In 2018, the all-new seventh-generation Lexus ES redefined its status among entry-level luxury sedans with a striking exterior design and transformative performance made possible by the Global Architecture–K (GA-K) platform. For the 2022 model year, the new ES family builds upon this recipe for success with numerous multimedia, safety, style, and color updates.
Additional enhancements to F SPORT models include a new Dynamic Handling Package and the introduction of a new ES 300h F SPORT trim available in select regions. With the added variety, the ES Family continues to offer Lexus guests choices to fit their diverse interests and lifestyles.
Human-Centered Craftsmanship
All Lexus interiors are designed to blend a driver-centric cockpit with spacious and comfortable areas for the passengers. This concept was introduced in the LC coupe, refined in the flagship LS sedan and was expanded to the seventh-generation ES. Lexus calls this concept “Seat in Control,” a simple idea that says, from the moment you get in, all the controls you need are within reach and all the information you want is in plain view. In true Lexus fashion, the 2022 ES embraces continuous improvement with human-centered updates to the Lexus Multimedia System and available Navigation System. The standard 8.0-inch and available 12.3-inch color multimedia displays have been moved forward 4.3-inches and now feature touch-screen functionality, in addition to the remote touch interface, for intuitive driver and front passenger interaction. Additional interior updates for 2022 include a streamlined instrument panel design that embraces seamless cabin integration.
Commitment to Safety
The 2022 ES continues the brand’s commitment to safety with an upgrade to Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5) as standard equipment on all trim levels. Already one of the most sophisticated systems of its kind, LSS+ 2.5 adds new capabilities over LSS+ 2.0 that help provide additional safety to the driver and passengers.
For starters, the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which include Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, features an enhancement to the lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements to expand the response range. A new update to the PCS on LSS+ 2.5 includes Intersection Turning Assist. At intersections, the system has the capability under certain conditions to recognize an oncoming vehicle when performing a left-hand turn, or a pedestrian when performing left and right-hand turns, and is designed to activate typical PCS functions if needed. Additional new PCS functions include Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), which is designed to enhance vehicle stability and help prevent lane departure as cued by the driver during an emergency evasive steering maneuver.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) can be activated above 30 mph and is designed to perform vehicle-to-vehicle distance controls down to 0 mph and can resume from a stop. DRCC also includes a new feature that allows for smooth overtaking of slower vehicles. If traveling behind a vehicle going slower than the preset speed, once the driver engages the turn signal, the system will provide an initial increase in acceleration in preparation for changing lanes and; after the driver changes lanes, the vehicle will continue acceleration until it reaches the original preset driving speed. LSS 2.5+ adds Curve Speed Reduction, which can automatically reduce vehicle speed, if needed, through certain types of curves.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) is designed to help notify the driver if it senses an inadvertent lane departure at speeds above 32 miles per hour via steering wheel vibrations or audible alert. It can also take slight corrective measures to help keep the driver within the visibly marked lane. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is designed to provide slight steering force to help steer to the center of the lane to assist the driver with staying in the lane using visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle. LTA alerts the driver with a visual warning and either an audible alert or steering wheel vibration. In the new ES, the lane recognition performance, which makes LTA possible, has been improved with enhanced recognition of line and road edge, lateral G performance, and enhanced control and stability after lane change. With LSS+ 2.5, LTA receives improved course recognition and can track the paths of nearby vehicles in adjacent lanes for greater lane centering capability.
Additional carryover features include Intelligent High Beams, which detect preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switches between high beam and low beam headlights to help provide greater visibility. Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to acquire certain road sign information using a camera and navigation maps when data is available and displays them on the multi-information display (MID).
Provocative Elegance, Refined
The 2022 ES receives various exterior design updates, including a new grille pattern on all trims, excluding ES F SPORT. The new mesh pattern emphasizes the vehicle’s elegant design with a series of concentric “L” shapes that radiate from the front Lexus emblem, all finished in a new Graphite paint. This new grille design offers a refreshed look, while still preserving ES’s provocative elegance. Tying the frontend design together are redesigned standard bi-LED headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling.
A wide array of wheel designs adds the finishing touch to the ES exterior. For 2022, the all-new standard 17-inch wheel features thicker spoke ends that are layered in “V” formations to produce a sporty impression. A larger 18-inch wheel, which is available on Base and Luxury trims, has also received an update, and features a split-10-spoke design with two-tone Black and machined finish for a clean and sophisticated look. An additional 18-inch five-spoke alloy noise reduction wheel is available with the Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims. ES F SPORT models get exclusive 19-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels with a new Black finish that accentuates the model’s sporty exterior.
Lexus Driving Signature
The new 2021 Lexus IS launched an era of vehicles developed at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama with a shared Lexus Driving Signature. Since Lexus launched, the tactile feel, behavior, and execution for each model has been driven by the vision and efforts of the Chief Engineer. Moving forward, the efforts of the CE will be focused on elevating the vehicles to a new standard of performance and handling as developed by Lexus International President and Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato and Master Driver and Brand Holder Akio Toyoda. The ultimate goal is to deliver a new generation of Lexus vehicles that is more balanced, refined in control, and confident than ever before. Linear steering, brake responses, and optimized handling with exceptional ride quality is the result of heightened focus on tuning of the chassis and its interactions with the control surfaces through diligent evaluation at a test facility unlike any other.
The 2022 ES builds on the strides made with Lexus Driving Signature on IS and IS 500 with additional performance updates, including a new rear suspension member brace to further enhance torsional rigidity, handling stability, and ride comfort. The ES brake system has also received updates on both gas and hybrid models. The brake pedal shape has been enlarged on all ES models to improve foot stability and confidence when the pedal is depressed. On ES gas models, the vacuum brake system master cylinder and booster have been optimized to provide a more linear brake pedal feeling and response. The regenerative and hydraulic brake control characteristics of the Electronically Controlled Brake System (ECB) on ES hybrid models have also been optimized to improve pedal feeling when the brake pedal is released.
F SPORT Options for Style and Handling
The seventh-generation ES built on the GA-K platform allowed for a more dynamic exterior design and the introduction of the first-ever ES F SPORT. Since its introduction, it has attracted a younger and more diverse buyer interested in race-inspired styling and F SPORT control honed on the track. For 2022, the ES F SPORT will offer luxury sedan enthusiasts more choice with a revised grade strategy that separates style and performance enhancements. The ES 250 AWD and ES 350 will continue to be offered in F SPORT trim. However, 2022 adds a new ES 300h F SPORT variant available in select regions. These models will focus on exterior and interior styling with features like exclusive F SPORT badging, mesh grille with dark surround, trunk lid spoiler, unique 19-inch wheels with new Black finish, steering wheel, front seats, pedals, shift lever and knob, and gauges with removable display ring.
For buyers looking for additional performance, ES 350 F SPORT will offer an all-new Dynamic Handling Package (DHP) that includes Sport+ and Custom Drive modes, Intuitive Parking Assist, and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The AVS system on ES 350 F SPORT with DHP is capable of 650 levels of adjustment to deliver optimal ride quality and precise control. Adjustments are based on information from 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.
“Our goal was to deepen the high quality of the ES and to add new value. In addition to further improving quietness and ride comfort, we pursued linearity in vehicle movement, in response to steering wheel operation, that is faithful to the driver’s intentions,” says Lexus International Chief Engineer Tetsuya Aoki.
Refreshed Color Palette
The ES offers a vibrant exterior color palette, with nine colors returning for 2022, including Eminent White Pearl, Obsidian, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, Sunlit Green, and Nightfall Mica, as well as F SPORT exclusive Ultra White* and Ultrasonic Blue 2.0*. Two new exterior colors, Iridium* and Cloudburst Gray*, replace Silver Lining, Atomic Silver, and Nebula Gray.
The plentiful interior options for the ES family exude craftsmanship and vary by grade. Base ES models are available with NuLuxe-trimmed options that include Black, Acorn, and Palomino interiors paired with Black striated wood trim accents. The ES Luxury and Ultra Luxury grades will offer semi-aniline leather-trimmed options that include Black, Acorn, and Rich Cream, paired with new Black Open Pore wood trim accents. The Palomino interior will be paired with Matte Walnut Open Pore wood trim accents. F SPORT models offer NuLuxe-trimmed interior color options that include Black, Circuit Red, and White, all of which are paired with Hadori Aluminum trim accents.
