The 2016 Lexus ES, the sixth generation of the model, made its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show.
Shanghai showgoers are getting a first look at the latest version of the long-popular Lexus ES sedan.
The sixth-generation sedan falls in line with the rest of the Lexus line-up, adopting key design cues including the maker’s spindle grille – while also gaining new engine options and improved features.
“Our development concept was ‘Take the ES to the next level of elegance and progressive luxury,'” explained Toshio Asahi, chief engineer for the ES redesign, in a statement. “We’re confident that the new Lexus ES will be a leader in its class and attract a lot of attention.”
The ES was one of the two original Lexus models launched back in 1989, and even as it has steadily grown in size it also has remained the brand’s best-seller.
The interior of the 2016 Lexus ES gets a new steering wheel and a larger touchscreen infotainment display.
The remake will reach market amidst a blitz of new and updated Lexus offerings, including the all-new NX compact crossover and the redesigned version of the larger RX utility vehicle. What binds all the various offerings is the brand’s push for more passionate styling – a somewhat controversial strategy symbolized by the distinctive, hourglass-shaped grille.
The 2016 Lexus ES also picks up new headlights and LED daytime running lamps similar in design to what we’ve seen on other recent Lexus models. Revised headlights will also distinguish the 2016 model while, inside, the sedan will get a new steering wheel and a larger touchscreen infotainment display.
(Lexus teases 2016 ES before Shanghai debut. For more, Click Here.)
Short for “Executive Sedan,” the new Lexus ES follows up on the model, internally codenamed the XV60, that debuted in the 2013 model-year. Sharing the same platform as the more down-market Toyota Avalon, the ES remains one of the few Lexus offerings not available with all-wheel-drive. While that won’t change for 2016, the maker is expanding its powertrain line-up for various global markets.
New for 2016, some markets will get a 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine. “Engineered to meet China’s fuel economy regulations, the D4 engine will be offered in China, Russia and Taiwan,” notes Lexus. A 2.5-liter inline-four will be available in some other global markets.
(Click Here for details about the newly introduced 2016 Lexus RX.)
U.S. buyers the U.S., the luxury sedan will continue to have the options of a 3.5-liter V-6 gas engine or a gas-electric hybrid.
Among other things, the 2016 Lexus ES also will offer the new anti-collision suite of safety technologies, dubbed “Lexus Safety System +”, that the maker announced just prior to this month’s NY Auto Show. Designed to deliver a broad range of technologies, including Pre-Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warnings, the new suite will be rolled out across the Lexus line-up at a price ranging from $500 to $635.
(To see more about GM’s look into the future with the Chevrolet-FNR, Click Here.)
That’s significantly less than what many manufacturers are charging for individual component systems. Some command nearly $2,000 just for active cruise.