Lexus reveals its U.S.-spec 2016 Lexus ES with a new face and safety features

By Miles Branman Published July 10, 2015

The 2016 Lexus ES made its world debut in China this past April, but now the Japanese automaker has revealed its North American-spec version with updated styling, interior design, and safety features.

Like the global model, the front fascia has been updated with the brand’s latest big ol’ spindle grille and new LED headlights. L-themed taillights have also been integrated into the facelifted ES. Rectangular exhaust tips, optional 17-inch alloy wheels, and four new exterior colors round out the visual changes for 2016.

The interior design tweaks will need a bit larger of a magnifying glass. The steering wheel has been redesigned, and there are new color combinations and trims, a new 4.2-inch TFT screen within the instrument cluster, and an IS-inspired shift knob. Lexus claims the ES’s connectivity features have been improved thanks to the addition of Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect via mobile apps for vehicle information and alerts.

As for the safety system, Lexus has made its Safety System+ Package available for the 2016 ES, which adds a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam, and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

While the global ES received a new turbocharged four-cylinder motor, the North American ES uses the same engine options from the current generation, including a 3.5-liter V6 which makes 268 horsepower for the ES350 and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor than develops 200 HP for the ES300h. The only transmission available is a six-speed automatic.

Lexus hopes the 2016 ES’s stylish new looks will lure consumers away from competitors like the Chrysler 300, Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Genesis, and Acura TLX. Pricing has yet to be announced, but don’t expect much of a premium over the present car’s starting price of $37,700.

Former Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Topics

Cars

We tested the self-driving Mercedes tech so advanced, it’s not allowed in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan with Drive Pilot.

You can’t buy a fully self-driving car today -- and may never be able to -- but automakers are looking at ways to shift more of the workload from human drivers to machinery. Mercedes-Benz may have taken the biggest step in that direction yet.

Mercedes claims its Drive Pilot system, which was recently launched in Germany, is the first production system to achieve Level 3 on the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) autonomy scale, meaning the car can fully drive itself with the system active, but a human driver may still need to take over from time to time. It’s still a long way off from autonomous driving, but the Level 3 designation signifies a greater degree of capability than competitor systems.

Cars

Tesla recalls 130,000 U.S. vehicles over touchscreen safety issue

tesla wants youtube on touchscreens touchscreen

Tesla is recalling 129,960 of its electric cars in the U.S. over an issue with the touchscreen that could result in the device overheating or losing its image.

This is considered a safety issue as the display provides a feed from the rearview camera, as well as settings linked to the vehicle’s windshield defrosters. It also shows if the vehicle is in drive, neutral, or reverse. Tesla said it isn't aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths linked to the issue.

Mobile

HMD Global shows its serious about U.S. expansion with 5 new Nokia phones

HMD Global's range of new Nokia phones at CES 2022.

HMD Global has big plans for the U.S. market, and at CES 2022 it has revealed a new range of devices that cost less than $250, all coming out over the next months. Buoyed by LG and ZTE both leaving the U.S., it has struck lucrative deals with T-Mobile, Tracfone, Verizon, and other carriers to supply Nokia phones on pre-paid contracts, including low-cost feature phones.

To help achieve its ambitious targets in the U.S. for the coming year -- it's targeting number one in feature phones, and number three in pre-paid smartphones -- it has announced five new U.S. exclusive phones that will arrive during the first six months of the year. Top of the list is an affordable 5G phone, followed by three 4G phones, and a new feature phone with Kai OS software onboard.