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Lexus just dropped the first teaser for its new ES prior to the luxury sedan's world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 20, 2015.
While the Japanese carmaker doesn't clarify if it's an all-new model or a refresh, we know that China gets the same sixth-generation ES that was launched in the summer of 2012 as North America, so it's way too early for an outright replacement. Therefore, we believe that Lexus will unveil a mid-life facelift for the ES.
According to the short press blurb, "the new Lexus ES maintains its classical elegance while conveying a more dynamic experience and luxurious craftsmanship".
The single picture of the ES' front quarter reveals a newly styled headlamp with a more prominent "Nike Swoosh" LED daytime running light and a wider and uninterrupted version of Lexus' spindle grille.
More dynamic experience = sportier
More luxurious craftsmanship = better interior materials
Happy about #2 but not so sure the car needs to be more dynamic at the expense of comfort. Perhaps the addition of AVS as in the RX which can deliver both?
My big grille dreams came true! Now a retrofit sounds interesting. The hood line looks the same so a straight swap for the grille, bumper and lights looks possible, if a bit pricey.
I hope they bring the interior up to the same level as the NX. The plastics and surfaces on that model are outstanding.
Last edited by chromedome; Apr 9, 2015 at 10:46 PM.
If they added RX/NX styling to the ES, that would make it the best-looking big sedan on the market. I've been seeing lots of ES300h's lately, they're a sensible and stylish (and cheaper) alternative to A6L's and 5 series. People in coastal Chinese cities might still have a big anti-Japanese bias but further inland, consumers have no problems buying big premium Japanese sedans from Infiniti and Lexus and Toyota Crowns.
I hope they don't go the route of the NX/RX grille treatment. Too obnoxious for me. Seems they get a good idea as in the current ES and then carry it to extremes.
The Next Lexus ES Will Debut at the Shanghai Auto Show
The Next Lexus ES Will Debut at the Shanghai Auto Show
The ES is Lexus' best-selling sedan in the United States. However, it needs an occasional refreshing in order to keep Lexus competitive. The brand will unveil its new ES at the 2015 Shanghai auto show on April 20.
I hope they don't go with the great protruding-type of schnoz like the NX and RX. Maybe something toned down a bit would better serve a sedan like the ES. Bigger isn't always better.
I hope they don't go with the great protruding-type of schnoz like the NX and RX. Maybe something toned down a bit would better serve a sedan like the ES. Bigger isn't always better.