Lexus ES Engineers Argued Over The One Thing Luxury Buyers Feel Every Day

The Fight For The Perfect Ride

When Lexus introduced the eighth-generation ES last year, not everyone was impressed. Some argued that the design looked too futuristic and not particularly “Lexus-like,” while others were unhappy to see the V6 dropped in favor of electrified options. Interestingly, however, neither of those issues sparked the most debate during the car’s development.

Instead, according to CarScoops, the suspension setup became one of the most heavily debated aspects of the project. The development team reportedly disagreed over whether to tune the suspension for a softer ride that would prioritize comfort or a firmer setup that would deliver a sportier driving experience.

“We discussed shock absorbers until the very end,” Lexus ES chief engineer Kohei Chiashi told the publication. “We have to offer good road feel, but balance it between comfort and connection. We went back and forth with the dampers about where to set them in the final car.”

Comfort Or Connection?

A softer suspension tune generally improves comfort because the springs and dampers allow more body movement and absorb road imperfections more gently. However, that added compliance can reduce the feeling of connection between the car and the road. It may also allow more body roll during cornering, as the suspension compresses on one side and unloads on the other, which can make the car feel less sharp when driven aggressively.

Such a decision may be crucial given that the Lexus ES is now available with all-electric powertrains, forcing the development team to pay closer attention to vehicle weight and body control. At the same time, if the model aims to compete with rivals such as the BMW 5 Series, a firmer suspension tune could help deliver more engaging driving dynamics.

The ES retains a MacPherson strut front suspension but adopts a multi-link rear suspension for the first time.

Under The Skin

Beyond the suspension, Chiashi said the more rigid platform also contributed to improvements in ride quality, noise isolation, and vibration control. The ES rides on a platform that Lexus describes as an evolution of the previous-generation model’s TNGA-K underpinnings.

U.S.-bound ES models are now sourced from Japan after Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky shifted its focus toward the Camry, RAV4, and an all-new three-row EV version of the Highlander. Pricing starts at $48,895 for the entry-level ES 350e Premium, while a hybrid variant is expected to join the lineup this month.

View the full article