Lexus's ES 300h is seen during a presentation at the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai, April 20, 2015.ALY SONG/Reuters
What is it?
The 2016 Lexus ES, a revised version of the sixth-generation of the sedan that established Lexus as a luxury powerhouse in North America.
Signature feature:
That audacious front grille, which has been slapped on everything in the Lexus fleet, most recently the latest version of the RX SUV, unveiled a few short weeks ago in New York. The mammoth spindle grille suits some vehicles better than others; here, it cuts a decent figure, but leaves the rest of the car in its stylish wake. The new ES also gains new headlights, LED daytime running lights, new taillights and a new rear fascia.
What else is new:
New paint schemes, different wood interior accents, a new steering wheel and three different trim material options: semi-aniline leather, leather or Lexus NuLuxe, a fancy term for vinyl.
Under the hood:
While foreign markets will see the new ES powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder, North America will soldier on with two different powertrains: the redoubtable 3.5L V-6 and a gas-electric hybrid featuring a 2.5L 4-cylinder. The V-6 will be linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission; the hybrid will make do with a CVT. Output figures weren't supplied, but they shouldn't vary much from the 2015 ES offering.
When can we buy it, and for how much?
Expect the latest ES to be available late this year in markets around the world. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Cool quotient:
3 (out of five)
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