The new Lexus ES has gone the way of the Toyota Camry

25 April 2018

A Lexus GS is preparing to retire

For anybody not a secret that the Lexus ES and Toyota Camry from a technical standpoint are the closest relatives. And since Camry has recently been significantly updated, now it's time to change the generation and its more prestigious counterpart.

Visual metamorphosis can not be called revolutionary. The front was a large spindle grille and led running lights in the form of ticks. In comparison with the predecessor, the sedan was 66 mm longer (4 976 mm), 46 mm wider (1 864 mm) and 51 mm lower (1 445 mm). The wheelbase was stretched from 51 mm (2 870 mm), although it is still inferior to all key competitors (if you see among business sedans from European brands).

For example the new Toyota Camry Lexus moved to a fresh platform GA-K, belonging to the family TNGA. Among its key benefits the manufacturer often mentions a lower center of gravity and driversi character. At the same time, the engineers sought to maintain a high level of comfort.

Not have happened surprises on the part of the hardware. Lexus ES 350 in versions for the U.S. market will receive the latest iteration of the 3.5-liter atmospheric V6, whose power is 306 horsepower. At the same time, for Russia, its impact will fit in the "pre-tax" 250 horsepower. Will also keep their seats version of the ES 250 and ES 200. Most likely, the ES 200 will get old two-liter engine with six-speed automatic transmission, but the ES 250 will have a more recent version of the power unit, including a modernized "four" in volume of 2.5 liters, and automatic transmission of eight speeds. In the United States and sold by the same Toyota Camry, but in Russia, the new Camry is available only with an old filling.

But the main innovation is hidden from the eyes. From now on, the Lexus ES will be alone to fight in the segment of sedans of a business class: the new model will replace ES not only last, but also quite popular once the Lexus GS. This model has similar dimensions, but according to tradition was built on a rear-drive platform (Lexus ES has only front-wheel drive). In a Japanese company decided that due to falling demand it to pay, so GS is on its last legs.