Shanghai 2015: Lexus ES facelift unveiled, new 2.0 mill

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Teased last week, the facelifted Lexus ES has been unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2015 today. The Toyota Avalon-based full-size sedan gets a new front fascia, some minor interior and chassis updates, a new engine for selected markets and a suite of new active safety systems.

Clear to see is the sharp new face that adds a healthy dollop of aggression. The headlights have been reshaped with more prominent L-shaped LED daytime running lights, while the signature Lexus spindle grille is wider here and gets a thicker chrome surround and slats along its entire length (the outgoing car has a thick body-coloured bar that runs across the middle). The fog light surrounds have also been redesigned.

The rear sees a smaller set of improvements – the tail lights get redesigned internal graphics with L-shaped light guides, and the number plate recess receives a new X-shaped chrome garnish that connects the tail lights. Certain models also get rectangular exhaust outlets, and there are two new 17-inch wheel designs with directional spokes (20 spokes for non-hybrids, 10 spokes for hybrids).

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Inside, there’s a new, sportier three-spoke steering wheel, a redesigned gear lever with a leather boot, a larger 4.2-inch TFT LCD colour multi-info display, improved interior trim, embossed seat upholstery and a new “Enter” button for the mouse-like Remote Touch Interface (RTI).

The colour and trim palette has also been revised – the paint choices now include Amber, Nightfall Mica, Caviar and Eminent White Pearl alongside the current six, while the cabin now receives four colour choices (Flaxen, Parchment, Stratus Grey and Black), three trim materials (leather, semi-aniline leather, Lexus NuLuxe) and four interior trim choices (Illustrious Piano Black, Linear Dark Mocha Wood, Espresso Bird’s Eye Maple with Shimamoku ornamentation and Bamboo with a new matte finish).

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Under the skin, the structure has been reinforced for improved ride and handling, while a sound-deadening layer has been added behind the dashboard for better noise insulation. China, Russia and Taiwan also get a new 2.0 litre direct-injected engine (likely the same D4-S VVT-iW mill as on the facelifted Camry) – other markets receive the same 2.5 litre four-pot, 3.5 litre V6 and 2.5 hybrid powertrains as before.

With the facelift, the ES also gets the Lexus Safety System + suite that made its debut on the new RX. This includes vehicle- and pedestrian-detecting Pre-Collision System (PCS) emergency braking, Lane Departure Alert, automatic high beam and radar cruise control.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Sam L0rrrr on Apr 20, 2015 at 1:53 pm

    Don’t waste money on Lexus, buy Toyota Camry instead. Cheap and good ~

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 22
    • Same L0rrrr on Apr 20, 2015 at 5:19 pm

      Dont waste time to be a junior sales man like me. Sell goreng pisang better. Sad.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
  • This is a good buy car if you are in the league of RM300K. My boss just test drove c300 today. He asked me why noisy ah? I said of causelah boss you drive 745Li how can you compare with C300? Go test S classlah…He said better test X5 latest. I said your wish boss your choice…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • seancorr (Member) on Apr 20, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    I didn’t see many of these on the road here….possibly customers know it uses the same chassis as the Camry…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 31
    • TopsyBoXyTurvy on Apr 20, 2015 at 3:40 pm

      NO , It’s NOT THE SAME chasis as the camry. It’s from the AVALON chasis.
      no wonder, no wonder..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 0
  • Burong on Apr 20, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    Finally a it is in the light. Good move.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • roxas on Apr 20, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    front: new camry
    rear: new altis

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 23
  • shawal on Apr 20, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    Beautiful in and out….spacious as well…
    Just have to wait and see the malaysian specs and pricing

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 1
  • totti on Apr 20, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    good design.

    Our UMW should consider to replace the old ageing Camry with this one to beat the present Accord.

    If not, Accord will beat the Camry all the way.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • cendol (Member) on Apr 20, 2015 at 4:26 pm

    In overseas, Lexus is just a normal everyday car.
    In Malaysia, people need to spend 1 arm and 1 leg to buy Lexus and think they have made it in life.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 10
    • Same "Hailat" L0rrr on Apr 20, 2015 at 6:16 pm

      So as any other Contis…

      Successful people show off Ferraris and Lambos. Anything that they can crash and burn, and still can afford a replacement…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • Korean Fan on Apr 20, 2015 at 8:18 pm

      In which oversea? U think people in oversea print money eh.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Josh Ling on Apr 20, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    still love the look. should have replaced the 2.5 liter engine with the new 2.0 liter turbo engine though.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • sam's best friend on Apr 20, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    is this Front or rear wheel drive?

    Also the rx200t is it rear wheel drive or all wheel drive?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Albert on Apr 20, 2015 at 8:11 pm

    Cendol,not only 1 arm and leg,BUT forgetting to shit and take care of loved ones just to cough out a certain amount to maintain “the new found status”.
    Cars ,unfortunately are highly addictive….like narcotics.
    Some people change cars like changing hankerchiefs and undergarments,ranging from 3 months to 2 years or even after 1 month!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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