ES 250 is back for 2021! AWD, updated Hybrid, and Black Line Edition as well
08-20-20, 06:52 AM
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
ES 250 is back for 2021! AWD, updated Hybrid, and Black Line Edition as well
Looks like they took the 4-cylinder and AWD from Camry and Avalon. Those that were hoping for V6 AWD or Hybrid AWD, sorry.
https://www.cars.com/articles/2021-l...dition-425765/
https://www.cars.com/articles/2021-l...dition-425765/
08-20-20, 06:54 AM
#2
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
From Car and Driver
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-es-es250-awd/
The ES250 AWD's powertrain is the same as what's found in the all-wheel-drive versions of the Camry and Avalon. Its 2.5-liter inline-four engine makes 203 horsepower and it comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claims a combined EPA rating of 28 mpg; that's 2 mpg better than the V-6–powered, front-wheel-drive ES350, which has 302 horsepower. Lexus says there are no changes to the ES250 AWD's chassis tuning, and claims that the packaging of the all-wheel-drive system does not affect interior dimensions or cargo space. Visually, the trunklid badging is the only way to tell the difference between the two models.
08-20-20, 07:07 AM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
Ha. Some of us on here said a while ago the Avalon and ES were designed for AWD in mind, I remember the argument was heated. . And here it is. Almost every Toyota or Lexus offering now has AWD as an option. I think Corolla is the only model without the feature.
08-20-20, 07:29 AM
#4
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
And you yourself pushed the notion that Lexus would not put a 4-cylinder engine into the ES, and that it would have Toyota's eAWD system.
I can't imagine that a 4 cylinder ES will sell in the US..... I would be the Lexus ES will get E-awd for their hybrid model for North America
08-20-20, 07:42 AM
#5
Lexus Champion
Well, I was definitely wrong. I didn't think they'd put the 2.5 in the ES. I thought they would do it as a hybrid only option. Curious as to how this will do. I would say this does nothing to fill the void left open by the GS AWD, as some had expected.
08-20-20, 08:20 AM
#6
Starting price is the same between the V6 and 4-pot AWD? 
But, we all know this thing will still sell in droves, because Lexus doesn't have to put in much effort to accomplish that with the ES.
But, we all know this thing will still sell in droves, because Lexus doesn't have to put in much effort to accomplish that with the ES.
08-20-20, 08:26 AM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
ES buyers aren't into performance either. Mostly drive slow and conservatively so its a smart decision by Lexus.
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08-20-20, 08:35 AM
#8
But you're right, this absolutely will sell. Wouldn't be surprised if it outsells both the V6 and hybrid versions.
08-20-20, 11:20 AM
#9
Speaks French in Russian
Personally think its such a terrible option to have. That 4-cylinder is so unrefined for the Lexus brand (I actually hate it in the Camry/Avalon honestly), 2 mpg improvement vs. a 100hp loss does not compute for me, plus it costs the same as an ES350. Seems more like a penalty to me.
However I agree, this model will PRINT money for Toyota/Lexus.
However I agree, this model will PRINT money for Toyota/Lexus.
08-20-20, 12:31 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
i have realized i will NEVER own a 4 cylinder vehicle again. i hate the sound. i guess i had 2 in my life, both fun though (prelude, and miata).
08-20-20, 12:31 PM
#11
My biggest fear with this 4-pot AWD version is that it will be so popular that it gives Lexus an excuse to phase out the V6 from the ES. After all, the V6 only makes up like 10% of Camry/Avalon sales IIRC. At least the Camry and Avalon can justify the V6 because even 10% of their sales volumes is about half the amount of ES's sold each year.
08-20-20, 12:43 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
I don't think the low horsepower will be much of a factor for buyers.
What I do find interesting is they used the rear trim of the hybrid for the four cylinder gas model. Going to be hard to tell the two apart from a distance. And apparently the company's thinking is such low horsepower numbers aren't worthy of fancy tailpipe tips. Yet even more strange, the low horsepower offering IS worthy of an F-Sport package. Nutty...
What I do find interesting is they used the rear trim of the hybrid for the four cylinder gas model. Going to be hard to tell the two apart from a distance. And apparently the company's thinking is such low horsepower numbers aren't worthy of fancy tailpipe tips. Yet even more strange, the low horsepower offering IS worthy of an F-Sport package. Nutty...
08-20-20, 01:32 PM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Everybody who said Lexus wouldn't put the 4cyl in the ES...doesn't know the new Lexus. This engine is labored and unrefined in a FWD Camry...let alone an AWD ES. No business putting that NA 4 cyl in a luxury car. Total joke.
08-20-20, 01:52 PM
#15
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
This. Everyone else trying to make a showing of "pushing upmarket" these days, and Lexus content to live in middle manager or maybe assistant to the regional manager, level.