(June 29, 2023) PLANO, Texas  — The top-selling sedan in the Lexus lineup, the ES, sees minor changes for the 2024 model year, including a new available Technology Package and 18-inch wheels with Vapor Chrome finish that come standard for the Ultra Luxury grade. Starting price including destination is $43,190. The 2024 ES continues to cater to a diversity of lifestyles with three available powerful engines, all-wheel drive capability and two F SPORT models. The new 2024 ES is expected to arrive in dealerships this summer.

Prices top out at $50,885 for the F Sport handling package.

The Lexus ES rides on the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, an exceptionally rigid front-wheel drive chassis made from several grades of high-strength steel. Laser Screw Welding, a construction method shared with the LS sedan and RZ battery-electric vehicle, makes for a truly robust structure. A strut tower brace, multiple reinforcement panels for the strut towers themselves, and radiator support braces are also used to enhance front-end stiffness.

The suspension is tuned for ideal responsiveness for the chassis. The front suspension features a strut angle that aligns at the ideal angle to improve ride quality. The Dynamic Control Shocks are capable of responding to even the smallest movements thanks to a non-overlapping auxiliary valve that allows damper oil to flow in either direction before entering the main valve.

The rear suspension design utilizes a trailing arm and a multilink setup that also benefits from the responsiveness of the Dynamic Control Shocks. Higher placement of the trailing arm mounting point and a larger bushing size assist in dampening road irregularities. Wider spacing of the stabilizer bushing mounts can also contribute to overall roll reduction.

The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that is designed to deliver responsive acceleration along with impressive efficiency. The V6 features the D-4S fuel injection system, which uses high-pressure injectors to deliver fuel directly into the combustion chamber along with a low-pressure system that delivers fuel to the intake ports. Together with the addition of Variable Valve Timing-intelligence Wide (VVT-iW) for the intake valves, the engine is capable of operating on either the traditional Otto cycle during sporty driving or the more efficient Atkinson cycle when power demand is low.

The 3.5-liter V6 is rated to produce 302 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm with an EPA-estimated MPG rating of 22/32/26 (city/highway/combined). To complement the power of the updated V6, an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission is also used.

The Lexus ES 250 AWD sends torque to all four wheels, enabling the 2.5-liter L4 engine to power through conditions when traction is low to allow better acceleration with less tire slip. Dynamic Torque Control AWD assists with providing effective traction for inclement and slippery weather while helping to minimize AWD’s typical drag on fuel economy. The system directs up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, in response to acceleration from a start or slippage at the front wheels.

When AWD isn’t needed, the electromagnetic controlled coupling on the rear drive axle disengages the propeller shaft to help prioritize fuel efficiency. The AWD is designed to re-engage in an instant, when needed, and its operation is transparent to the driver and passengers.

The hybrid ES 300h’s 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine running on the Atkinson cycle is coupled with a smaller, more power dense electric motor and a hybrid transaxle. The results are a combined 215 total system horsepower and an EPA-estimated MPG rating of 43/44/44 (city/highway/combined). A lithium-ion battery is located underneath the back seat, freeing up trunk space, and improving the front-to-rear weight distribution to help with better handling.

The ES 300h features a hybrid control system designed to deliver a more linear acceleration feel by aligning engine speed more closely with vehicle speed. Engaging the Sport drive mode further enhances acceleration by boosting torque at lower speeds while paddle shifters can be used to move through six simulated gears for more precise control.