2016 Lexus ES 350 & ES 300h Information

krew

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krew
15-07-10-lexus-es-350-2016-400x200.jpg


New information on the updated 2016 Lexus ES 350 & ES 300h has been released today, with both models getting a significant exterior refresh, upgraded safety systems, and new interior tech.
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I hope Lexus will stop shortchanging Canadians. Currently we get fewer individual options (only packages), fewer colours, fewer personalization choices, fewer safety features (except on fully-loaded models which few people purchase), and of course no Lexus Enform at all.
 

corradoMR2

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I hope Lexus will stop shortchanging Canadians. Currently we get fewer individual options (only packages), fewer colours, fewer personalization choices, fewer safety features (except on fully-loaded models which few people purchase), and of course no Lexus Enform at all.
Agree with you on Enform compared to the US, our Canadian Nav/Infotainment is as good as a 10-year old Garmin. :(

However, if you compare the rest of what we get in Canada against the US, it's mostly a toss-up, with the NX as an exception where we have a lot more equipment.

US gets +++
- selection of exterior and interior colors, especially in F or F Sport models (Canada, we just get black or R. Red). For instance, I'd love to see Silver Lining Metallic on the RC F Sport currently in the US, but not in Canada. I'd love to also get the light gray interior on the F / F Sports...
-NX can get summer fatter rubber on graphite wheels on the F Sport models, in Canada no.
- Better availability of RWD models. i.e. RIP GS RWD in Canada unless you go for the 450h.

Canada +++
- But, we get Ultrasonic Blue on the IS, they don't but they get more Silver Lining Metallic / Liquid Platinum availability whereas we don't (we just have the more beige-like Atomic Silver).
- NX we get AVS and HUD, US misses out on these two really great features especially the AVS which enhances ride quality and body motions/handling. We also more easily get the triple L LED lights while it's much more difficult to get in the US. US does get ASC (Active Sound Control) on the NX and we don't.
- We also get standard AWD on all SUVs, cargo net, 4-season mats, and so on.

In short, if you go model-per-model, there are tradeoffs between the two countries with no one country significantly better than the other with the exception of the NX (Canada is "luckier"). I agree, we don't have the choice of individual options but we're a 10x smaller market so selection has to be reduced. And I agree, lack of Enform is a BIG omission.


As for the '16 ES, it's growing on me the more I see it. Love especially the small but effective interior enhancements!
 

mikeavelli

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Very solid updates. Great job here Lexus.
Also note ML and the Panoramic Roof can be chosen with any option package!
 

IS-SV

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Never my favorite cars, I've driven them fairly extensively. Although I've always viewed ES as well-styled, I'm looking forward to seeing enhancements.

Lexus (ES) and Mercedes (CLA) have done a nice job of making these fwd premium cars unique to justify price difference over less attractive regular Accords and Camrys.
 
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I hope Lexus will stop shortchanging Canadians. Currently we get fewer individual options (only packages), fewer colours, fewer personalization choices, fewer safety features (except on fully-loaded models which few people purchase), and of course no Lexus Enform at all.
I should have made it clear that I was referring only to the ES and the very restricted availability of important features on those supplied to Canada.
 

mmcartalk

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Thanks for the post, Mike. Some useful info and pics on the 2016.

A friend of mine, who I regularly swim with in the morning, will be turning his ES350 back in, come September, after a 27-month lease. If he decides on another ES (assuming he doesn't buy his existing car out, which I don't think he will do because of its low depreciation and high residual price), this might help him decide between a new, end-of-model-year 2015 ES or a new 2016, which probably will just start to be available around then. Myself? I like the existing front end and body-styling of the 2015 better, but prefer the 2016's interior updates.
 

CIF

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Great photos, shows off the update nicely. Amazing how much little details added together make a difference! To me the front end looks MUCH more luxurious with this update, and the interior has much-needed improvements. Not major interior improvements, but I am expecting that for the next-generation ES.
 

krew

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To me the front end looks MUCH more luxurious with this update, and the interior has much-needed improvements. Not major interior improvements, but I am expecting that for the next-generation ES.

I swear -- I squint my eyes a little bit and the front end of the ES looks like an RC. Very unexpected.
 

krew

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However, if you compare the rest of what we get in Canada against the US, it's mostly a toss-up, with the NX as an exception where we have a lot more equipment.

Great breakdown, thanks for sharing!