The ES has always done this conservatively and without much fan fare, and, as it's consistently one of the top selling models (trading off with the RX SUV), it's certainly worked.
Too Aggressive?But has Lexus gone too far with this new design? In a bid to capture younger buyers, and bring brand unity with their newly designed GS models, Lexus has completely replaced the conservative image of old with something much more aggressive. But does it still retain some of the previous versions' conservatism? After spending a day with it among the vineyards and forests near Newberg, Oregon, I came away impressed with the duality of the car.While the styling is fresh and new, the powertrain and interior noise are on par with Lexus' ES mission statement. Powering the front wheels is the 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 268 bhp and 248 lb.-ft. of torque, through a 6-speed automatic transmission. At engine speeds below 900 rpm, essentially idle, vacuum-operated engine mounts counteract engine vibration and noise to help minimize NVH.
As expected, front and rear fascias are cut from the same aggressive cloth as those of the new GS. This is where Lexus is attempting to box above the ES's traditional weight. Lexus' "spindle grille" is prominent, as is the use of LED daytime running lamps. Large swathes of sheet metal on the sides of the car are broken up with sharp crease lines that firmly keep your eyes on the belt-line of the chassis.
Refinement, Please
The design language expressed in the interior comes from the LFA and is similar to the GS's. The strong horizontal dash is anchored to the interior by a pillar-like center console and deep recessed infotainment display. Lexus states that this was done to separate the display area from the tactile interface area. It works, but that's thanks to the use of a joystick-like Remote Touch Interface. It employs haptic-feedback to let you know when you're gliding the cursor over selection points on the display.
Seating and dash surfaces are covered in either synthetic or genuine leather, and, on the dash, are accented by either piano black or maple pieces. An optional 12-speaker Mark Levinson audio system aims to fill the cabin with sound; acoustic glass, sound-damping materials and seals effectively remove the extraneous variety.
The car has leveled-up in the size department, with overall length up 1.0 in. and a 1.7-in. longer wheelbase. Combined with more efficient packaging, the new ES has nearly four more inches of rear seat legroom. All totaled, interior volume is up 4.7 cubic feet.
The Big Surprise
The one aspect that impressed me most, though, wasn't its quietness or appointments. Yes, these aspects, particularly in the interior, have seen improvements compared to previous ES versions, but the most surprising was its drivability. All previous iterations of the ES were not exciting to drive.
The ES won't replace the GS, but it's genuinely a good car to operate. The electronic power steering is numb while going straight down the road, but offers feedback when the front tires experience some cornering force. Torque steer, the arch-nemesis of fwd cars, is minimal, and the transmission shifts quickly in either automatic or manual modes.
The seats feature decent lateral bolstering, an unexpected treat in this segment, and the thickly-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is lifted straight from the GS. The Drive Mode dial operates on the throttle map and power steering response. Although it will more than likely always be kept on the normal mode, the fact that Lexus even thought the ES could use a Sport mode is a miraculous thing. Eco mode increases efficiency by dampening throttle input and reducing air conditioning operation.
While this car won't compete in the sport-sedan segment, it was a surprise to feel how composed this once mundane family hauler was on twisty back roads. Combined with the increased interior volume, Lexus has redesigned the ES with their sights straight on conquest sales and owner satisfaction.
Courtesy of RoadAndTrack.com
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