How often does a carmaker introduce a new model that instantly becomes its best-seller? And if this rare feat is achieved, it is usually due to a new generation (or sometimes a mere facelift) of an already popular model. And that's what makes the Lexus ES all the more impressive.
The ES is the sixth generation version of the mid-sized luxury sedan that has proved to be the Japanese carmaker's best-selling product both locally and globally for a number of years. Now with its third birthday on the horizon, Lexus has released a refreshed version.
Up close and Personal
The overall shape and size of the ES remains unchanged for the update but brings Lexus' new spindle grille to the sedan's front fascia.
The grille is now bolder, framed by satin chrome trim and flanked by revised LED headlamps that are slimmer. Rounding out the frontal upgrade is a reshaped bumper with chrome surrounds for the foglamps.
As a result, the car now wears the sharp, bold face carried by younger members of Lexus' lineup, allowing it to look more youthful at the same time, which the ES' demographic is likely to appreciate.
At the back, the ES is equipped with new taillights that feature L-shaped LED clusters. The chrome bar connecting the lights is also thicker and bolder now while the dual exhaust tips on the ES250 here are now trapezoidal (oval on pre-facelift car) for extra sportiness.
The interior of the ES was already good enough as it was, so there was no big need to change the cabin in a great manner. As a result, the changes are quite subtle, with the most obvious being a redesigned steering wheel and a new leather shift knob.
Other improvements and changes in the ES include touch control lighting, new embossed stitching, switches for the rear passenger to move the front passenger's seat, cushion length adjuster for the driver.
As before, the rear quarters are nothing short of spacious. There's enough legroom to elicit a smile from even taller passengers, while headroom is also pleasingly plentiful.
The Drive
In the brief drive we had with the car, the ES showed impeccable character, and was refined and cultured as before.
Under the hood lies the familiar 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 180bhp and 235Nm of torque and it has adequate oomph to propel the luxury sedan along.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed ECT automatic transmission. As there are no steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the aim of the car is clearly for the driver to leave it to its own devices.
Don't rush the gearbox and it inconspicuously switches through the gears, doing so smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to cultivate a driving style skewed towards grace rather than pace.
In the brief drive we had with the car, the ES showed impeccable character, and was refined and cultured as before.
Under the hood lies the familiar 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 180bhp and 235Nm of torque and it has adequate oomph to propel the luxury sedan along.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed ECT automatic transmission. As there are no steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the aim of the car is clearly for the driver to leave it to its own devices.
Don't rush the gearbox and it inconspicuously switches through the gears, doing so smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to cultivate a driving style skewed towards grace rather than pace.
Despite the car's exceptionally pliant ride, it doesn't lean around corners to the extent that one might expect - in fact, it feels decidedly surefooted.
Of course, you wouldn't expect sports car dynamics in a car with a focus primarily on the essence of luxury. And needless to say, it's not the type of car you will push too hard through bends, but never does it encourage such behaviour anyway.
Conclusion
With this refresh, which brings a sportier appearance and more convenience features inside the cabin, the ES is poised to continue as Lexus' best-seller.
And its focus on comfort and refinement over out-and-out excitement may just help it to win over more fans in its class.
