Lexus ES updated in Japan; gets new features & lithium-ion battery

Toyota has been extremely active in its home country in 2020, despite the world reeling on an automobile market set down due to the pandemic. The automaker has updated its Japanese lineup with the Camry Black Edition and an updated C-HR.

However, that’s not the end of the story. Toyota has even brought a revised version of the Lexus ES hybrid from its luxury car division. The updates on the ES sedan aren’t about the aesthetics, but more of the features inside the cabin, safety additions on the AEB and the mechanism.

To start with, the 2020 Lexus ES gets SmartDeviceLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity options for its Remote Touch infotainment system. Moreover, the camera and display for the side-rear view mirror has been improved. The screen now features three lines to mark its distance from the other vehicles on the road from anything between 5 and 30 meters. Buyers opting for the F Sport variant can have it as an option.

There are some tweaks in the safety and braking department as well. The updated Lexus ES now gets day-time cyclist detection and night-time pedestrian detection for its AEB (autonomous emergency braking). Apart from these, blind-spot monitoring and front and rear parking AEB have been offered as standard.

Coming to the next big change, the 2020 Lexus ES gets a slight revision in its hybrid mechanism. The outgoing version had a nickel-metal hydride battery, which has now been replaced with a newer and better Lithium-ion battery. This marks an improvement in fuel efficiency from 20.6 kmpl to 22.3 kmpl.

That said, the engine configuration is still the same, and so is the power delivery. The 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors continue to make a combined power of 204 PS. Individually, the ICE and electric motors make 178 PS and 120 PS of power respectively.

The Lexus ES on sale in Singapore features a different mechanism set. The model here is offered in two engine options - ES 250 (petrol) and ES 300 H (hybrid). The power figures and transmission are different for these two models.

Also read: 2020 Toyota Vios launched in the Philippines