K platform allowed for a lower hood line, which gave Kajino’s team the freedom to produce a distinctive silhouette with a strong downward slant, creating a dynamic yet fluid shape. Up front, the ES’ face is dramatically different according to model. The standard versions display elegant, vertical bars that radiate out from the centre of the signature Lexus spindle grille, while the F SPORT models – featured for the first time in the ES range – adopt a black cross-hatch pattern that corresponds with cut-out sections at the car’s front corners.

In a break with past generations, the design features a fast roofline that emphasises the vehicle’s lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. The rear end is clean and sharply chiselled, with LED lamps that wrap around the quarter panels to generate a continuous styling line when viewed from any angle. F SPORT models add a rear spoiler, badging and dark lower valance to add emphasis to the look. Three different 17 and 18-inch wheel designs are available for the standard ES models, with the F SPORT versions running on 19-inch wheels¹ that are similar in appearance to those found on the Lexus LC coupe.

A palette of 12 colours includes new beige and green shades. Ice Ecru is designer to mimic light reflected off fresh snow, while Sunlight Green is inspired by ocean water in sunlight. The two exclusive colours - Heat Blue and F White - are available for F SPORT models, complementing its high-energy design.

The future of Lexus interiors

When designing the look and feel of the ES’ cabin, Kajino’s team’s starting point was the Lexus Future Interior concept, which blends a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. The driver’s focus is kept on the road ahead by locating the centre display screen, instrument panel and head-up display in a tight cluster within the field of view. Front passengers, on the other hand, have a more open, spacious and relaxing environment.

It will be a connected space, too, with the availability of an optional navigation system including a range of connected services. The navigation also provides a 12.3-inch multimedia display and second generation Remote Touch touchpad control; its voice recognition also extends to a mobile assistant allowing a contactless driver’s smartphone control.

Rear passenger comfort has long been a hallmark of the ES and the new model upholds this quality, in spite of the sleeker exterior roof line. A lower hip point and carefully configured headlining preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase ensures generous legroom.

The interior colour options include a new combination that reflects the “provocative elegance” design theme. The Rich Cream option matches cream upholstery with a brown headlining to give the cabin a modern, yet warm look and feel. Other choices include Black, Chateau and Topaz Brown.

To create an entirely different appearance for the interior of the new F SPORT models, a new kind of metallic cabin trim was developed, unlike anything Lexus has used before. Inspired by traditional Japanese sword-making, the Hadori trim has fluctuating wave patterns that give it a three-dimensional look that varies depending on the viewing angle. The effect is subtle, but indicative of the level of detail and craftsmanship invested in giving the F SPORT a unique place in the line-up. The standard ES models will continue to make use of traditional materials such as bamboo and Shimamoku wood, which give the ES the kind of hand-crafted appearance that luxury customers expect and appreciate.

A new era of performance

The engineering team, led by Chief Engineer Yasuhiro Sakakibara, had a clear goal: transform the image of the ES. That meant turning a sedan known primarily for comfort and quietness into one that is equally capable of delivering class-leading handling and power that you can feel and hear.

According to Sakakibara, this ES has been built to deliver a fundamentally higher level of performance than any of its predecessors. He said: “We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on. That can only be achieved with a solid foundation.”

The starting point was the new GA-K platform. It is an exceptionally rigid, front-wheel drive chassis that rivals the GA-L rear-wheel drive platform used for the LC coupe and LS sedan in terms of torsional stiffness. Various grades of high-tensile steel reduce weight compared to previous platforms, while enhancements such as an all-new multi-link rear suspension design, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace behind the rear seat gave the engineers the flexibility to tune the ES with a new-found precision.

The chassis team sought to create a sense of comforting predictability coupled with a feeling of quick response to every movement. Yoshiaki Ito, the ES’ chief test driver, explained: “We want every kind of driver to feel a sense of complete control when they are behind the wheel of the ES. It’s a level of comfort that goes beyond merely delivering a smooth ride.”

For an even higher level of dynamic performance, F SPORT models will be available with Adaptive Variable Suspension, similar to that found in the LC coupe. This adds adjustable dampers at each wheel with 650 levels of damping force to provide ultimate control on any road surface. Another element exclusive to F SPORT is a Sport+ mode for the Drive Mode Select system, which engages the most responsive engine, transmission and suspension settings. The ES 350 F SPORT also features an engine sound enhancement system that adds a further layer to the sound of the engine, amplifying the natural rhythms of spirited driving.

Fourth generation hybrid drive system

The ES 300h – to be launched in Western and Central Europe – is equipped with a new, fourth generation self-charging hybrid drive system that can deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions for a mid-size luxury sedan. It couples an ultra-efficient 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with a lighter, more compact and more power-dense electric motor. Total system power is 218 PS/160 kW and combined cycle fuel economy is from 4.7 l/100km.

The 2.5-litre engine is all-new and incorporates fast-burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficiency engines to feature in a production vehicle. The result is more power without increasing emissions or fuel consumption. Features that help achieve such impressive results include straight intake ports, increased valve angles and laser-clad valve seats. A variable-capacity oil pump, multi-hole injectors, VVT-iE on the intake valves and a variable cooling system also contribute to the engine’s impressive heat and combustion management.

Overall driveability has been improved thanks to a more sophisticated hybrid system control computer that is better able to mimic the feel and power delivery of a standard petrol engine. Even the nickel metal hydride hybrid battery is more compact than before, allowing it to be located beneath the back seat, without intruding on boot space.

Petrol powertrains and new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission

In Russia and other Eastern markets, ES will be available with a range of petrol powertrains.

The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that is designed to deliver commanding acceleration and a stirring note. This impressively smooth engine benefits from an update to the D4-S fuel injection system and now develops 250 PS/183 kW of torque, marking significant increases on the performance of the previous generation V6 unit.

As well as the boost in power and torque, the ES 350 also gains a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. This uses an ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock-up clutch to transfer power to the front wheels more efficiently. It is tuned to deliver crisp, precisely timed shifts with quick pedal responses. With a wider spread of rations, it can us high-torque gears at the low end for quick starts, and tall gearing at the high end of optimum efficiency.

The ES 250 will be available with an all-new, high-efficiency 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. Constructed with lightweight aluminium, it has a long-stroke design, laser-clad intake valve seats and advanced intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i) to achieve high-speed combustion. It has a high overall thermal efficiency of 38 per cent.

Unparalleled safety provisions

The seventh generation ES is available with the latest Lexus Safety System + (standard on all models in Western Europe, available as an option in Eastern Europe markets). This package of active safety technologies provides new capabilities and expands the driving scenarios in which it can provide added protection for driver and passengers and help prevent an accident from happening.

The new features include daytime cyclist detection which is part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS). Already capable of detecting oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, the Pre-Collision System’s ability to detect cyclists addresses one of the most common accident scenarios on the road today. PCS has also been enhanced to detect pedestrians at night by increasing the radar’s sensitivity and dynamic range.

Another new safety advancement offered in the ES is a two-stage adaptive high beam system (AHS). This system not only turns the high beams on and off automatically for the driver, its 24 individual LED light array is capable of adapting the light pattern to provide enhanced illumination while reducing glare for oncoming drivers.

The world’s most immersive audio experience with Mark Levinson PurePlay

The 17-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay system makes its debut on the 2019 Lexus ES. Its world’s first design architecture was created to immerse each individual in the most powerful, precise and pure audio experience yet.

PurePlay leverages multiple unique approaches to deliver outstanding in-vehicle performance: precision staging, world-class speaker design and placement, and unparalleled tuning and decompression technology. Speakers are placed at shoulder level around the cabin, enhancing acoustics and creating a tonal synergy. These perfectly timbre-matched locations deliver a consistent tonal colour between all midrange speakers and all tweeters, effectively creating two identical sound stages for the front and rear passengers. As a result, each individual is enveloped in sound, creating a listening experience that is consistent in every seating location.

The next chapter in the ES story

The seventh generation Lexus ES will usher in a new era for one of the brand’s longest-established and most popular models. In common with the Lexus flagship LS, the new ES sedan aims to engage a wider range of customers. It delivers everything traditional Lexus buyers expect, together with qualities that will draw in those who have not considered the brand before. Stronger styling, more dynamic performance, high-quality interior finishes and the latest safety technology will help recast the image of the ES into one that is new and unexpected.

Engaging design, athletic performance, and renowned refinement transform Lexus’s most popular sedan.

The all-new #LexusES.

Reborn.

#ExperienceAmazing