2022 Lexus ES Bows With Updated Looks, Improved Dynamics And A New Touchscreen

The Lexus ES might not be as exciting as the IS or as luxurious as the LS, but it’s the company’s bread and butter sedan. It’s also getting better with age as the automaker has announced a series of updates for the 2022 model year.

Starting with the exterior, the revamped ES has been equipped with a new grille that “emphasizes the vehicle’s elegant design with a series of concentric ‘L’ shapes that radiate from the front Lexus emblem.” The grille is flanked by new LED headlights that are accompanied by a revised color palette which sees Iridium and Cloudburst Gray replace Atomic Silver, Silver Lining and Nebula Gray.

Additional changes are limited, but the 2022 ES has updated wheels including standard 17-inchers that have “thicker spoke ends that are layered in ‘V’ formations to produce a sporty impression.” The sedan can also be equipped with updated 18-inch wheels, while F Sport variants come with exclusive 19-inch wheels featuring a new black finish.

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Touchscreens are nearly everywhere, but a handful of automakers have resisted them. Lexus was one of them, but touchscreens are now slowly spreading across their lineup and the ES is the latest beneficiary.

An 8.0-inch infotainment system comes standard, while a 12.3-inch display is also available. Regardless of which one is selected, both are now touch-friendly and have been moved 4.3 inches (109 mm) forward to put them within easy reach. The latter change necessitated an assortment of other updates, but the overall look is instantly recognizable.

Engine options apparently carryover, but there’s a new ES 300h F Sport. It combines all of the usual F Sport features with an eco-friendly hybrid powertrain that presumably produces a combined output of 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS).

Furthermore, the ES 350 F Sport will be offered with a new Dynamic Handling Package. It features Sport+ and Custom drive modes as well as an adaptive variable suspension. The latter provides 650 levels of adjustment based on “sensors that measure both linear and vertical g loads, vehicle speed, steering angle, yaw rate and master cylinder pressure in addition to information from the engine control computer and skid control computer.”

Speaking of dynamics, the 2022 ES has a new rear suspension member brace that increases torsional rigidity, improves ride comfort, and optimizes handling stability. Drivers will also find an upgraded braking system with an enlarged pedal that allows for better “foot stability and confidence when the pedal is depressed.”

More importantly, the braking system on gas models has an optimized master cylinder and booster that promises to provide a more linear feel and response. Likewise, the hybrid variant has a retuned braking system that delivers improved feel when the brake pedal is released.

The 2022 ES will come standard with a new Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes a pre-collision system with an improved camera lens and millimeter-wave radar for increased response range. The system also features new Intersection Turning Assist and Emergency Steering Assist functions.

Furthermore, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control has been improved with a “smooth overtaking” function. If you’re traveling behind a vehicle going slower than your preset speed, you can simply tap on the turn signal and the ES will begin accelerating in preparation for the lane change. After you change lanes, the car will continue accelerating until it reaches the preset speed.

Other new features include a Curve Speed Reduction function, which can automatically slow the vehicle through certain curves. The Lane Tracing Assist system also receives “improved course recognition and can track the paths of nearby vehicles in adjacent lanes for greater lane centering capability.”

The 2022 ES will arrive at U.S. dealerships this fall and additional information will be announced closer to launch.