2022 Lexus ES features detailed: Mercedes-Benz CLA and Volkswagen Arteon rival's facelift to step up with new spec - active safety systems included

Lexus Australia has confirmed full specification details – but not pricing – for the facelifted version of the seventh-generation ES, with the mid-size sedan set to enter showrooms on September 29.

As reported, the carryover ES300h and its ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain will be joined by an entry-level ES250 with a 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine, which is mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic.

For reference, the ES300h continues to pair its own 131kW/221Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine with an 88kW/202Nm electric motor for a combined power output of 160kW. It’s still mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT).

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The ES250 sprints from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds, and its fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test (ADR 81/02) is 6.6L/100km. Comparatively, the ES300h hits triple digits in 8.9s and drinks 4.8L/100km.

That said, both the ES250 and ES300h will be available in entry-level Luxury and mid-range F Sport grades with optional Enhancement Packs, while the latter will go a step further with a Sports Luxury flagship.

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport

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2022 Lexus ES300h Sports Luxury

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In terms of standard specification, the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Volkswagen Arteon rival’s facelift ushers in revised rear suspension for improved ride and handling as well as a new 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system.

Safety-wise, the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system has been upgraded with intersection assist, while steering assist now has emergency functionality.

The F Sport and Sports Luxury grades also debut adaptive BladeScan LED high beams, while the adaptive dampers of the former’s ES300h variant now have a wider variable range of damping force thanks to a new actuator.

Features in the Luxury grade otherwise include 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a sunroof, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, a 10-speaker sound system, a 7.0-inch multifunction display, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, and dual-zone climate control.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, high-beam assist, active blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, rear AEB, a reversing camera and tyre pressure monitoring.

The ES250 Luxury can add an Enhancement Pack, which bundles in a smart key card, rear privacy glass, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging and two rear USB ports, all of which are standard in ES300h Luxury, which also gets Active Noise Control, a rear spoiler and a power-adjustable steering column.

Of course, the ES300h Luxury has its own optional Enhancement Pack, which can add 18-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power-operated bootlid (new), a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory functionality, cooled front seats, rear sunshades and surround-view cameras.

The F Sport grade’s standard equipment extends to a body kit (including bumpers and grille), 19-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power-operated bootlid, an 8.0-inch multifunction display, cooled front seats, driver memory functionality, rear sunshades, black, red or white (new) leather-accented upholstery, and surround-view cameras.

Going a step further is the ES300h F Sport, which can step up with an Enhancement Pack that introduces a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and a heated steering wheel, which already come with the ES300h Sports Luxury.

The flagship variant not only forgoes the F Sport grade’s sports suspension, but also downsizes to 18-inch alloy wheels while featuring powered-adjustable outboard rear seats with heating, tri-zone climate control and semi-aniline leather upholstery.

For reference, the pre-facelift LS range started from $62,525 plus on-road costs for the ES300h Luxury and reached $77,000 for the ES300h Sports Luxury, but expect pricing to increase alongside the inclusion of more features.