The Lexus ES->ke280 debuted in 1989 for the 1990 model year as the ES 250, which was little more than a badge-swapped Toyota Camry.->ke246 Lexus quickly regrouped for the 1992 model year with the release of the ES 300, but it wasn’t until the 2002 model year that Lexus began separating the ES from the Camry it was based upon. The ES went through another change with the release of the ES 330 for the 2004 model year, and then Lexus->ke47 released the ES 350 for the 2007 model year. For the 2013 model year, the ES 350 received a full overhaul, and now with its third birthday on the horizon, Lexus released a refreshed version of the luxury->ke505 sedan.->ke142

The new Lexus ES, which arrived in time for the 2016 model year, debuted at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.->ke2470 As with most facelifts, visual updates are mild while the drivetrain was carried over from last year's model. Will this revision help or hinder the best-selling sedan in the midsize->ke1695 luxury segment?

Updated 07/10/2015: Lexus offered details on the North American version of the new ES. As expected, the model will be offered in two version: ES 350 and ES300 h. Both models will be put on sale later in the fall.

Continue reading my review of the 2016 Lexus ES to find out.

lexus-es

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: lexus-es
Pros
Cons

2016 Lexus ES

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Lexus ES
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 270
  • Torque: 250
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Even though the overall shape and size of the ES remained unchanged, the revision brought Lexus' new "spindle grille" to the sedan's front fascia. Now a bolder, one-piece unit, the new grille is framed by satin chrome trim and flanked by revised LED headlamps that are slimmer.

Down below is a reshaped bumper with chrome surrounds for the foglamps. Around back, Lexus replaced the old taillights with new units featuring L-shaped clusters; rectangular exhaust outlets (not available on 300h model), revised chrome trim, and a new trunk lid spoiler.

Other changes include new optional 17-inch alloy wheels and four new exterior colors: Autumn Shimmer, Nightfall Mica, Caviar, and Eminent White Pearl.

All told, the 2016 ES is more of a refresh than a compete overhaul, through which the sedan was updated to Lexus' new corporate look. The one-piece grille and revised headlamps make it significantly more aggressive than the previous model, while the added chrome in the front fascia makes it a bit more stylish, two features that luxury sedan customers are likely to appreciate.

Interior

The cabin of the 2015 Lexus ES is a decent place to spend time, but some upgrades here and there were needed to keep the sedan fresh. Though it didn't meddle with the design, Lexus did add some new features and finishes, including Linear Dark Mocha wood, Illustrious Piano Black wood (replaces the previous Piano Black), and Bamboo with a matt instead of a gloss finish. There's also a Flaxen interior that combines light brown upholstery with a black dashboard and two-tone door panels.

Moving over to tech, both the ES 350 and ES 300h received new connectivity with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Safety System+, combining a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Also, the Mark Levinson premium sound system and the panoramic roof are now available with all option packages.

Drivetrain

As expected, the refresh left the ES' drivetrain unaltered, meaning both the ES 350 and the ES 300h continue with last year's engines and transmissions.

Specifically, the ES 350 carries on with Toyota's->ke88 venerable 3.5-liter V-6 generating 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The unit features the same VVT-i variable valve timing system and mates to the same six-speed automatic transmission. That being said, expect EPA ratings to remain at 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

As for the ES 300h, it continues with the same hybrid combo delivering 200 horsepower. Power comes from a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine (156 horses) and an electric motor, and travels to the wheels through an electronically controlled CVT. There are three modes to choose from, including an EV mode that allows short-distance drives using only battery power.

Combined EPA fuel economy remains identical to last year's figure at 40 mpg. As you might have already guessed, performance remained unchanged too. The ES 300h will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 112 mph.

Prices

In 2015, the ES 350 started out at $37,700 and the ES 300h based from $40,580. I look for these prices to increase slightly as we head into the new model year. Expect to see the ES 350 crest the $38,000 mark and the ES 300h to run slightly higher than $41,000.

Competition

2014 Infiniti Q50

The Infiniti Q50->ke4742 is more performance-oriented than the Lexus ES, but it is also very well equipped. It comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, dual-zone climate control, leatherette seating, eight-way power front seats, and the Infiniti InTouch infotainment system.

The Q50’s 35.1 inches of legroom does fall short when compared to the Lexus’ 40 inches. The Q50 also falls short in terms of total cabin room at just 101.9 cubic feet to the ES’ 112.2 cubes.

Where the Infiniti->ke36 pulls away is in performance, as its base 3.7-liter V-6 cranks out 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, This allows the Q50 to accelerate to 60 mph about one second quicker than the Lexus, but it does sacrifice fuel economy. Buyers also have the option of adding all-wheel drive, something the Lexus doesn’t offer.

The Q50h hybrid is even more powerful, pushing 360 horsepower from its 3.7-liter V-6 and electric motor, and it is even quicker to 60 mph. However, its fuel economy isn’t great for a hybrid (31 mpg combined) and the extra heft that the hybrid system adds makes it harder to handle in the corners.

Click here to read our full review of the Infiniti Q50.

2015 Acura TLX

The TLX->ke4779 is a tough new competitor in the luxury sedan realm, and it is set to give the ES fits. In terms of equipment, the TLX comes standard with many of the same goodies as the ES. These include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone auto climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and leatherette seating.

Under its hood, the TLX has two options. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 206 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque is no match for the V-6 power of the ES 350, and its 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway can’t touch the ES 300h’s fuel economy. The 3.5-liter V-6, on the other hand, produces 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, which easily bests the ES 350.

With the four-cylinder engine, the TLX starts from $31,445, while the V-6 engine jumps the base price to $35,320.

Read our full review of the Acura TLX here.

Conclusion

Though Lexus just redesigned the ES for the 2013 model year, its looks are pretty flat already. Models like the Q50 and the TLX are pretty modern and sexy, so it was time for Lexus to do something to keep up. With this refresh, which brings a sportier appearance and more convenience features inside the cabin, the ES is poised to continue as the leader of the midsize luxury sedan segment.

Updated History

Updated 04/20/2015: Lexus unveiled the new, 2016 ES luxury sedan at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.