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Features in the non-US 7ES that we don't get in the US
So it's not always easy to tell, but I'm sort of bummed that there are features of the non-US versions of the ES that we don't get in the US version.
For example, the UK and Japanese versions (not sure of others) gets a rear console that controls a third rear temperature zone. It also controls some rear reclining seats and sunshade.
The rear seats have bolstered headrests.
Also, the non-US version gets optional digital side view mirrors and screens, which we don't get because of stupid things called laws...
Also it should be noted that their exterior color choices appear different; not simply different names, but actually different colors. There are some that are the same, of course. It looks like they still get the lines etched into the leather door panels, whereas the SA leather on the 7ES does not get that treatment anymore in the US.
What's a digital side view mirror? Can't miss something until I know what it is
Here's UK Lexus's news release on ES digital side mirrors - Digital Side-View Monitors on the Lexus ES. Scroll down a bit to see an interior photo to see how the two outside rear views are displayed on interior mounted small video displays.
Reclining rear seats
Heated rear seats
Double passenger seat buttons
Rear sunshade commands
Radio commands
Blade headlights
Digital side mirrors
110V
Made in Japan
In the UAE we do not get the side digital mirrors but we do get the following.
1. Thicker carpet.
2. Air and other controls behind
3. Chrome side moldings and on the door handle
4. Seat adjustment for the passenger side on the left of the seat for the driver to change easily
5. Passenger side 3 memory seats
6. We do not have to pay for our navigation. It's in Arabic and even if you change it to English it still talks in Arabic. I haven't figured it out yet but it's rubbish. car play is the only way to go.
I don't understand why makers of even nicer cars insist on using thin garbage carpeting. I bought aftermarket to get something thicker, quicker and much better looking.
Time to cue the "I hate carpeting, and only want plastic mats, so easy to clean, etc.". Let it be an option then, but I don't get why we (here in the US) always seem to now go for the lowest common denominator in almost everything. Aren't we supposed to have options and choices? Instead the "make it cheap" crowd usually gets its way and that's it - sorry, deal with the least expensive, say the companies. The best example of this is US domestic air travel - give us lowest fares, I don't need a pillow or a meal, blah blah. So the companies said okay, and boom, it all goes away, seats get crammed together and, ta-da, people complain about how uncomfortable it is and why don't I get some amenities? All so silly.
As I’ve said before, I still recall the thick carpet and luxurious seats and upholstery in the Cadillacs and high level GM cars of the last century. How elegant! Though the cars didn’t last much beyond the payment book’s remittance vouchers!
Should get mechanical quality and luxury, as well, in a car of the ES 350 level, maybe in 2025 things will change in that regard.
Lexus deliberately omits ES options and features in North America (I think) because they want you to upgrade to an LS (more profit for them). In many markets the LS is too big or not available so in those cases they offer more features in the ES.
As a previous LS500 owner, that is one of my pet peeves. I prefer the size of the ES but I would love to have the massaging seat from my LS in my ES. I find it annoying that you *have* to buy the physically bigger car to get more luxury, here anyway.
Lexus deliberately omits ES options and features in North America (I think) because they want you to upgrade to an LS (more profit for them). In many markets the LS is too big or not available so in those cases they offer more features in the ES.
As a previous LS500 owner, that is one of my pet peeves. I prefer the size of the ES but I would love to have the massaging seat from my LS in my ES. I find it annoying that you *have* to buy the physically bigger car to get more luxury, here anyway.
What you say is true but Lexus continues to damage its brand and flagship car with these decisions. The cars the ES potentially competes against, for instance, almost offer massaging seats. Their thinking is odd on many fronts.
Ride is another area many of complained about. I love my 7ES but it is not as smooth as my previous ones. They’ve also made the LS, which was famed for its smoothness get a ride that many reviewers and customers have complained about. On You Tube, the Car Care Nut, who I really like, just did a video on the 23 LS. He had a great line about “Lexus’ relentless pursuit of ruining rides to make them sporty, which they are not.” What a perfect - and true - statement. From the LS to the ES and the new RX, all less smooth.
Car Care Nut speaks the truth too. I thought Tesla owner forums were bad but they are not as bad as here. Yeah Lexus dumped the GS, the LS isn't what it should be, I think the ES is a good sedan right now, not perfect but no car is. My biggest gripes after 26000 km is the lack of rear heated seats and too firm of seat cushions for an Ultra Luxury model. They may mess it up with the next redesign, but maybe not. Time will tell.
Last edited by DaveGS4; 06-25-23 at 07:46 PM.
Reason: Pm me if you want to discuss restriction. You are incorrect
06-23-23, 06:58 PM
Features in the non-US 7ES that we don't get in the US
