Lexus ES here is already the 2026 version

Monday 18th November 2024 04:03 AM

If the very first generation of the Lexus ES “business” sedan dates back to 1989 in Japan, the first version marketed in Europe was only the seventh generation, which appeared 30 years later. The Lexus ES – technical twin of the Toyota Camry –, which in France has mainly attracted taxi drivers since 2019, is restyled for the first time in 2021. Then, in 2023, a technological update is given to it. As of this date, no cosmetic changes have been noted. At the Guangzhou show, where Audi has just unveiled its A5L, Lexus presented a new stylistic evolution for its ES. And there are quite a few changes to the menu.

The third restyling for the Lexus LS

At the rear, as on the new generation of the NX, the restyled Lexus ES sports a strip between the lights.© Lexus

We can then talk about Lexus ES Mk7 phase 4. The Japanese firm’s designers worked on the headlights by giving them a double “L”-shaped pattern as on the shield with a more assertive design, which evokes that of the Lexus RX SUV. While at the rear, in accordance with the stylistic trends in vogue in the range, a light strip takes place between the lights. The latter also opt for an “L” graphic.

A nice touchscreen, but an old gear lever

The 14-inch touch screen has its effect. It grew so much that it “ate” the physical buttons of the air conditioning.© Lexus

In the passenger compartment, it’s impossible to miss the 14-inch touch screen, which has also swallowed up the climate controls, while the center console is sleek while retaining a classic gear selector for the automatic transmission. Indeed, Chinese customers remain loyal to this type of control, which reassures them, rather than a modern trigger taking up less space. If the Lexus ES resists and goes through the restyling process so often, it is because its replacement will mark a turning point: it will go all-electric.