Lexus PH now pre-selling updated ES

MANILA: Lexus Philippines has unveiled the new ES midsize sedan, which features improved exterior styling, cabin ergonomics, and underpinnings. The local distributor of the Japanese luxury carmaker is offering the new ES in two variants: the ES 350 Premier (P4.728 million) and ES 300h (P3.758 million) — expected to be officially retailed by the last quarter of the year.

The ES exterior displays a new front grille and headlamps, while the interior is finished in new interior colors, Lexus Philippines said.

Inside, the ES wears what Lexus calls the “Seat in Control” interior concept. The concept places all the necessary controls within the driver's reach, and all vital information within one's line of sight. Meanwhile, "human-centered updates" have been made to the Lexus Multimedia System, and to the streamlined instrument panel.

Braking systems of the ES also receive updates on both gasoline and hybrid models. The brake pedal shape has been enlarged to improve foot stability when the pedal is depressed.

On ES gas models, the vacuum brake system master cylinder and booster aim to provide a more linear brake pedal feeling and response. The regenerative and hydraulic brake control characteristics of the Electronically Controlled Brake System (ECB) on ES hybrid models likewise saw the enhancement for pedal feeling.

Supporting the car is an enhanced rear suspension member brace, which promises improved torsional rigidity, handling stability, and ride comfort.

Powering the ES350 Premier a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which provides 297hp and 356Nm of torque — numbers that are managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Features unique to the Premier variant are rain-sensing wipers, automatic trunk operation with a kick sensor, semi-aniline leather seats, driver and front passenger 10-way power seats, and front-seat ventilation systems.

An infotainment system is platformed on a 12.3-inch touch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Smartphone Linking, and Miracast. A 17-Speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound comes as standard, as does wireless charging.

The Lexus Safety System (LSS) addresses the three most common accident types: frontal collisions, lane departures, and nighttime accidents. The LSS dynamic radar cruise control, adaptive high beams, lane-tracing assist with lane-departure alert, blind-spot monitor (BSM), and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) avoid the occurrence of the common accidents
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Moving on to the ES 300h, it sits on a GA-K platform and sports a "new-generation hybrid electric system."

The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which generate a combined output of 215hp. Lexus claimed that the engine's thermal efficiency has been improved, while the compact hybrid battery placed beneath the rear seats keeps the car's weight balanced.

The ES 300h interior features synthetic leather, eight-way power adjustment for driver and front passenger, hybrid drive indicator, an eight touch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Smartphone Linking and Miracast, and a 10-speaker premium sound system.

On the safety front, ABS, EBD, and traction control come standard.

Photos from Lexus

Also read: Lexus PH offers interest-free plans on RX models this Sept.