The Lexus ES has been a key player in the luxury sedan market since its debut, with the seventh generation first introduced in 2018. After receiving a facelift in 2021, many expected Lexus to reveal an entirely new generation in 2025.
However, the automaker surprised enthusiasts by unveiling a refreshed version of the current ES at the 2024 Auto Guangzhou.
This updated model for the 2025 year showcases a series of exterior changes, a revamped cabin, and updated technology, ensuring the ES remains competitive in the luxury sedan segment for a few more years.
Exterior Changes
The 2025 Lexus ES’s exterior refresh brings a sportier and more dynamic look to this luxury sedan. One of the standout features is the newly redesigned LED matrix headlights, which offer a sharper, more modern appearance and improved illumination for night driving.
These headlights are complemented by a new spindle grille that gives the sedan a bolder, flashier front profile, marking a clear departure from previous versions.
Additionally, the rear of the vehicle receives updated LED taillight graphics, including a new full-width light bar, contributing to a more cohesive and futuristic design.
These exterior updates ensure that the 2025 Lexus ES retains a contemporary and premium appeal while distinguishing it from the outgoing models. The subtle yet significant changes to the grille, headlights, and taillights reflect Lexus’s commitment to modernizing the vehicle without completely overhauling its core identity.
Interior and Technology Updates
While the interior of the 2025 Lexus ES retains much of the design and layout of the previous model, there are notable updates in terms of technology and user experience.
The most significant change is the introduction of a larger, more advanced 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, derived from the all-new Lexus RX. This upgraded system not only boasts crisper graphics and an intuitive interface but also offers additional features and functionalities that enhance the driving experience.
For ease of use, Lexus provides dual controls for the infotainment system: a touch-sensitive screen and a rotary knob on the center console. This offers drivers the flexibility to choose their preferred method of interaction, whether they prefer touchscreen controls or the tactile feedback of a physical knob.
The updated system also includes improved voice control capabilities, making it more intuitive and responsive to user commands. Inside the cabin, luxury remains a hallmark of the ES, with features like leather upholstery, LED ambient lighting, and a sleek center console.
The 2025 model also brings a new, redesigned gear selector that adds to the modern feel of the interior. Comfort is prioritized with power-adjustable front seats that feature a memory function, allowing for personalized settings.
Lexus also continues to offer the premium Mark Levinson sound system, ensuring an exceptional audio experience.
Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the 2025 Lexus ES offers two distinct powertrain options in the People's Republic of China (PRC). The entry-level ES 200 is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 170 PS (metric horsepower) and 199 Nm of torque.
For those seeking a more powerful and fuel-efficient option, the ES 300h is also available. This model features a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine combined with an electric motor to deliver a total system output of 210 PS and 300 Nm of torque.
The hybrid powertrain is also mated to a CVT and features the same front-wheel-drive configuration as the ES 200.
This hybrid variant emphasizes fuel efficiency while maintaining a smooth, responsive driving experience.
Availability and Future Plans
The 2025 Lexus ES has already launched in China, and it is expected that other markets, including the Philippines, may soon receive the refreshed sedan.
However, with the current ES model nearing a decade in production, many are speculating that Lexus may be preparing to unveil an all-new, eighth-generation ES shortly.
Despite this possibility, the 2025 facelift ensures that the current generation of the Lexus ES remains relevant in the competitive luxury sedan market, with new technology and design updates designed to keep it appealing to modern buyers.
The 2025 Lexus ES facelift introduces a range of subtle yet impactful updates to this luxury sedan. With redesigned exterior elements, a more advanced infotainment system, and continued emphasis on comfort and quality, the refreshed ES aims to maintain its position as a top choice in the luxury sedan segment.
While it may not be the all-new generation many were expecting, the 2025 model ensures that the ES remains a strong contender for those seeking a refined, stylish, and technologically advanced sedan.
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