Lexus ES 350h
The significance of the all-new Lexus ES goes beyond being the latest evolution of the Lexus luxury sedan. Fulfilling the promise of the bold Lexus LF-ZC concept car, first revealed at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, it presents new directions in design and technology and captures the essence of what luxury means to today's customers.
The eighth generation of a model that has been part of Lexus since the founding of the brand, the all-new ES is more spacious than ever before. It is designed to deliver greater driving rewards and unprecedented comfort, supported by Lexus' unique Omotenashi hospitality principles. The debut of a new, more powerful and responsive software platform opens up a wealth of new features and functions, including more sophisticated and wide-ranging information and entertainment, enhanced instrumentation and augmented safety functions.
The new model follows Lexus' multipath philosophy for offering customers electrified powertrain options that meet their personal needs and preferences, while helping reduce emissions towards the goal of carbon neutrality. To this end, the all-new ES is available in both battery electric and self-charging hybrid forms, and with front and all-wheel drive options
The ES is an "original Lexus". Its history goes back to the very start of the Lexus brand, first introduced alongside the LS limousine in 1989. Since then, it has achieved global sales well in excess of three million units.
The ES's European heritage is more recent. It arrived here in 2018 with the launch of the full hybrid seventh generation, ensuring Lexus continues to have a desirable sedan proposition in the marketplace.
Although the all-new ES is a larger car in every dimension than its predecessor, its Clean Tech x Elegance design delivers a sleek and elegant look, both inside and out. The investment made in comfort, refinement and luxury moves it closer to the quality, spaciousness and specifications associated with larger F-segment models. At the same time, its performance and handling, both in hybrid and battery electric versions, delivers the high levels of comfort, confidence and control that define the Lexus Driving Signature.
The development programme was based at Lexus's Shimoyama technical centre in Japan, where planning, design, engineering and evaluation teams were able to collaborate under one roof to systematically test and refine the car.
Across seven generations, the ES has distinguished itself as an elegant luxury sedan in the best traditions. Lexus designers were challenged to reinterpret these qualities as they worked on producing not just an all-new model, but the first ES to adopt a fully electric powertrain.
The design concept was defined by the term "Clean Tech x Elegance," signifying a harmonious combination of functional, technology-inspired design with styling that expresses the premium quality and hand-crafted luxury that are fundamental to the ES and the Lexus brand. Inspiration was drawn from the Lexus LF-ZC Concept, which previewed Lexus design thinking at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.
Designed on a new platform for new powertrains
The all-new ES is built on Lexus' global architecture K-platform, redesigned to accommodate the model's electrified powertrains. The design team applied the "golden ratio" principle to achieve an ideal relationship between the car's dimensions (wheelbase, length, height and width) to create a sedan that is both elegant and visually striking and which and has a spacious cabin.
Viewed from the front, the all-new ES displays the signature Lexus spindle body, extending across the bonnet to the edges of the bumper. Chief Designer Kumai wanted to retain a wide and low "face" and to keep the height of the front wings low to preserve the characteristic look of a premium sedan. The height difference adds a sporty touch while keeping a suitably dynamic sedan-style expression.
The low-set bonnet contributes to giving the driver an improved forward view. The hybrid models are distinguished from the BEVs in having an additional cooling aperture in the upper grille.
The car's spindle body rises from the low-set nose: the distinctive shape expresses its electrified power and makes the car instantly recognisable on the road as a Lexus. Details include a new front light arrangement that creates a twin L-shape with outward-facing turn indicators and inward-facing daytime running lights, a new signature for Lexus' electrified models.
The side view is a key factor in capturing the elegant look of a sedan. Taking the height increase into account, the desired result was achieved by introducing a black side moulding. The effect is a reduction in the perceived height of the car, creating a slimmer, longer and sleeker appearance. The moulding is also used as design feature to link the front and rear sections of the vehicle.
The flowing silhouette creates a "trunkless" look with the cabin tapering to the rear. The contrasting lower body comprises both planar and sculpted surfaces and muscular aerodynamically efficient shoulders that are powerfully contoured and give the ES a "leap forward" profile.
The rear end design has a smooth, flowing, rearward sweep, styling that has been a characteristic of successive ES models.
Chief Designer Yahiko Kumai explains: "The shape that cuts through the rearmost volume is a dynamic surface, unprecedented on sedan. We were very particular about its appearance and have a produced a beautiful broad surface. It gives the car an incredibly well-planted silhouette and while we have retained ample space in the cabin, it is strongly tapered to control airflow." This tapering also emphasises the car's low centre of gravity, generating a sporty and athletic look.
The rear illumination features a single, seamless light bar that integrates the LEXUS logo and incorporates the tail and stop lights. As well as amplifying the wide stance and enhancing the sculpted rear profile, the light bar also contributes to aerodynamic performance. In design-first for a Lexus, the rear combination lights are housed in signature L-shaped units located towards the lower rear corners, further emphasising the sedan's wide stance.
The new Lexus ES is larger in all principal dimensions than its predecessor, increases that contribute to significantly more cabin and load compartment space.
At 5,140 mm, the overall length is greater by 165 mm; within that length, the wheelbase has been extended by 80 mm to 2,950 mm. Vehicle width is 1,920 mm (+55 mm) and height 1, 560 mm (+115 mm) for the BEV and 1,555 mm (+110 mm) for the hybrid model.
In addition to the ES's smooth, tapering exterior design, the model incorporates many detailed elements to manage air flow over, under and around the car and achieve excellent aerodynamic performance. This contributes to a comfortable, quiet and stable ride and overall fuel and energy efficiency.
The car has a full, dimpled undercover to smooth air flow beneath the vehicle. In a Lexus first, fins have been added to the undercover to suppress turbulence in the air flow away from the rear of the car, promoting a refined and stable drive. Further aero-stabilising fins are featured on the sills, to supress body roll, and on the rear light clusters and the rear bumper, again to enhance stability.
Other details include a revised bonnet front tip profile; door mirror covers shaped to improve airflow convergence; positioning of the wiper arm mounting system below the windscreen glass, reducing noise; flush belt mouldings; and semi-flush door handles.
The battery electric models feature grille shutters which open and close automatically to control air flow to the motor or engine, reducing aerodynamic drag and helping maximise driving range and fuel economy.
The Lexus ES is fitted as standard with 19-inch wheels with a two-layer construction comprising a frame and a resin aero cover with a multi-spoke design. The BEV models can be specified with optional 21-inch aero wheels with a dynamic lightweight design (designs are specific to the 350e and 500e). On higher grade models these have a thin-wall casting that reduces weight and allows for a finer multi-spoke design.
The exterior paintwork options include a new Skylight Blue, a sophisticated, solid-looking colour that perfectly complements the ES's styling. Other choices include four sonic finishes - Sonic Copper, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Platinum and Sonic Grey - using advanced Lexus paint technology to achieve a deeper lustre and interplay of light and shade contrast across the bodywork. The palette is completed with F White and Graphite Black.
Interior design - simple and modern luxury
The interior of the all-new Lexus ES sedan follows the same Clean Tech x Elegance concept which defines the sedan's exterior with an uncluttered, minimalist style that is not stark, but elegant and pleasing to the eye, communicating quality in every element. The aim was a perfect balance between producing a clean, open space while ensuring the key controls remain easy and intuitive to locate and operate.
The design and equipment features express the Lexus philosophy of "making luxury personal" and addressing every aspect of time spent in the car with the brand's unique Omotenashi approach to hospitality. That means whatever the journey, whether you are driver or passenger, your every need is anticipated and seamlessly catered for in a perfectly relaxing environment.
With those priorities in mind, the design team created an interior that cleverly combines a light and open upper space with a lower cabin area that wraps comfortably around the occupants.
The low-slung instrument panel opens more space between the panel and the steering wheel and helps improve the driver's forward view. The clean approach includes understated controls and new Hidden Switches that blend into the design environment.
Clever storage points have been created for stowing different small items, including a front tray ahead of the console which can carry two smartphones side by side, with adjacent USB-C charging ports. A single wireless charging tray is provided on all models; a twin tray on the BEV High and High+ grades.
With a more spacious cabin than previous ES generations, the new sedan introduces limousine-like seating for rear passengers. Notably, it provides a best-in-class front-rear couple distance of 1,102 mm, 77 mm more than the previous generation ES.
The High+ grade Lexus ES BEV is available with a rear comfort package. This features rear seats that can be reclined from 28 to 38 degrees and which have integrated heating, ventilation and massage functions. An extending ottoman-style leg support is provided for the seat behind the front passenger In addition, the front passenger seat and headrest can be power-folded forward to open up extra legroom and a more expansive view - a feature first introduced in the former Lexus LS flagship sedan - adding to the overall "class above" feel of the interior.
The centre armrest includes a control panel for seating and climate control functions, operated with touch-sensitive switches. The unit includes a tray in which two smartphones can be placed side by side, angled for at-a-glance viewing. Twin rear USB ports are provided with 45W power for fast device charging.
The attention to luxury detail includes rear passenger compartment design features that enable easy entry and exit. The height of the seat from the ground (or hip point) has been precisely calculated. Also, the height of the sill, the space between the seat cushion and the car's centre pillar and the softness of the side section of the seat have all been designed so that stepping in and out of the car is smooth and comfortable for passengers of all body shapes and sizes.
The ES is the first Lexus to be fitted with new generation front seats. These have a lightweight, split construction with separate modules fitted on a frame, creating a slimline profile while providing greater support and comfort. There is also added comfort from a 17 mm increase in the extendable front cushion (compared to the previous generation); there is no gap between the extension and the front of the seat, so the occupant's thighs remain fully supported.
New-design, slim headrests are also introduced for the first time.
Lexus' Tazuna cockpit concept gives the driver a combination of excellent vision and easy intuitive access to controls and information so that driver's focus can be kept on the road ahead.
The profile of the 12.3-inch digital combimeter has cut-off sides so that display does not extend beyond the circumference of the steering wheel. The information layout can be customised with six different layouts to suit the driver's priorities and taste.
The steering wheel itself is a next-generation Lexus three-spoke design with a smaller diameter. It features integrated switches and paddle shifts (BEV models) for adjusting the brakeforce regeneration or, on the 500e, selecting virtual gears with Interactive Manual Drive. The telescopic wheel adjustment is 70 mm greater than previously, allowing an increase in the driver's elbow bend angle.
Throughout the cabin, fine quality upholsteries and trims are used that enhance the luxury ambience. There is a choice of perforated or smooth synthetic leather or perforated semi-aniline leather, according to model specification. The new-design steering wheel is also trimmed in synthetic leather and is heated around its full circumference. The colour options are Black, Hazel and a new White.
In a Lexus-first, a new synthetic leather embossing technique is used to create precise patterns. This combines with the ambient lighting in the door panels to produce a clean, modern look.
Bamboo layering and surface illuminating trim
The ES is the first Lexus model to feature a new Bamboo Layering trim. Created using advanced printing and light transmission techniques, this has the appearance of natural bamboo in natural light, changing to illuminated colours that are synchronised with the cabin's ambient lighting. This feature is included in the High grade specification.
The ambient lighting system helps set the mood for the journey, offering a choice of 14 themes and a 50 colour settings. In the new ES the effect can be further enhanced with dynamic lighting that changes the tone over time with looping patterns evoking six distinct atmospheres.
New Omotenashi welcome illumination co-ordinates the ambient lighting with the meters, smoothly bringing the interior to life the moment the car is switched on.
The Lexus-first Hidden Switches are key to the clean and simple lines of the new ES' instrument panel. The touch switches are set in a linear arrangement and remain concealed beneath the panel trim until revealed as illuminated icons when the car is switched on. The switches include the front window demister, rear window demister and door mirror heaters and the temperature control.
The standard audio package is a 10-speaker system with simplified speaker shapes that allow for more refined sound expression with minimal distortion.
The High and High+ grade Lexus ES BEVs are equipped with a bespoke Mark Levinson Surround Sound system with 17 speakers that work in conjunction with the ambient lighting in the speaker grilles to create a multi-sensory experience and a harmony of light and sound. Sound quality is enhanced by the Mark Levinson PurePlay concept, which preserves sound purity by positioning speakers so there are no obstructions between them and listener's ears. Mark Levinson Quantum Logic Surround (QLS) enables smoothly balanced frequency characteristics and high clarity and definition.
The triple-zone air conditioning system, featured in the Rear Comfort Package allows driver, front passenger and rear seat occupants to set their own preferred temperatures. The Lexus Climate Concierge co-ordinates operation of the ventilation/heating system with the heated and ventilated seats, front radiant heaters (where fitted) and heated steering wheel to provide prompt and efficient performance.
Air quality is also monitored to filter out odours and pollen, while the nanoeXTM system introduces trillions of microscopic ions into the cabin air flow. As well as combatting odours, viruses and bacteria this has a beneficial moisturising effect on human skin and hair.
The air conditioning system in the Lexus ES BEV models is compact and highly efficient, providing the same level of heating and ventilation performance as competitors, with exceptionally quiet operation.
The new Lexus ES provides a capacious load compartment that has room enough for two 86-litre suitcases or four 9.5-inch golf bags. The space is greater in every dimension compared to the previous ES and matches or exceeds its principal competitors. Volumes are up to 517 litres for the BEV and 493 litres for the hybrids (including underfloor storage space).
Across the board, all versions of the new ES - both hybrid and BEV versions - benefit from a luxury specification.
The ES 300h and ES 350h hybrid models are available in Core and Mid grades. Both are equipped with the new 14-inch multimedia display, while the Mid grade features include a digital smart key, digital interior mirrors and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium audio system.
The ES 350e and ES 500e grades are Core, High and High+. For these models the High specification also includes details such as Adaptive Variable Suspension and high-resolution Adaptive High-beam System headlights. The High+ models build on this specification with the comfort package for the rear seats, including ottoman-style leg rests and forward-folding front passenger seat.
The BEV models can be optionally fitted with 21-inch wheels: Luxury design for the front-wheel drive models and Aero for the all-wheel drive.
The new ES fully embraces Lexus' multipath philosophy of offering customers a range of electrified powertrains to reduce emissions towards the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality. The model range includes two battery electric versions, the ES 350e and ES 500e, and two self-charging hybrids, the ES 300h in Western European markets and ES 350h for Eastern Europe. Together these provide a breadth of power, performance and efficiency options to suit a wide range of customer preferences and requirements.
ES 350e and ES 500e battery electric sedans
The ES uses a new Lexus battery electric system that has been developed with a focus on delivering an evolution of the Lexus Driving Signature that creates a sharpened dialogue between driver and car. The fundamental BEV qualities and convenience have been enhanced including revised Lexus eAxles with increase motor power outputs and a higher capacity battery unit. The ES is also available for the first time with Interactive Manual Drive, enabling a more rewarding driving experience with virtual manual gear selection using paddle shifts. DIRECT4 intelligent all-wheel drive is also available, raising the level of dynamic handling while maintaining power efficiency. The all-wheel drive model incorporates an additional 88.3 kW rear eAxle for a strong balance of rewarding performance, cruising range and efficiency.
The Lexus ES is equipped with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery that has a new construction and features new cells and a water-cooling system to optimise charging and operational performance. The number of cells has been increased to achieve a higher output.
The unit is installed entirely beneath the cabin floor which avoids compromising space in the cabin and load compartment and helps give the ES a low centre of gravity. To guard against damage, it is fully sealed and is reinforced on each side.
In low temperatures, a high-voltage coolant heater can be activated during battery charging.
A battery pre-conditioning function is also available to optimise battery temperature prior to charging, helping secure faster and consistent charging performance. This can be activated manually by the driver, or automatically at the optimum time before reaching a charging point that has been entered as a destination in the navigation system. Pre-conditioning can also be scheduled in advance for a specific time or journey.
Thanks to the ES's battery management and pre-conditioning functions, consistent charging performance is delivered in all temperatures. Fast charging from 10-80% with a 150 kW DC supply can be accomplished in 30 minutes, in temperatures as low as -10°C. With 22 kW AC charging, 10-100% will take four hours.
The ES has a new-design charging port lid which can be opened using a physical switch on the cover, the car's multimedia system, or the LexusLink+ app.
The power supply unit (PSU) integrates the vehicle's charger, power supply and power distribution functions to support efficient AC charging. An AC inverter is integrated in the charger, which helps reduce the PSU's size and weight.
The new ES 500e is the second model to offer Lexus' ground-breaking Interactive Manual Drive, a system which debuted on the new RZ 550e F SPORT.
This technology creates a manual gear-shifting experience in a battery electric vehicle, raising driver rewards and engagement. A virtual eight-speed transmission generates rapid gear shifts based on the driver's use of the accelerator and the vehicle's speed. The effect is heightened with the option for the driver to use paddle shifts to make the virtual gear changes.
All new ES models - BEV and HEV included - use a new shift-by-wire system. This is operated using a compact toggle control in the centre console, with smooth and easy forward or backward movements to select park/drive/reverse/neutral.
The ES 500e is equipped with Lexus' DIRECT4 intelligent electric all-wheel drive system. This provides continuous adjustment of drive torque distribution to all four wheels, according to driver inputs and the road conditions. This can vary from 100:0 to 0:100, based on data from sensors monitoring acceleration, wheel speed and steering angle. Adjustments are made in milliseconds - faster than any mechanical system. The driver experiences enhance steering response, feel and communication with smooth, on-demand acceleration and enhanced stability, handling and vehicle posture control.
The eAxle integrates the transaxle, drive motor and power inverter into a single, compact unit. This allows efficient packaging while delivering highly responsive acceleration and dynamic performance. In models equipped with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, the low height of the rear eAxle avoids compromising space in the cabin and load compartment.
ES 300h and ES 350h self-charging hybrids
The ES 300h and ES 350h are the first models to be powered by sixth generation Lexus hybrid technology. The self-charging hybrid system combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a front eAxle and a new lithium-ion battery. Together these deliver efficiency, refinement and performance, with the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with - for the first time an ES model - Lexus' E-Four system.
A new, bespoke drive control logic optimises use of the hybrid battery to deliver a combination of powerful acceleration and fuel efficiency. The engine benefits from increased rigidity, which reduces engine noise and vibration; vibration at start-up has also been reduced, helping achieve a quieter and more refined cabin atmosphere.
The new front eAxle is compact and incorporates the hybrid system's transaxle and power control unit (PCU). While size is kept to a minimum, output is higher than in previous versions. It houses two motor-generators (one for power generation, the other for driver forces) arranged in a multi-axis configuration to save space.
Other features include a new cooling mechanism that makes for easier parts lubrication and a new electric oil pump in place of the previous mechanical type, further contributing to the unit's overall small dimensions.
ES versions equipped with E-Four all-wheel drive use an additional rear transaxle.
Moving from a nickel metal-hydride to a lithium-ion unit with a new cell design for the Lexus ES has enabled a more compact and lightweight package with a higher output. The battery is located beneath the rear seats, avoiding loss of interior space. The hybrid system prioritises battery power and low and medium vehicle speeds, which reduces engine speed, noise and vibration.
Both hybrid models are available with E-Four all-wheel drive, which adds an additional electric motor on the rear axle. The system can adjust drive torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on information on wheel speed, G-force, yaw rate, steering angle and other factors from the hybrid system's ECU. This enhances performance, for example traction when pulling away or travelling on low-grip surfaces and supporting fuel efficiency when driving at a constant speed.
The new ES is constructed on Lexus' global Architecture K platform (GA-K), with revisions to address the multipath strategy of producing both battery electric and full hybrid models.
Measures were implemented to strengthen the core of the body, specifically by revising the frame and increasing localised rigidity, to increase overall body rigidity, even when incorporating large openings such as panoramic roof.
The results are an agile driving feel that adds to the unity between the driver's inputs and car's chassis response on winding roads, and contributes to prompt, clear steering response. This strengthens the dialogue between driver and car, central to the qualities of the Lexus Driving Signature.
Key elements include more extensive use of high tensile strength and hot-stamp materials in the main frame parts, maintaining and increasing rigidity.
Bracing and reinforcement is applied in key areas to increase rigidity in the front end, the floor and the rear, which has a strong annular construction.
As the hybrid models do not use the BEV's underfloor battery, they have specific bracing and reinforcement linking the centre floor cross members to the rockers. This helps suppress vertical vibration and reduce displacement of the seat mountings.
Other measures contributing to the rigid structure include a twin bonnet lock and extensive use of high-rigidity structural adhesive - almost seven metres of adhesive in the front body and underbody of the BEVs and more than six metres in the hybrids.
Controlling the intrusion of noise and vibration is central to the new ES interior delivering the luxury and comfort of a personal lounge.
Demonstrating a high attention to detail, the measures include a redesign of the inner part of the front pillars into single component to connect the front suspension tower to the rocker, reducing vibrations felt when driving over minor imperfections in the road surface.
There are additional seals in the rear end to block external noise, while an advanced seal around the door glass reduces noise transmission. The side window glass itself has a high sound-insulating quality.
In the rear of the car, silencers, soundproofing materials and even the floor carpeting all contribute to improved NV performance. Further benefits are gained from more than six metres of sound and vibration-damping adhesive in the front floor and sound-absorbing materials in the engine compartment cover.
The front suspension is a newly designed MacPherson strut arrangement while at the rear a multi-link system is used for the first time in an ES with the aim of enhancing the transmission of power to the road and smooth vehicle posture control.
The development goals were to achieve straight-line stability and ride comfort with smooth, lag-free steering response, a stable and natural posture when cornering and stable controllability at the car's performance limits.
The front suspension tower is positioned lower and the characteristics of the suspension arm, bush and shock absorber have been refined to reduce shock and vibration when driving on uneven surfaces. The standard (non-AVS) shock absorbers generate damping force for even the slightest movement of the car's sprung weight, for example when starting off or cruising on the highway. Other details include a highly rigid forged aluminium knuckle that saves weight while ensuring strength and which contributes to the ES's linear steering response and comfortable ride quality. The anti-roll bar has a thin-walled, hollow construction that reduces weight while improving roll rigidity.
The rear suspension is designed for secure transmission of drive force to the road and suppression of changes in the vehicle's posture, using highly rigid arms, components and installation. This contributes to the car's handling stability and gives the driver a reassuring feel of the car's rear end being in secure contact with the road.
Adaptive Variable Suspension is fitted to the higher grade battery electric models. This benefits from a linear solenoid to achieve rapid, fine adjustment of damping force for a more comfortable and stable ride.
The new ES adopt an electronically controlled braking system (AHB-C) which uses an electric cylinder in place of a pump motor to deliver ease-of-use and a natural braking feel that's rigid, controllable and responsive.
Ventilated discs are used all round for the new ES: 340 mm front and 338 mm rear for the BEV models and 328 mm front and 317 mm rear for the hybrids.
Additionally, models that are not fitted with AVS benefit from Vehicle Braking Posture Control. When driving on a winding road or turning at junction, this adjusts braking performance to reduce roll, front dive and rear lift. This enhances handling stability and suppresses side-to-side rocking movement experienced by the car's occupants.
The Lexus ES uses rack-assist electric power steering that accurately transfers the driver's inputs into precise steering reactions. The motor control unit and reduction gear are located parallel to the steering gearbox, helping reduce the degree of steering operation force required.
The variable rack gear supports agile performance through tight bends and helps keep the car stable at high speeds.
Lexus Europe took the lead in the development of LexusConnect and the new 14-inch multimedia screen, directly integrating customer feedback through successive cycles of testing and refinement.
The system has four times faster processing speed, eight times greater storage capacity and a 256 GB memory. The multimedia screen is ultra-slim, with a maximum 10 mm thickness, contributing the interior's Clean x Tech design concept.
One of the principal features of the new digital cockpit is combimeter mirroring: the the full navigation map is integrated in the driver's combimeter, mirroring the multimedia display. This makes directions easier to follow and reduces potential driver distraction.
Similarly, Lexus Safety System + advanced safety and driving assistance features can now be easily accessed using the multimedia screen. The LexusConnect Driver Support menu lists all the available functions, with explanations and dynamic illustrations, and allows the driver to choose their safer driving options and performance parameters.
The new home screen concept, designed with European customers in mind, presents an intuitive interface with integrated climate controls, quick settings menu, Road Sign Assist mute button, a new Notification Centre and customisable widgets. This means all relevant information and functions are just a single click away.
The LexusConnect Voice Agent's appearance and functions have also been enhanced. Instead of taking up the entire screen when activated, the feature is now more elegantly displayed at the bottom. The system can recognise whether it's the driver or front passenger speaking, understands a more natural language style and responds more quickly.
An Intelligent Agent service is also available on subscription. With expanded functionality, it can respond to a much wider and more sophisticated range of user prompts. For example, it can provide information on flight status, stocks and shares data, sports news and many other points of information.
The new generation LexusConnect multimedia comes with 256 GB of memory, eight times greater than the previous system. This opens up possibilities for a wide range of information, entertainment and security functions.
The established Standard Services bundle includes essential features with a 10-year pan-European trial period. These range from the LexusLink+ app's "find my car" and EV coaching features, to cloud-based navigation with points of interest powered by Google and alerts for low emission zones - LEZ. Some of the remote services now operate four times faster than before, including setting of the climate control to heat or cool the cabin ahead of making a journey and door locking and unlocking.
The new multimedia software platform also enables the introduction of a next-generation Lexus digital key, the Smart Digital Key+. This can be integrated in the owner's smartphone or smartwatch wallet so can be used without having to open an app, offering faster and more intuitive operation. Enhanced functionality allows the digital key to continue to work even if the NFC-compatible smartphone's battery is depleted. Up to seven keys can be created so the owner can share access with up to six other users.
The new Connect & Drive bundle focuses on convenience. It includes smart navigation with live speed camera and average speed monitoring location information; direct access to the user's Spotify account for music streaming; and the Intelligent Voice Agent.
Connect & Secure completes the collection, providing extra security measures with new services: a Drive Recorder, Remote Immobiliser and Car Theft Assistant.
The Drive Recorder (on higher grade models) uses the ES's integrated safety cameras to enabe 360-degree recording, constantly saving one-minute videos (up to a rolling limit of 90) of the car's surroundings. A recording can be triggered automatically in the event of an impact, or manually by the driver, capturing the scene at least 10 seconds prior to and 10 seconds immediately after the incident. These can be extracted using a USB stick connected to the car's head unit and may provide useful intelligence to help determine the cause of a collision or show incidents of poor driving or road discipline.
The Remote Immobiliser allows users to remotely control vehicle start-up by locking and unlocking the engine. For peace of mind, an Automode is provided so there need be no worries about whether the engine has been locked. The status can be checked by smartphone. A six-digit code wll then be required to unlock the engine.
The Car Theft Assistant provides structured support via the Lexus Link+ app in the event of the vehicle being stolen. First (depending on the vehicle's equipment grade and alarm availability) the user will be notified when a potential theft is detected. Once the customer has reported the theft to the police, there is prompt and co-ordinated follow-up response. Vodafone liaises with the relevant local authorities to track the vehicle, while keeping the customer informed and using their preferred language throughout the recovery process.
Each bundle will be offered free for a trial period, with subscription available via the Lexus Link+ app. The availability of connected services may vary between countries/national markets.
Lexus ES BEV customers can use the Lexus Link+ app and the LexusConnect multimedia system to manage all aspects of vehicle battery charging.
The Lexus Link+ app provides live information about the vehicle's EV and fuel range, battery management and charging schedule and serves as the gateway to Lexus' charging ecosystem. Using a single interface, customers can access the Lexus Charging Network, with more than one million AC and DC charging stations across Europe, using the Lexus RFID card or the app itself. Lexus Home Charge with integrated smart charging helps optimise charging times, giving greater efficiency and convenience.
LexusConnect navigation provides EV routing and dynamic re-routing, adding charging stations to a programmed route and updating recommended charging locations in line with changes in the battery's state of charge and the driving conditions as the journey progresses, helping ease any range anxiety.
The multimedia system also provides a dedicated EV charging menu, accessible with a single click, that provides direct, streamlined access to all critical charging information and configuration options. The menu includes battery state of charge, total vehicle range, charging schedule management and charge limit settings.
Finally, over-the-air software updates enable Lexus Safety System + and LexusConnect to remain up-to-date with the latest functionalities and improvements.
The new ES is equipped with the latest generation of Lexus Safety System + active safety and driving assistance systems (ADAS) which operate proactively in a wider range of driving situations to support the driver and reduce the chances of an accident happening.
The developments include new and enhanced functions, with - for the first time on the ES - over-the-air updates enabling seamless software upgrades as technologies evolve further.
Lexus Safety System + provides a much wider field of detection. Upgrading of the sensor has increased the horizontal viewing angle by 115% and the detection distance by 170% compared to the previous generation.
The driver is given clearer and more wide-ranging ADAS information with a new display in the combination meter. The Driving Assist Display can show up to six vehicles at a time, in real time: in its own lane, the ES and two vehicles ahead; in adjacent lanes, up to two vehicles to the left and right.
This information can also be viewed in the head-up display (where specified). The new head-up display has a tilted image plane that creates a sense of depth, making information intuitive and easier to read. The display settings can be adjusted to suit the user's preference; stored settings are linked to the driver's seat memory function, so they are automatically applied when different drivers take the wheel.
The ES' Pre-Collision System (PCS) is now able to detect and respond to a wider range of static and moving obstacles.
The PCS operates in an expanded range of driving conditions and situations, and with shorter vehicle-to-vehicle distances than previously. Its evolved functionality includes Intersection Collision Avoidance Support, Emergency Steering Assist (ESA - also with active support) and low-speed acceleration suppression.
The Dynamic Radar Cruiser Control (DRCC) features a new Map Connected Drive function. This enables the system to work in collaboration with map information to better anticipate acceleration and deceleration at T-junctions, roundabouts, stop and give way signs, toll gates and bends, giving smoother performance.
The latest development of the technology enables earlier recognition of vehicles cutting in in front, enabling gradual deceleration. The system can also predict an adjacent vehicle cutting in by recognising its turn signal.
Enhanced sensor accuracy also enables faster detection of the behaviour of the second vehicle ahead. When the second vehicle ahead draws closer, the DRCC will slow the Lexus ES smoothly, avoiding sudden deceleration.
The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is now able to detect roadside structures such as utility poles and barriers, increasing its ability to prevent unintended lane departures when the road margins are indistinct.
Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA) and Lane Change Assist (LCA) are both included in the ES' safety portfolio for the first time. FCTA detects a vehicle approaching from either side when entering a junction at low speed. It alerts the driver with an animation in the head-up display (where fitted); if the driver continues to accelerate despite the approaching vehicle, a visual warning appears on the multi-information display and buzzer alert sounds.
When Lane Trace Assist is engaged, sensors detect if the driver is correctly holding the steering wheel.
Lane Change Assist supports the driver in making safe lane changes on the highway, working in conjunction with DRCC. When the driver activates the turn signal to indicate a lane change, the system monitors the car's surroundings and, if safe to do so, controls steering, acceleration and deceleration to make the manoeuvre.
If the driver becomes unable to operate the vehicle, the Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) slows the vehicle to a stop within its traffic lane and activates the hazard warning lights. The ES is also equipped with a Driver Monitor Camera which checks the driver's alertness and condition. It delivers a warning if it detects driver tiredness, loss of attention or other abnormal conditions. Its operation is used to enhance the EDSS' performance with earlier detection of driver issues.
Blind Spot Monitor, Safe Exit Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Provided as standard on all new ES models, these systems provide warnings and safeguards when there is a risk of impacts with vehicles (including bicycles and motorcycles) passing alongside or behind the vehicle. In addition, a new Rear Vehicle Approach Indicator (RVAI) alerts the driver to a vehicle approaching from the rear with an audible alert, a warning in the combimeter and, where fitted, illumination of the digital rear-view mirror's frame.
New High-Definition Adaptive High-beam System
The High-Definition Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) for automatic headlight adjustment (featured on the Lexus ES BEV models) has been developed so that light control can now be adjusted both horizontally and vertically, using a four-lens system. This provides more precise shading than the previous system, allows for clearer illumination of objects such as road signs and reduces glare for vehicles ahead and pedestrians.
