First look: Lexus delivers all-new ES350

ALTHOUGH the ES range is popular in North America, Australians never warmed to the warmed-over Toyota product when it sold here several years ago.

And given Toyota is pushing the six-speed Aurion 3.5-litre V6 as its up-spec model in the range, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to do the sums and think the ES would be superfluous to Lexus needs Down Under.

Also, if it were to be offered here, the six-speed auto-equipped, 3.5-litre V6-powered ES (revealed at this month's Chicago motor show) would clash with the Aurion – as well as the new IS range - on price, packaging and performance.

However, take a closer look at the ES’s interior. We’d like to make a bet that Toyota will steal it for the Aurion’s interior in a move to further differential it from the bread-and-butter Camry.