New for 2016
For 2016, the ES gets a styling refresh, some added technology features, and the new Lexus Safety System+.
Driven Toward Success
Toyota is often viewed as a carmaker that knows about good value, but that’s also true of its Lexus luxury brand. The 2016 Lexus ES sedan offers midsize space and refinement at an entry-luxury price. Heavily updated for 2016, the ES features revised styling and additional technology features, making it more desirable—and an even better value—than before.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 Lexus ES comes in two flavors: conventional internal-combustion, or hybrid. Both offer refined performance, with the hybrid proving that luxury cars don’t have to be gas guzzlers.
The 2016 Lexus ES 350 comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to the front wheel through a six-speed automatic transmission. Lexus says the ES 350 will do 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph. It also gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway).*
The second option is the 2016 Lexus ES 300h. This model uses a version of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system, with a design similar to what’s used in the Prius and numerous other Toyota and Lexus hybrid models. The ES powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, which is assisted by an electric motor in powering the front wheels.
The ES 300h will do 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, according to Lexus, and its top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy is suitably high, at 40 mpg combined (40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway).* That means this fully-loaded midsize luxury sedan is about as fuel efficient as a compact economy car.
Features and Trims
The 2016 Lexus ES is available only as a four-door, five-seat luxury sedan. It’s priced from $38,000.**
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, a moon roof, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated external mirrors with memory, a Display Audio system with 7.0-inch screen, Siri Eyes Free voice control for iPhone users, Bluetooth®, an integrated SiriusXM® satellite radio receiver, an analog clock, and more.
In addition to those standard features, the Navigation Package adds a touchscreen navigation system, expanded Bluetooth® capabilities, the Lexus Enform App Suite, and HD Radio® with iTunes tagging. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system can also be added to this package.
The Premium Package includes genuine wood trim, a memory system for the driver’s seat, perforated NuLuxe seats, and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and shift knob. The Luxury Package includes all of those features, and adds climate-controlled seats, leather interior, additional wood trim, and an embossed pattern on the seats. The Ultra Luxury Package in turn builds on the Luxury Package, adding ambient lighting, manual door sunshades, passenger-seat memory, a panoramic roof, and semi-aniline leather trim.
New for 2016 are two new information services. Lexus Enform Remote allows owners to view and control certain functions via a smartphone app (iOS and Android only). That includes remotely starting the engine, locking or unlocking the doors, and setting the climate control. It also allows owners to set a “guest driver monitor,” find their vehicles in a crowded parking lot, and monitor maintenance needs.
The Lexus Enform Service Connect allows owners to check up on the maintenance status of their vehicles using an app (iOS only) or a website. The service can send periodic vehicle health reports and maintenance alerts by e-mail and as push notifications.
Design
The stately Lexus ES gets a major styling refresh for 2016. At the front, there’s a restyled version of Lexus’ signature “spindle” grille, surrounded by a new front fascia with LED headlights. The new look is much bolder and dynamic than before.
The rear end gets a restyling, too, with new L-shaped taillights and chrome-tipped exhausts on the ES 350 that are integrated with the rear bumper, a design based on Lexus’ flagship LS. There are also numerous detail changes, including new alloy wheel designs.
While it may be considered an “entry-level” luxury car in terms of price, and shares its platform with the Toyota Camry, the ES has a properly luxurious cabin. It uses high-end materials like wood trim and NuLuxe or leather upholstery, and comes standard with convenience features like a 10-way power driver’s seat. There’s plenty of technology, too, including an available touchscreen navigation system and Lexus Enform App Suite, which includes apps that interface with a driver’s smartphone.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Lexus ES includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full complement of airbags. New for 2016 is the available Lexus Safety System+, which bundles several electronic driver aids including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, intelligent hi-beams, and lane-departure alert.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Lexus ES has the refinement and comfort of a traditional luxury sedan, but with modern efficiency and technology.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at our 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
*Preliminary mileage estimates determined by Lexus. EPA mileage estimates not available at time of publishing. Actual mileage will vary.
**MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $940. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment.
Image: Lexus
