2022 Lexus ES: Australian details revealed, here in August
Updated luxury sedan picks up new engine option and extra tech – though Australian pricing has yet to be confirmed.
The facelifted 2022 Lexus ES sedan will offer with a new entry-level petrol engine option when it arrives in Australia in August 2021 – though prices have yet to be announced.
This 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine – known as the ES 250 – sends 152kW and 243Nm to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It joins the existing ES 300h hybrid in the range, which pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 160kW/300Nm. This is delivered to the road via an electronic continuously-variable transmission (eCVT).
Both powertrain variants will be available locally in 'Luxury', 'Luxury with Enhancement Pack', 'F Sport' and 'F Sport with Enhancement Pack' grades, while the ES 300h exclusively will be offered in a flagship 'Sports Luxury' trim.
Infotainment now comes via a centre-mounted 12.3-inch touchscreen, eliminating occupants' reliance on the controversial Lexus touchpad controller – though the latter remains available, to augment the screen's touch functionality.
Automated safety functions include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, emergency steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-following assist, while Lexus Connected Services functions are now standard across the range.
Both the ES F Sport and Sports Luxury variants debut a new LED headlight system referred to as 'BladeScan.' This employs a spinning blade mirror to shield portions of the road ahead, and avoid blinding oncoming traffic.
Two new exterior colours are available, these being ‘Sonic Iridium’ silver and a ‘Sonic Chrome’ grey.
Inside, a hazel interior is available across the range, while a new 'Mauve' (blending brown and grey) colour is offered on ES 300h 'Luxury with Enhancement Pack' and ES 300h 'Sports Luxury' variants. 'F Sport' grades are also offered with a new white trim finish, while 'Sports Luxury' models can be optioned with Walnut and Bamboo highlights.
Pricing for the 2022 Lexus ES range will be confirmed prior to the vehicle’s August launch. The outgoing model is priced from $62,525 to $77,000 before on-road costs.