The 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD is the first all-wheel drive model for the Lexus ES series bringing with it the increased confidence in inclement weather. From snow to rainy days or even the off-chance gravel road, drivers can be assured the Lexus ES 250 AWD will help keep all four tires grounded – meaning more points of contact with the ground with the ability to help maintain traction on the back tires around turns.
Estimated fuel rating of 8.4 L/100km, better than other gas models in the Lexus ES series.
Dynamic Torque Control AWD can provide effective traction for inclement and slippery weather while minimizing AWD’s typical drag on fuel economy. The system can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, in response to acceleration from a start or slippage at the front wheels.
The transformation to AWD does not add vehicle weight, and trunk space is consistent with FWD versions. The suspension tuning, wheels, and tires differentiating the ES model grades carry over to the AWD versions. That means, for example, the ES F SPORT grade features the same sport-tuned suspension and 19- inch wheels in both FWD and AWD versions.
To make multimedia connectivity seamless for Lexus owners, all 2021 Lexus ES models feature Apple CarPlayTM® and Android AutoTMTM compatibility. The Lexus multimedia system sits high on the Lexus ES dashboard and measures 8 inches wide on the Lexus ES 250 AWD Signature model and 12.3 inches wide on all other Lexus ES 250 AWD, the Electro Multi Vision (EMV) display features crisp, easy-to-read graphics and a revised menu system.
A 10-speaker Pioneer audio system comes standard on all models.
The Enform Safety Connect trial is offered for the first 3 years of ownership with access to Lexus Enform Response Centers for emergency support 24/7/365. With the Enform Service Connect — provided for the first 10 years of ownership — the Lexus ES can send vehicle health reports straight to the Lexus App.
Enform Remote comes with a three-year trial, offering Guests the ability to remotely view and control certain aspects of the Lexus ES using the Lexus App for iOS and Android® devices. Functions include remote door lock/unlock; remote engine start/stop; last parked location, Guest driver settings and more. Select features can also be used with an Amazon AlexaTM or Google Assistant enabled device. Select models also come equipped with Lexus Navigation as well as a three-year trial of Enform Destination Assist.
Key refinements to the driving position were made to the seventh-generation Lexus ES including a more natural steering wheel angle, revised pedal positions and standard 10-way power adjustable front seats. Taking cues from the flagship Lexus LS, the wheel is directly borrowed from the flagship and features an ergonomically shaped wheel and optional wood trim and heating elements. Heated seats are also available for the driver and front passenger along with a new suction-type ventilation system that provides improved cooling in hot weather.
The drivers aren’t the only ones receiving attention, however. Rear-seat passenger comfort is still a hallmark of the Lexus ES, with headroom that is enhanced compared to the previous generation through the use of a lower hip point and a carefully configured headliner. The Lexus ES also can hold its own in the storage space department, literally, as it features 393 litre of trunk space along with additional underfloor side pockets for smaller items. The hybrid model also offers the same cargo dimensions since the battery pack is located underneath the rear seat. An optional hands-free trunk opener makes loading cargo an easy task.
All grades of the 2021 Lexus ES feature Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard equipment. The Pre-Collision System (PCS) included with LSS+ 2.0 employs both a millimeter wave radar and a monocular camera sensor system designed to detect a preceding vehicle, a bicyclist in daytime situations as well as a preceding vehicle and a pedestrian in both daylight and low-light situations.
The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) system remains an integral part of LSS+ 2.0. It’s designed to alert the driver when it senses that the vehicle is deviating from its lane with audible and visual alerts, as well as steering wheel vibration. It’s also capable of providing a certain amount of steering assist to help keep the car from deviating from its marked lane.
The Lane Departure Alert with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) comes standard and is designed to detect lane markings to determine lane position and place the vehicle in the center of the lane when working in conjunction with the All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. If road markings are not detected, LTA is also capable, in certain conditions, of following the car ahead of it.