Lexus ES cuts ties to Toyota Camry

The new ES is moving up and away from its one-time twin, finally earning a dedicated development program intended to make it a real Lexus and not just a Camry with a posh badge. The ES hits Australia before the end of the year with a two-poweplant plan that includes a hybrid for the first time, and big promises about improvements in every area.

"The decision to develop ES on a different platform came about in the initial development stage, when I drove the previous generations and spoke to potential customers about the things they liked and disliked about ES," the car's chief engineer, Toshio Asahi, reveals to Carsguide from Japan.

"At that early stage of development it became clear that space, refinement and comfort were the priority. But I also knew that dynamic performance needed some attention. To achieve this we engineered a new longer, wider, lower and more-rigid platform - then designed the suspension systems from this solid base."

It's a very different approach to the earlier ES models, which were set as price leaders in Australia. Just over 7000 cars were sold here before the ES was withdrawn in 2006, with 2800 still in known active service. But the car was very similar to the Jaguar X-Type - a re-badged and re-bodied Ford Mondeo - with a loyal group of older owners but few converts.

Lexus Australia lobbied hard to ensure it gets the new ES, driving the right-hand drive program, and also a petrol starter car that's more suitable for luxury buyers than the hybrid CT200h or sporty IS. That points to a price point beyond either the CT or IS, most likely starting beyond $60,000.

"ES will target a very different customer . . . in that ES customers prioritise space, comfort and quietness over driving dynamics," says Asahi. He says a lot of work went into the new ES, just as Lexus has reinvented both the mid-sized GS and compact IS over the past three years to give them more impact and driving enjoyment.

"As for the exterior design . . . it leverages L-finesse design with spindle grille that delivers a resolute look that is distinctive, sporty and elegance. For its interior, ES aims to achieve advanced design incorporating Lexus Remote Touch, while also offering many luxury accents such as wood grain ornaments and leather seats."

"As for driving dynamics, we focused on the improvement of driving comfort, straight-running stability at high speed, while further improving ES’ high levels of quietness." He says the showroom position of the ES is unchanged despite the improved chassis, with the emphasis on luxury.

"When ES was first launched it was called the compact LS, offering many of the features and traits of our flagship vehicle in a smaller body – today that is no different," Asahi says. "Even though it is an entry luxury sedan . . . interior space is comparable to S Class and ride comfort and NVH are key selling points for this vehicle."

News from Japan on the ES comes as Lexus Australia confirms three new models, with the ES 300h and ES 350 opening the action in late 2013, ahead of the GS 300h hybrid in early 2014. “The return of ES to Australia is a direct result of continued customer demand and we are pleased to have secured not one but two options for them while simultaneously expanding our innovative hybrid vehicle portfolio," says the chief executive of Lexus Australia, Sean Hanley.

This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover