Lexus ES: История и Эволюция Роскошного Седана

Motor vehicle

The Lexus ES (レクサス・ES) is a series of mid size executive cars marketed since 1989 by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, across multiple generations, each offering V6 engines and a front engine, front wheel drive layout. The first five generations of the ES used the Toyota Camry platform, while the latter generations are more closely related to both the Camry and the Avalon. Manual transmissions were offered until 1993, a lower displacement inline four engine became an option in Asian markets in 2010, and a gasoline electric hybrid version was introduced in 2012. The ES was Lexus's only front wheel drive vehicle until 1998, when the related RX was introduced, and the sedan occupied the entry level luxury car segment of the Lexus lineup in North America and other regions until the debut of the IS in 1999. The ES name stands for "Executive Sedan". However, some Lexus importers use the name, "Elegant Sedan". Introduced in 1989, the first generation ES 250 was one of two vehicles in Lexus's debut range, along with the LS 400. The second generation ES 300 debuted in 1991, followed by the third generation ES 300 in 1996, and the fourth generation ES 300/330 in 2001. The first through fourth generation sedans shared body styling elements with Japan market Toyota sedans, and a domestic market equivalent, the Toyota Windom (Japanese: トヨタ・ウィンダム), was sold until the launch of the fifth generation ES in 2006. The word "Windom" is a combination of "win" and the suffix "dom" expresses a state of perpetual victory. The fifth generation ES used body styling marketed by Lexus as L finesse and debuted in early 2006 as a 2007 model. The sixth generation ES debuted in the first half of 2012 as a 2013 model, and features increased cabin dimensions due to a longer wheelbase which is shared with the full size XX40 series Avalon. Lexus has positioned the ES in the comfort luxury segment, with an emphasis on interior amenities, quietness, and ride quality, in contrast with more firm riding sport sedans. Buyers seeking more performance focused models are targeted by the Lexus IS and rival makes, with such models offering a sportier drive with differently tuned suspensions. In Europe, Japan and other markets where it was not available until the seventh generation model, the GS sport sedans occupy the mid size category in the Lexus lineup until it was cancelled August 2020. In the United States, the ES has been the best selling Lexus sedan for over fifteen years. TOC

The ES 300 received a mild facelift in 1999 for the 2000 model year that consisted of new, clear tail lights and turn signals, a revised front end with a new grill, headlights, and lower bumper with clear fog lights and larger alloy wheels. Inside, the interior received an electrochromatic mirror, more wood trim and slight revisions to the audio system. Xenon High Intensity Discharge headlights with auto leveling were now optional. From 1998 through 2001 (1999 to 2001 model years), a limited "Coach Edition" was offered, and in 1999 for 2000, a "Platinum Edition" package was offered, including power moonroof, unique interior trim, and custom alloy wheels.

During 2003, for the 2004 model year, the American market received a revised 3.3 liter engine producing (later revised to , because of changes in SAE power testing procedures), and the car was renamed the ES 330 (codename MCV31, however, the 3.0 L engine MCV30 model was still available). Lexus released the limited ES 330 "SportDesign" special edition in 2004. The model featured the Adaptive Variable Suspension, 17 inch Y spoke alloy wheels, Mark Levinson audio, interior upgrades, and special dark exterior colors. In 2004 for the 2005 model year, the ES received a facelift with new front and rear fascias, clear taillights, projector headlights, and a redesigned grille. Inside, features included standard audio and display steering wheel mounted controls, power adjustable pedals, heated and ventilated front seats, Bird's Eye Maple trim and optional integrated satellite radio. Lexus also offered an exclusive ES 330 "Black Diamond Edition" in 2005, featuring black wood trim, iridescent Black Diamond paint, and a set of Tumi luggage.

The fifth generation ES (GSV40) debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006 as the ES 350, featuring a six speed automatic transmission with a front wheel drive 272 hp (203 kW) aluminum 3.5 L 2GR FE V6 engine with intake and exhaust variable valve timing. The exterior design featured an all new body in the style of Lexus' new design philosophy, L finesse. The new design was sleeker than its predecessor, with a streamlined cabin and character lines across the hood, fenders, and rear pillars. The Lexus emblem returned to the grille for the first time since the first generation, and was placed at the center of a five bar horizontal grille. For the debut 2007 models, Lexus introduced a number of unique colors exclusive to the ES 350, including Aquamarine Pearl, Royal Ruby Metallic, Moon Shell Mica, and Amber Pearl. The drag coefficient was Cd 0.28. Available new features included a 300 watt, 14 speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, power seat cushion extender, radar based adaptive cruise control, rain sensing windshield wipers, power rear sunshade, DVD navigation system, and Lexus Park Assist, a sonar based warning system with backup camera. Fuel economy was estimated at in the city and on the highway. Some commentators have complained that so much power to the front wheels has produced uncomfortable torque steer in both the new ES and Camry. The ES 350 arrived at U. S. dealerships in late April 2006 as a 2007 model. The 2007 base price in the U. S. was $33,470. That year, the ES 350 was launched in North America, the Middle East, China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea and Taiwan. At the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Lexus debuted a Pebble Beach Edition ES 350, produced in partnership with the Pebble Beach Company. The Pebble Beach ES 350 came in either Truffle Mica, Pearl Silver, or Obsidian Black exterior colors, with exterior and interior badging, along with the choice of either travel or golf products by the Callaway Golf Company or Viking Range cookware. The front passenger airbag used a twin chamber design for reduced occupant discomfort upon deployment. Toyota recalled and replaced 55,000 optional all weather rubber floor mats from the Camry and ES 350 in September 2007, citing the risk of unsecured mats jamming the accelerator pedal. In August 2009, the NHTSA probed the ES 350 following 40 acceleration control complaints, eight crashes and 12 injuries, with floor mats implicated in most cases. An accident involving a loaner ES 350 killed four persons near San Diego on 28 August. The NHTSA and San Diego County Sheriff's Department found that the car was wrongly fitted with an unsecured SUV rubber floor mat; which an earlier driver had complained about. On 29 November, the 2007–2010 MY floor mat recall was revised to add shorter accelerator pedals, thinner replacement mats, and a brake override feature which ignores accelerator input when the brake pedal is depressed. Debuting first in the Chinese auto market, the 2010 ES lineup added a second model, the ES 240 (ACV40), which was produced to comply with the country's new emission laws for luxury cars, making it the first gasoline four cylinder Lexus since the 2005 IS. The ES 240 received a 2.4L 2AZ FE inline four engine producing and of torque at 4000 rpm. Several awards won by the fifth generation ES include 2009 Best Upscale Car for the Money from U. S News & World Report, AutoPacific 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Best Mid size Luxury Car, and Best New Luxury Car (under $50k) Award in 2007 at the Canadian Car of the Year Awards, selected by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. The ES 350 has also been named Consumer Guide 2008 Best Buy in the Premium Midsize Class, ConsumerSearch Best "budget" luxury sedan of 2008, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Best New Car for 2007, and Best in Class for 2008, Intellichoice Best Car Value Over $23,000 for 2007, and Polk Automotive Loyalty award for 2008.

The facelifted ES was unveiled at the April 2015 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition. Production of the updated ES 350 began at the Kentucky plant on 19 October 2015 for the 2016 model year—the first Lexus vehicle manufactured in the US. The ES is also manufactured by Toyota Motor Kyushu for markets outside North America. This plant also supplies the hybrid ES to all global markets, as the Kentucky plant builds the ES 350 only and does not build the ES 300h.

The seventh generation ES is the first to be sold in Europe, replacing the GS. It went on sale from September 2018 in Russia and other Eastern markets and from December 2018 in Western and Central Europe.

The ES was scheduled to be available in Japanese dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2018, making the debut of ES in the Japanese domestic market since the discontinuation of the XV30 based Windom as well as the introduction of Lexus brand to Japan 13 years prior. Initial deliveries of ES 300h started on 24 October 2018 in Japan, where it replaced the smaller HS 250h and served as a front wheel drive counterpart of GS until the latter's demise in 2020. The Hong Kong model was unveiled on 15 September 2018. Models included the ES250 Executive/Premium and the ES300h Executive/Premium. Lexus Safety System+ became standard in 2019. The Thailand model was unveiled on 17 August 2018. Models included the ES 300h Luxury/Grand Luxury/Premium. Lexus began local assembly of the ES 300h in India, at its new assembly line at Toyota India's plant in January 2020. Lexus is said to have invested $100 million in this new assembly line.

In the US, the ES lineup went on sale in September 2018. The US market ES was redesigned with an F Sport Trim that was never available on the ES line. This was done to attract a younger audience into purchasing or leasing an ES. The 2019 model year line up includes three trim levels – the base 3.5 liters trim, the Hybrid trim and the F Sport 3.5 liters trim. All ES models comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 that includes Pre Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Road Sign Assist (RSA). The ES also features Apple CarPlay as an option as well. Other options include the Mark Levinson surround audio system and navigation with Amazon Alexa support. Originally, only the ES 350 and ES 300h were offered. In 2020, for the 2021 model year, the ES 250 was added that also introduced Toyota's AWD drivetrain previously known as All Trac. A Black Line Special Edition package was also added for the F Sport. For the hybrid, the nickel metal hydride battery was replaced by a more compact lithium ion battery. The reduction in the height of the pack freed up trunk space, and the lower weight improved the front to rear weight distribution, which benefited handling.

The facelift model was unveiled in April 2021. It's the first year that offered an AWD, the 50/50 maximum torque distribution provided equal torque between the front and rear wheels. The ES didn't get as many updates on the exterior – the grille has a similar spindle with horizontal slats instead of a mesh design. On the sides of the car, smaller side scoops were used than the previous model. The daytime running lights got updated, featuring V shaped LEDs. The interior also got updated. The infotainment system got a touch screen, and it also had the touch pad from the center console. The standard 8 inch was moved up an extra 4.3 inches for easier accessibility. A 12.3 inch unit was offered in 2021. There were also rear view cameras added instead mirrors for better visibility, and they were installed at the bottom of the A pillar.

Drivetrain specifications by generation Generation Year(s) Model name Engine Transmission Power Torque First 1989–1991 ES 250 2.5 L V6 4 speed AT or 5 speed MT @ 5600 rpm @ 4400 rpm Second 1991–1996 ES 300 3.0 L V6 4 speed AT or 5 speed MT @ 5600 rpm @ 4400 rpm Third 1996–2001 ES 300 3.0 L V6 4 speed AT @ 5600 rpm @ 4400 rpm Fourth 2001–2003 ES 300 3.0 L V6 5 speed AT @ 5600 rpm @ 4400 rpm 2003–2006 ES 330 3.3 L V6 5 speed AT @ 5600 rpm @ 3600 rpm Fifth 2006–2012 ES 350 3.5 L V6 6 speed AT @ 6200 rpm @ 4700 rpm 2010–2012 ES 240 2.4 L I4 5 speed AT @ 6000 rpm @ 4000 rpm Sixth 2012–2018 ES 250 2.5 L I4 6 speed AT @ 6000 rpm @ 4100 rpm 2012–2018 ES 300h 2.5 L I4 (hybrid) eCVT @ 5700 rpm @ 4500 rpm 2012–2018 ES 350 3.5 L V6 6 speed AT @ 6200 rpm @ 4700 rpm 2015–2018 ES 200 2.0 L I4 6 speed AT @ 6500 rpm @ 4600 rpm Seventh 2018–present ES 200 2.0 L I4 CVT @ 6600 rpm @ 4,400–4,900 rpm 2018–present ES 250/ES 260 2.5 L I4 8 speed AT @ 6600 rpm @ 5000 rpm 2018–present ES 300h 2.5 L I4 (hybrid) eCVT @ 5700 rpm @ 3600 rpm 2018–present ES 350 3.5 L V6 8 speed AT @ 6600 rpm @ 4700 rpm 2018–present ES 200 2.0 L I4 6 speed AT @ 6500 rpm @ 4600 rpm

U. S. News & World Report named the 2009 ES 350 the Best Upscale Car for the Money. The Canadian Car of the Year Awards (selected by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) gave the ES 350 its Best New Luxury Car (under $50k) Award in 2007. Intellichoice gave the ES 330 the Best Overall Value Award in the Near Luxury Segment in 2004, 2005, and 2007. Kelley Blue Book gave the ES its Best to Hold Value Award in 1998 and 2001. J. D. Power named the ES as one of the Top Ten in Initial Quality in 1991, 1993, and 1994. The ES series was named most appealing entry luxury car by J. D. Power and Associates in 1997, 2001 and 2007. Kiplinger's Personal Finance report named the ES Best in Class for the over $30,000 segment in 1993, and the ES was a Top Pick in 2007. Automobile Magazine named the ES one of its Top Ten All Stars in 1992.