The Lexus ES, the brand’s flagship mid-size sedan, remains a critical model for Lexus, accounting for 60-70% of its global sales. While the model experienced a sales dip in South Korea during the boycott of Japanese products, it has since rebounded, ranking 6th among imported vehicles this year. However, the ES has faced criticism for its aging design, especially as competitors like BMW’s 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class, and Genesis’ G80 have rolled out updated or redesigned versions.
Lexus is preparing a second facelift for the current 7th-generation ES to address this. Recent design leaks from China have sparked significant interest, offering a glimpse into what’s in store for the refreshed model.
Subtle Exterior Updates Highlight the Facelift
Since it is a facelift model, the design changes are not that big compared to the existing model. In the case of the front, the overall shape of the headlamps is maintained, the design of the daytime running lights has been changed, the headlights have been positioned lower, and the area of the black part of the air curtain on the edge of the bumper has been expanded. In the case of the grille, the pattern has been confirmed to have been changed.
The rear is also not much different from the existing one. The internal graphics of the tail lamp were changed, and the lamps on both sides were connected in a straight line. The L-shaped Lexus emblem was changed to the English lettering of Lexus. The bumper design is the same as the existing one. Since its release, there have been reactions in South Korea that the rear looks subtly similar to Kia’s K5.
Modernized Interior for a Competitive Edge
Powertrain Remains Unchanged
One of the biggest criticisms of the ES has been its interior, which many found outdated compared to competitors. The second facelift addresses this by introducing a more modern, tech-focused cabin. A new 14-inch central display replaces the older system, and most physical buttons on the center fascia have been removed for a cleaner, more futuristic design. The center console has also been revamped to complement the updated layout.
While the exterior and interior see updates, the current model’s powertrain lineup remains the same. Options include a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, a 2.5-liter gasoline hybrid, and a 3.5-liter V6. For the South Korean market, only the 2.5-liter gasoline hybrid is expected to be offered, mirroring the current lineup.
Why a Second Facelift Instead of a Redesign?
Balancing Tradition and Transition
Lexus originally intended to launch an all-new 8th-generation ES rather than a facelift for the current model. However, unforeseen internal circumstances appear to have delayed the redesign, leading to the decision to proceed with a second facelift for the 7th-generation ES instead. While the delay’s specific reasons are unclear, the development process’s likely challenges and increasing demand for new vehicles due to the aging model influenced this shift. A facelift provided a quicker solution to refresh the ES lineup.
Another possibility is that Lexus initially planned to introduce the next-generation ES as a fully electric vehicle, aligning with the industry’s broader move toward electrification. A teaser image released in 2021 hinted at a model alongside the RZ, Lexus’ first dedicated electric SUV, fueling speculation about a potential electric ES. However, with the global EV market experiencing a slowdown, Lexus may have opted to extend the lifecycle of the internal combustion engine ES to adapt to market conditions.
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