Any word on the 2021 ES and changes or when they are coming out?

Todd

 

In California, they are usually released late November. That being said they might be released later this year due to the pandemic. My suggestion is to call your local dealer and they can reach out to you once they have them in their inventory.

 

I got my 2019 ES300h November 4, 2018 but they had been around at least a month or so at that time. Just checked Roll Call - someone posted about their New 2019 ES300h like 9/3/2018.

 

It is hard to say when the new model will be introduced, especially with the disruption caused by COVID-19. The 2016 ES came out in August of 2015.

 

This was the last article I recently read.
Basically they will be the same. (which isn't surprising for Lexus)

https://www.carindigo.com/news/2021-lexus-es-350-sedan-review-trims-features-prices-performance-and-rivals-comparison


I'm hoping AWD, using an electric motor for the rear for the hybrid models, will be available in 2022 now that the GS is gone for 2021.

 

Carindigo is claiming the 2020 ES350 doesn't have the Android Auto feature and the 2021 model will have this. This is clearly wrong. Really no changes at all for the ES350 between 20/21 model years that I could see from different sources. Also I saw another website claim one of the big changes for the 2021 ES300H is they will now use Lithium batteries and they are expecting better MPG because of this.

 

I heard they were eliminating the power mirrors for 2021.

 

I question why they have used NiMh batteries up till now. Is it because they are cheaper? Or last longer? I would think the LiIon are lighter and would hold more energy for the same size battery.

 

Those are VERY GOOD questions. My understanding of LIon is the same as yours, they purportedly have a higher energy density so that would suggest more energy storage for same package size. It is also my understanding that they are more expensive and harder to control the heat management (think Samsung phones and even a few Tesla vehicle fires). I don’t know if any of this factored into their reluctance to shift to these newer battery technologies however.

 

;Nickel - Metal Hydride batteries are less energy dense than Lithium but perform much better
at low temperatures. We don't tend to leave our cell phones outside overnight in the winter
but our cars do. Minor geo-political factor, Lithium is largely sourced from China, nickel is rather
more available.

 

I feel the extra bump in fuel economy is a factor. Yes the LiIon will run hotter especially when the car is in EV mode. It will be lighter though. Currently NiMh battery packs are relatively inexpensive. I am sure the LiIon will not be as cheap. It will be interesting to see if Toyota change the tech in the Camry Hybrid as well

Do we expect to see a touch screen infotainment in the 2021 ES?

 

New Tech such as introduction of LiIon Batteries also come at a cost. Most would not notice the difference and the costs would also increase changing the pricing for the demographic. I read when researching the ES300H that teh average owner was 67 Years Old. The battery being located under the backseat currently would also generate possible heat soak for the A/C to overcome.

 

Yes we find in winter the seats in the back are warmer and as there is an exhaust fan that dissipates heat into the back foot well you can feel it in summer. The rear air conditioner vents alleviate any discomfort.

 

Yes, I was also referencing that the LiIon batteries run hot and would cause a potential comfort issue. In Houston we are around 100+ now and the A/C works a bit to keep the rear cold.

 

The Camry LE Hybrid has been using the lithium-ion batteries since the last redesign. I suspect this is the same battery as the Camry LE.