Updated 2022 Lexus ES midsize sedan now in the Philippines

If you’re a fan of Lexus, then you’ll be glad to know that the marque has brought in the latest iteration of the popular ES midsize sedan. It is still the seventh-generation model, but it comes with several improvements to its mechanical bits, and interior features. 

The Lexus ES 300h

For those in the market for a 2022 Lexus ES, then you should also note that it is already available for reservation on Lexus Philippines’ official website. There are two trims to choose from: the ES 300h which is a hybrid, and the V6-powered ES 350 Premier.  

The hybrid variant is priced at Php 3,758,000, while the V6 version gets a Php 4,728,000 price tag. So, what does the facelifted ES for the 2022 model year offer a prospective buyer? 

Exterior 

On the outside, changes are subtle. It rides on a set of new wheels, and the mesh grille looks different. The headlamps are also new and are sharper-looking than the ones on the previous version. But while the styling changes are slim at best, the facelift gets a lot of improvements with its handling characteristics. More on this later. 

The ES 300h retains its sleek and elegant silhouette

Interior 

Inside, the updated Lexus ES features a handful of features that further cements its status as a premium sedan. In particular, the top-spec ES 350 Premier comes with 10-way power front seats with ventilation, power-adjustable rear seats, LED ambient lights, a 3-zone automatic air-conditioning system, among others.

Inside the Lexus 300h

Both the top-spec variant and the entry-level hybrid version come with a seven-inch TFT instrument panel, Optitron gauge clusters, smart entry, an analog clock, and a push-to-start button. The hybrid variant also gets cruise control, while the top-spec ES 350 gets dynamic radar cruise control.

Tech and Safety 

One of the biggest changes to the ES’ interior is the new multimedia system. It has been improved for better ergonomics, and the instrument panel is better organized. Only the Premier trim gets wireless charging, and rain-sensing wipers. 

The top-spec ES 350 Premier also comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Miracast. It is then linked to a 17-inch Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system. 

Meanwhile, the ES300h gets a smaller eight-inch headunit that also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It lacks the Mark Levinson sound system, but it does come with a 10-piece speaker system. 

Only the Lexus ES 350 gets the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Safety-wise the ES 350 Premier is also fitted with the latest version of the Lexus Safety System. This includes lane departure alert and lane-trace assist, adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, etc.  

Both trims are then kitted out with traction control, stability control, ten airbags, an automatic anti-glare rear-view mirror, a tire pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child-seat tethers, hill-assist control, and a reverse camera. While both trims come with the intelligence clearance sonar, the ES 350 Premier also gets a panoramic view monitor.

Engine and Drivetrain 

The new Philippine-spec ES comes with two engine options. New to the local market is the ES 300h, which uses a 2.5-liter inline-4 mill that’s paired with an electric motor. The said gasoline engine can produce up to 178 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. Combined with the electric motor, it can make up to 218 horsepower. Power is then sent to the front wheels via an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). 

The second more powerful engine is available on the ES 350 Premier. At most, this 3.5-liter V6 engine can churn out up to 300 horsepower and 356 Nm of torque. The Premier trim is also front-wheel driven, but instead of an E-CVT, it uses a direct shift eight-speed automatic gearbox. 

The V6-powered Lexus ES 350 

As mentioned, the new ES gets several mechanical updates. Specifically, Lexus has reprogrammed the hybrid version’s braking system for more responsiveness. The V6 version also gets a better brake master cylinder.  

And lastly, the chassis and suspension systems were also improved. The rear suspension members are now more rigid in order to provide the car with more stability, according to Lexus. The body of the car itself was also improved in terms of rigidity for more torsional and lateral rigidity. In short, the new ES has shaped up to provide a great balance between driving fun and occupant comfort. 

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