The Lexus ES, a staple in the luxury sedan market since 2018, isn’t ready to bow out just yet. Following its 2021 facelift, Lexus has introduced another round of updates for the ES, debuting the refreshed model at the Auto Guangzhou Show in China. Alongside the all-new LX 700h, the ES continues to make waves in a market where it has already surpassed one million units sold.
“What’s New on the Outside?”
Though this is technically a facelift, Lexus has given the ES some significant exterior upgrades to keep it fresh:
- Revised Spindle Grille: Inspired by the RX, the grille adopts a new pattern that modernizes the front fascia.
- Matrix LED Headlights: Dual “L”-shaped motifs sharpen the sedan’s front-end appeal.
- Light Bar Trend: At the rear, Lexus adds a sleek light bar with updated taillights that echo the brand’s signature “L” graphic.
These changes bring the ES in line with contemporary design trends, ensuring it remains a competitive alternative to rivals like the Mercedes E-Class.
“Inside the Updated ES: Tech Meets Style”
The interior of the China-spec ES has seen a major overhaul:
- 14-Inch Touchscreen: A centerpiece of the new cabin, this large display consolidates the climate controls, resulting in fewer physical buttons. While the minimalist look appeals to younger buyers, some may miss the tactile feel of traditional buttons.
- Revised Gear Lever: Lexus has reimagined the gear lever to cater to “the usage habits of young Chinese customers.”
- Fresh Color Themes: New interior options include Snowy Night White and a two-tone Tanzanite Snow Night.
- Silver Lance Moon Ridge Trim: A subtle yet elegant addition to the cabin’s material choices.
These updates cater to the preferences of younger, tech-savvy luxury car buyers in China.
“Will the US Get These Updates?”
For now, it’s unclear whether the U.S.-market ES will benefit from this second facelift. The current model has already rolled into the 2025 model year, so these changes might not arrive stateside until the 2026 model year. This delay suggests that the ES’s lifecycle is being extended, with the next-generation model unlikely to debut before then.
When the eighth-generation ES finally arrives, it’s expected to draw heavily from the latest Toyota Camry, leveraging Toyota’s updated platform and powertrains.
“Looking Ahead: Will We See the Updated ES in Los Angeles?”
With the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show kicking off next week, there’s speculation that Lexus might tease the 2026 ES. If not, it’s likely the U.S. audience will have to wait a little longer to see the facelifted model or get a glimpse of what the next-gen ES has in store.
“Why the Facelift Matters”
Lexus’s decision to give the ES another refresh reflects the car’s enduring importance in the luxury sedan market. By staying ahead of design and tech trends, Lexus ensures the ES remains a compelling choice in a segment increasingly crowded by SUVs and electric vehicles.
Whether in China, the U.S., or elsewhere, the Lexus ES proves it still has plenty of road left to cover.
