Lexus ES: Updated luxury sedan leaked

The Lexus ES is set to get an update bringing freshened styling and upgraded technology.

Images published on Chinese social media and shared by Carscoops show what appears to be owner’s manual illustrations of the updated model.

They reveal a particularly subtle facelift, with a Z-shaped LED daytime running light signature, a new grille texture, and new graphics for the tail lights.

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It’s unclear from the illustrations whether the tail lights now extend across the boot lid, as on the Lexus IS.

Inside, the ES appears to be getting the 14-inch infotainment touchscreen found in the NX and RX SUVs.

This incorporates climate controls but, in the updated ES, appears to have come at the expense of the analogue clock that sits next to the current model’s 12.3-inch screen.

There also appears to be a fully digital instrument cluster.

It’s unclear what mechanical changes will be made with the updated ES.

The current model is offered in Australia with a choice of naturally aspirated or hybrid 2.5-litre four-cylinder powertrains; a 3.5-litre V6 is also offered overseas.

The 2.5-litre hybrid features the previous generation of Toyota’s hybrid system, with its cousin on the TNGA-K platform – the new Toyota Camry – upgrading to the new fifth-generation system.

The new Camry Hybrid produces 170kW of power while achieving combined cycle fuel economy of 4.0L/100km and emitting 91g/km of CO2.

In contrast, the current ES 300h produces 160kW and uses 4.8L/100km, emitting 109g/km.

Given the Camry, as with many Toyota models, has gone hybrid-only in Australia it’s possible the atmo 2.5-litre ES 250 could be given the chop.

Toyota and Lexus have also been phasing out the naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 in favour of turbocharged and/or hybrid powertrains, potentially spelling the end of the ES 350 sold overseas.

It’s unclear if a rumoured electric ES will arrive with the current generation. Earlier this year, trademark filings were uncovered by AutoGuide, with Lexus filing to protect the ES 350e and ES 500e nameplates, in addition to ES 350h.

In 2021, Lexus released a shadowy teaser that previewed not only the LBX and TX SUVs – which at the time had yet to be revealed – but also what appeared to be revised ES.

Unlike the vehicle depicted in these owner’s manual illustrations, this vehicle appeared to have a closed-off grille and a unique front bumper, as well as L-shaped daytime running lights. It otherwise appeared to have the same body as the current ES.

Also featured in this teaser image was Lexus’ Electrified Sedan Concept, which appears to be a concept previewing an electric IS successor.

While the IS was axed here in 2021 due to stricter side impact regulations, in other markets it’s still available and serves as a sportier, rear- or all-wheel drive counterpart to the plusher front/all-wheel drive ES.

MORE: Everything Lexus ES