Lexus is teasing the upcoming 2022 Lexus ES, one of the company’s dwindling luxury sedan offerings with the recent death of the GS. And it’s right on the heels of the introduction of the 2021 Lexus ES250 AWD, which introduced all-wheel-drive to the heretofore front-drive model range—part of a glut of AWD sedans trying to stay relevant in an SUV-frenzied market.
The good news is that the 2022 ES will largely resemble its highly attractive 2021 variant—the teaser shows that the rear end is essentially unchanged, while the front will get lightly restyled headlights—but that’s also the bad news. This isn’t going to be a heavy refresh.
If you like the 2021 ES, that’s perfectly fine. It’s a bargain compared to its flashier competitors, such as the Genesis G80 and Volvo S90, and its reputations for quality and reliability are unimpeachable. Related to the roomy Toyota Avalon, the ES’s interior is spacious enough that you can stretch out in the front or back. The unusual gauge cluster hood adds some flavor to what’s otherwise a competent but staid luxury car dashboard. And the optional AWD powertrain pairs four-cylinder economy with a price that matches the front-drive-only V-6 models. And don’t forget the ES 300h hybrid model, which is even quieter and obviously more efficient.
The ES has always emphasized serenity and comfort, and the 2021 version is no exception—and even with the death of the sportier GS, we don’t see that changing for 2022. Whatever the changes entail, we’ll find out on April 18 in Shanghai.
