2016 Lexus ES revamp revealed in Shanghai

A modestly restyled, reengineered and more luxuriously appointed 2016 Lexus ES sedan made its global debut in China. In addition to its bolder look, improved dynamic character and enhanced feature set, buyers in some global markets – although not those here in the U.S. – will be able to opt for a new ES 200 variant fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. 

A more forceful face  

The most obvious changes to the best-selling sedan in the automaker’s lineup are seen up front, where an edgier fascia treatment matches a bolder take on the signature spindle grille with new headlamps that feature LED projector technology. Rounding out the look are revised L-shaped running lights and redone/repositioned fog lamps. Tail tweaks bring a modified license plate garnish and recast chrome-finished exhaust outlets. Rounding out the remix are two new 17-inch alloy wheel designs – one for the conventional ES350 and one for the ES 300h Hybrid – as well as  four new exterior colors. Inside, the 2016 ES family boasts a selection of new and more elegant trim bits in all of the four available design motifs. Other changes include a new sport steering wheel, larger 4.2-inch TFT information display, "Enter" buttons on either side of the central Remote Touch Interface and a leather boot on the gear selector.

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While powertrains in the 2016 ES 350 and ES 300h Hybrid models will carry over unchanged here in America, the big news underhood for customers in China, Russia and Taiwan is the aforementioned 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo-four which is expected to make around 230 horsepower. However, U.S. buyers will benefit from a number of focused upgrades to the ES Sedan’s structure and suspension tuning. Borrowed from the Lexus IS Sport Sedan, they promise to give the ES better ride and handling qualities. A new sound attenuation barrier behind the dash also will further reduce cabin noise levels. Finally, the 2016 Lexus ES will offer the Lexus Safety System+ suite of active/passive technologies that bundles the Pre-Collision System, Brake Assist with emergency braking, Lane Departure Alert, Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam adjustment into a single, cost-effective package. More details and U.S. pricing info will be released at a later date.

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