The Lexus ES might not be as exciting as the IS or as luxurious as the LS, but it’s the company’s bread and butter sedan. It’s also getting better with age as the automaker has announced a series of updates for the 2022 model year. Starting with the exterior, the revamped ES has been equipped with a new grille that “emphasizes the vehicle’s elegant design with a series of concentric ‘L’ shapes that radiate from the front Lexus emblem.” The grille is flanked by new LED headlights that are accompanied by a revised color palette which sees Iridium and Cloudburst Gray replace Atomic Silver, Silver Lining and Nebula Gray.
Additional changes are limited, but the
2022 ES has updated wheels including standard 17-inchers that have “thicker
spoke ends that are layered in ‘V’ formations to produce a sporty impression.”
The sedan can also be equipped with updated 18-inch wheels, while F Sport
variants come with exclusive 19-inch wheels featuring a new black finish.
Touchscreens are nearly everywhere, but a
handful of automakers have resisted them. Lexus was one of them, but
touchscreens are now slowly spreading across their lineup and the ES is the
latest beneficiary. An 8.0-inch infotainment system comes standard, while a
12.3-inch display is also available. Regardless of which one is selected, both
are now touch-friendly and have been moved 109 mm forward to put
them within easy reach. The latter change necessitated an assortment of other
updates, but the overall look is instantly recognizable.
Engine options apparently carryover, but
there’s a new ES 300h F Sport. It combines all of the usual F Sport features
with an eco-friendly hybrid powertrain that presumably produces a combined
output of 215 hp. Furthermore, the ES 350 F Sport will be
offered with a new Dynamic Handling Package. It features Sport+ and Custom
drive modes as well as an adaptive variable suspension. The latter provides 650
levels of adjustment based on “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.”
Speaking of dynamics, the 2022 ES has a
new rear suspension member brace that increases torsional rigidity, improves
ride comfort, and optimizes handling stability. Drivers will also find an
upgraded braking system with an enlarged pedal that allows for better “foot
stability and confidence when the pedal is depressed.” More importantly, the
braking system on gas models has an optimized master cylinder and booster that
promises to provide a more linear feel and response. Likewise, the hybrid
variant has a retuned braking system that delivers improved feel when the brake
pedal is released.
The 2022 ES will come standard with a new
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes a
pre-collision system with an improved camera lens and millimeter-wave radar for
increased response range. The system also features new Intersection Turning
Assist and Emergency Steering Assist functions.
Furthermore, All-Speed Dynamic Radar
Cruise Control has been improved with a “smooth overtaking” function. If you’re
traveling behind a vehicle going slower than your preset speed, you can simply
tap on the turn signal and the ES will begin accelerating in preparation for
the lane change. After you change lanes, the car will continue accelerating
until it reaches the preset speed.
Other new features include a Curve Speed
Reduction function, which can automatically slow the vehicle through certain
curves. The Lane Tracing Assist system also receives “improved course
recognition and can track the paths of nearby vehicles in adjacent lanes for
greater lane centering capability.” The 2022 ES will arrive at U.S. dealerships
this fall and additional information will be announced closer to launch.
