New Lexus ES sedan revealed in Beijing

Seventh-generation ES unveiled as driver-focused GS replacement; first to enter Europe, with design and handling tailored for the market.

Published On Apr 27, 2018 09:00:00 AM

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Lexus has unveiled the new seventh-generation ES sedan at the ongoing Beijing Motor show 2018. The latest iteration of the ES sedan will be more of a global model as opposed to the previous models which were primarily aimed at the North American and Chinese markets.

The new ES moves slightly up the ladder and will now also serve as a replacement not only for its predecessor but also for the slightly larger but slow-selling Lexus GS sedan which will be discontinued in the European market soon.

To this end, it has been designed and engineered to appeal to drivers in this region. Lexus has engineered the new ES to be significantly more driver-focused than its predecessors.

The new ES is built on Lexus’ Global Architecture-K platform – a front-wheel-drive layout said to offer significant improvements to structural rigidity, as well as more freedom to create a sleeker design. High-tensile steel is used in a higher volume than before, helping to save weight, although the car has grown longer and wider as compared to its predecessor, while sitting lower.

The new ES features multi-link rear suspension and has a V-brace behind the back seats to enhance handling and precision. ES Sport models add adaptive damping to this technical layout. It can be manually adjusted through a Drive Mode Select system.

Drive comes from a hybrid powertrain that's based on an all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The system is rated to 218hp and comes with claims of 25.5kpl combined. Lexus said the powertrain is also more natural in its power delivery, thanks to new control software that provides torque in a seamless way.

Lexus will equip the new ES with its latest safety technology. Driver assist features include a pre-collision detection system that can spot cyclists and pedestrians, as well as a two-stage high-beam system with 24 LEDs that can automatically switch beams off to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.

Much of the car’s exterior design takes inspiration from Lexus' LS flagship, although the ES Sport model also has the LC's coupé-like features, such as 19-inch wheels that share a similar design.

The ES’s interior has a new dashboard with a clear driver-centric focus. It comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment system with a transmission tunnel-located touchpad and smartphone-integrated voice-recognition technology.

Lexus currently sells the sixth-generation ES sedan in India. It will be safe to expect the seventh generation model to eventually replace the current ES in India.

Also see:

2017 Lexus ES300h video review

2017 Lexus ES300h review, test drive