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The 2023 Lexus ES gets various technology updates, including new infotainment and app connectivity features. It opens at $62,140 before on-roads.

Lexus continues its range-wide overhaul of in-car tech, with the ES the latest recipient.

The 2023 Lexus ES gets overhauled infotainment and more accessible services via the Lexus Connected app.

The updated range goes on sale in September, priced from $62,140 before on-road costs.

Prices are up by $520 on ES250 models and $990 on ES300h models.

The latest update follows one late in 2021 that brought a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen with touch capability, as well as Lexus Connected Services.

The infotainment system gains wireless Apple CarPlay, though you’ll still need to plug in to use Android Auto.

There’s cloud-based navigation with live traffic, weather, parking and map updates and first- and last-mile routing, syncing with the Lexus Connected app.

These are in addition to the existing SOS emergency call, stolen vehicle tracking, and automatic collision notification functions.

You can use the app to remotely lock, unlock or start the ES or sound its horn, while you can also use it to view vehicle information like the odometer, fuel level, location, tyre pressures, and recent trip details.

You can also remotely check whether you left the doors, windows, boot or bonnet open.

Removing the trackpad frees up space on the centre console for the wireless phone charger, which is now standard across the range.

Previously, this was found in the centre console bin, and opting for an ES so equipped meant you missed out on a pair of USB-C outlets.

These are now on all ES models, while there’s also a USB-C port near the shifter.

There have been some trim and colour changes, too, with a Solis White interior replacing Rich Cream, while Onyx has been dropped from the exterior colour palette.

Otherwise, the ES’ spec sheet is unchanged from the 2022 model, including the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated and hybrid four-cylinder powertrains.

All prices exclude on-road costs.

The Lexus ES300h is powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid system, with a combined power output of 160kW.

It blends power from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 221Nm of torque and an electric motor with 202Nm of torque, but Lexus doesn’t quote a combined torque figure.

Drive is sent to the front wheels through an e-CVT automatic transmission.

The Lexus ES250 draws is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine shared with the Toyota RAV4 and Camry and Lexus NX250.

It develops 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Lexus ES250 uses 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle, while the ES300h uses 4.8L/100km.

The Lexus ES measures 4975mm long, 1865mm wide and 1445mm tall, with a 2870mm wheelbase.

The ES250 Luxury tips the scales at 1680kg, while the ES300h Luxury weighs in at 1740kg.

Total luggage space is 473L.

The Lexus ES is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Lexus also offers three years or 45,000km of capped-price servicing, which includes service loan cars and 24-hour roadside assistance. Each service is currently capped at $495.

The Lexus ES wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing carried out in 2018.

It scored 91 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupants, an impressive 90 per cent for vulnerable road users and 76 per cent for safety assist.

Dual frontal airbags, driver and passenger knee airbags, front and rear chest-protecting side airbags and head-protecting side airbags (curtains) are standard equipment.

The 2022 ES debuted a new turning assist system, which will apply the brakes if you’re about to cause an accident by turning across traffic, and a steering assist system.

Standard safety equipment also includes:

Standard equipment in the ES250 Luxury includes:

The optional Enhancement Pack adds:

The ES300h Luxury features:

Its optional Enhancement Pack adds:

The ES250 F Sport features (in addition to ES250 Luxury):

The ES300h F Sport gains:

The ES300h F Sport’s optional Enhancement Pack gets:

The ES300h Sports Luxury features (in addition to ES300h Luxury with Enhancement Pack):

The ES is available in the following colours:

William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel (remember that?), briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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