Lexus Shows the Revised, 2022 ES

• Lexus’ new ES sedan is updated inside and out, replacing both the outgoing ES and the discontinued GS.

• Changes include new touch-screen functions, new LED headlamps, and a new F-Sport hybrid available in some areas.

• The car is being shown at the Shanghai show.

Lexus refreshed its ES just last August, adding all-wheel drive and growing the car a couple inches. Now comes another refresh, with lightly restyled headlights and some multimedia updates. The F-Sport model gets a new handling package and there will be an F-Sport hybrid in what Lexus calls “select regions.” Lexus officials told Autoweek that “select regions” means the 300h F-Sport is going to be “available in Western states for 2022.

“We are always studying consumer preferences and demand,” a Lexus official told us, adding that in certain regions of the country hybrid powertrains make more sense.

Lexus says that with the added variety, “the ES family continues to offer Lexus guests choices to fit their diverse interests and lifestyles.”

The exterior changes include a revised grille, while the biggest change inside is that the standard 8.0-inch and optional 12.3-inch color multimedia displays have been moved forward 4.3 inches. They also now have touch-screen functionality in addition to the remote touch interface. Lexus officials told Autoweek that the powertrains are carryover. That means the ES 250 AWD has a 2.5-liter four making 203 hp and returning 28 mpg, the best of all gas-powered ES sedans. The AWD system can send up to 50 percent of the power to the rear when needed, and when not needed, it electromagnetically decouples the prop shaft to save fuel. Lexus says the DTC AWD does not impede on legroom, trunk room, ride comfort, cabin quietness or vehicle agility.