Lexus ES350 and ES300h Get Facelift

Under its hood, the 2016 Lexus ES 350 is making use of a 3.5 liter V6 engine, rated at 268 HP (199 kW), connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission which is sending power to the FWD.

Unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier in 2015, the Lexus ES facelift is now available in US-specification, and the updated spindle grille is the main visual makeover of the Japanese full-size sedan.

Pop open the door and if you’re really, really familiar with the ES, you might notice a few novelties like the redesigned steering wheel, a fresh assortment of color combos and trims that include Linear Dark Mocha, Illustrious Piano Black (replaces Piano Black) and Bamboo with a matte finish (replaces gloss finish), a 4.2-inch TFT screen between the instruments and a new IS-inspired shift knob with a leather boot. Smartphone integration and remote connectivity are also improved for the latest model year. A bit of equipment reshuffling means that equipment like the Mark Levinson sound system and the panoramic sunroof can be bundled with all available option packages.

The vehicle has also received the Lexus Safety System+ Package, which is adding the High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, the Intelligent High Beam headlights and the Pre-Collision System. The 300h hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter straight-four with two electric motors for a total output of 200 ponies.