WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW LEXUS ES

• Enhancement of the exceptional quietness and comfort that are at the heart of every Lexus ES
• Unique new driving feel thanks to improved suspension, brake pedal and, on ES F SPORT models, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
• Evolution of the ES sedan’s elegant exterior and interior design, adding even more modern flair
• Excellent active safety, through innovative technologies like the latest Lexus Safety System+

Over the years, the Lexus ES executive sedan has thrilled drivers and passengers alike, with its exceptional level of quietness, high-quality ride comfort and luxurious space. The ES was launched in 1989 and is a core model in the Lexus line-up. Cumulative sales since its debut total 2.65 million cars in more than 80 countries and regions.

Driven by the idea of ‘Always On’, which inspires Lexus designers and engineers to relentless evolution of their products, the new ES marks a substantial improvement to the executive sedan that was introduced in 2010 for Eastern European markets and in 2018 for Western and Central Europe. An important car for fleet buyers and business drivers, the new ES is available in Western and Central Europe with a 4th generation Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid drivetrain, and 3.5-litre V6, 2.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines in Eastern markets.

The new ES features further enhancements to its peerless quietness and ride comfort, as well as refinements to its amazing comfort. As can be experienced through the car’s seamless connection between acceleration, deceleration, and steering in any driving situation, Lexus engineers pursued a linear response that is faithful to the driver’s intentions.

Advanced Lexus technology was employed to increase the rigidity of the rear suspension-member braces for superior steering stability in situations such as high-speed lane changes. Also, the ES F SPORT model adopts a leading-edge Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that uses a new actuator to achieve both high-quality ride comfort and sharper steering response.

Furthermore, the new ES showcases innovative safety technologies, such as an evolved Lexus Safety System +, with the aim of enabling owners to enjoy even safer driving.

Finally, the newly designed front signature grille and headlights, together with the use of a new interior colour, result in an overall design that is more refined.

IMPROVED QUIETNESS, RIDE QUALITY AND AN EVOLVED DRIVING PERFORMANCE

Lexus International Chief Engineer Tetsuya Aoki: “Our goal was to deepen the high quality of the ES and to add new value. In addition to further improving quietness and ride comfort, we pursued linearity in vehicle movement, in response to steering wheel operation, that is faithful to the driver’s intentions. When it comes to styling, we refined and modernized the elegance that is characteristic of the ES. In development, to exceed customer expectations, we identified elements that could be improved. So when people ride in the new ES, I hope they’ll notice the achievements of the development team, who closely adhered to the idea of ‘Always On’ with the aim of making ever-better cars.”

Higher-rigidity rear suspension braces

The switch from a single to dual sheet structure has increased torsional rigidity of the rear suspension. This allows for linear driving that is more aligned with driver intentions than ever before, even in situations such as high-speed lane changes.

Improved brake controllability

The contact area for the driver’s foot has been expanded by changing the shape of the brake pedal pad. Vibrations were also reduced, improving the sense of stability when the brake pedal is depressed. For the ES 300h hybrid, brake controllability is improved by changing the control parameters of the electronically controlled braking system. For petrol-powered versions, the idle stroke of the brake pedal is reduced by improving the internal structures of the master cylinder and booster.

Advanced linear-solenoid AVS

A new actuator on the ES F SPORT model’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) expands the flow path of the hydraulic control solenoid’s oil flow control valve. This is now responsive to low damping forces and achieves high-quality ride comfort while improving steering response and stability by expanding the range of the damping force.

STYLING THAT COMBINES THE PURSUIT OF MODERNITY WITH IMPROVED OPERABILITY

The new ES displays a modern look with its redesigned grille and headlamps. Inside, customers can select a new Forest Brown leather or synthetic leather upholstery and new two-tone seats in F SPORT models. In addition, features like the new multimedia touchscreen are more user-friendly.

Exterior

Newly designed front grille

While preserving the executive sedan’s recognizable identity, the grille has evolved by adopting a reduced number of vertical bars and an ensemble of L-shaped components that depict both a horizontal flow and greater forward extrusion.

Newly designed headlights

Models with monocular lights feature compact new units, while triple-beam lights include the BladeScan® AHS (Adaptive High-beam System) in slender new light units for improved functionality and a sharper look.

Newly designed wheels

More distinctive spokes on the sporty 17-inch wheels feature machined details, while the 18-inch wheels convey an added sense of luxury through the contrast of the machined surfaces and black paint. The 19-inch F SPORT wheels are glossy black to match the front grille.

New paintwork colours

Available for the first time, Sonic Platinum takes advantage of strong shadows to further accentuate the shape of the vehicle, whilst the new Sonic Grey paintwork colour exhibits a metallic look in a high-gloss finish.

Interior

Multimedia system

Based on the Lexus human-centred approach, for enhanced usability, the new touchscreen display has been moved closer to the driver by more than 100 mm and tilted by approximately five degrees.

Smartphone integration & updated Lexus Link app

Drivers can synchronise their smartphone with Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto® and use the latest Lexus Link app for mobility tasks such as: remote status of doors, windows and lights; tracking the car’s location; navigating to their final destination once they’ve parked; managing the care of their Lexus or help with warning lights; or contacting emergency services.

Ornamentation

Walnut inlays in newly developed Sumi Black Walnut and Dark Brown Walnut create a sense of luxury and a modern ambience.

New interior colours

In addition to Hazel, the interior can be ordered in a Forest Brown tone. The F SPORT now comes in White, with seat cushions in a White-and-Flare Red colour scheme combined with seatbacks in Black for a sportier impression.

APPLICATION OF INNOVATIVE SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES, INCLUDING THE LATEST LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM +

The new ES is equipped with an improved Lexus Safety System +. While retaining the single-lens camera and millimetre-wave radar, Lexus has added functions such as Emergency Steering Assist and improved the system’s lane recognition performance. Additionally, the cameras of the Digital Side View Monitor have been enhanced.

Lexus Safety System +

The performance of the camera and radar have been improved to expand the response range of the Pre-Collision System that will now detects cyclists during daylight hours and pedestrians in poor light conditions. Additionally, it will also provide support at junctions using Intersection Turn Assist that detects oncoming vehicles when turning and pedestrians crossing the street. Also featured are functions such as Emergency Steering Assist.

Emergency Steering Assist

When there is a pedestrian very close to or on your lane, Emergency Steering Assist (triggered by the driver’s evasive steering) will assist the steering movements, enhancing vehicle stability and keeping the ES in lane.

Lane Tracing Assist

The lane-recognition functions of Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), which is an advanced driving support function that supports steering to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane, have been improved through the application of AI technologies that expand the assist rang, resulting in smoother and more-continuous steering assist.

Dynamic Driving Cruise Control

A curve speed-control function that decelerates the vehicle in advance according to the size of an approaching curve has been added to Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (with an all-speed tracking function), which controls acceleration and deceleration so that the distance to an immediately preceding vehicle is constant within the speed set when driving on motor-vehicle-only roadways and others.

BladeScan® AHS

BladeScan® AHS is an advanced Adaptive High-beam System in which LED-sourced light shines onto blade mirrors spinning at high speed and is transferred to a lens to illuminate the road ahead. The system precisely controls light distribution by synchronizing the rotation of the blade mirrors and switching the LED lights on and off. BladeScan® AHS broadens the range of high beam illumination, enabling the driver to recognize pedestrians and road signs much earlier without impeding the visibility of drivers approaching from the opposite direction.

Digital Side View Monitor

The camera performance of the Digital Side View Monitor, designed to provide a better rear side view than conventional door mirrors, especially at night and when it is raining, has been improved. Interference-reduction processing helps produce clearer images where light and shade are mixed, while LED flickering has also been reduced.

The new ES executive sedan will go on sale in Europe later this year.