The redesigned Lexus ES is getting ready to arrive
at U.S. dealers nationwide. When it goes on sale this September, it will be offered in three
distinct trim levels, called the ES 350, ES 300h and ES 350 F Sport, with the
basic model being just US$ 550 more expensive than before, starting at US$ 39,500.
Lexus says that the US$ 41,310 mid-range ES 300h is US$ 510 cheaper than its predecessor, whereas for the newly added 350 F Sport,
customers will have to pay at least US$ 44,035.
Powering the ES 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which
now makes 302 hp and 362 Nm of torque. It works
together with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which replaces the old
six-speed unit, chanelling output to the front wheels. The EPA-claimed fuel efficiency
for the ES 350 is 22/33/26 mpg in
city, highway, combined.
The hybrid ES 300h, on the other hand, has a
2.5-liter inline-four ICE and an electric motor. Total output is 215 hp, and this version returns 43/45/44 mpg in city, highway, combined.
Retaining the same V6 engine as the ES 350, the F
Sport trim adds the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension from the LC and LS,
along with a sportier exterior and interior. The estimated mileage for the F
Sport model is 22/31/25 mpg in
city, highway, combined.
All versions of the new ES get the Lexus Safety
System+ 2.0 as standard, which includes driving assistance gear such as the
daytime bicyclist detection and low light pedestrian detection. This is also the first Lexus
product to offer Apple CarPlay and is Amazon Alexa-enabled.
