Lexus is expanding the 2021 Lexus ES lineup with the addition of a new all-wheel drive version, in addition to the Black Line Special Edition.
The all-wheel drive ES is available as the 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD, which is powered by the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can send up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. The four-cylinder generates 203 horsepower and it’s estimated that the ES 250 AED will have a 28 mpg combined rating. Our only wish is that the all-wheel drive system was available with the V6, but we’re not surprised, since the all-wheel drive versions of its cousins, the Toyota Avalon and Camry are also only available with a four-cylinder.
Speaking of the V6, the ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. If you want something more fuel efficient, there’s also the ES 300h hybrid with its 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain that has a 44 mg combined rating.
The new 2021 ES 350 Black Line Special Edition is based on the F Sport trim level and is available in three colors: Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, Obsidian and Ultra White. The exterior stands out with its black outer mirrors, darkened F Sport wheels and a black rear lip spoiler. Inside there’s a two-tone interior white and black them with gray stitching.
The Black Line Special Edition also comes with two customized Zero Halliburton travel cases, a 22” Continental carry-on and a 26” medium travel case. Lexus only plans to build 1,500 2021 ES 350 Black Line Special Edition models.
The only other big update is that the ES 350 and 300h now comes standard with a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert on the Luxury, F Sport, Ultra Luxury trim levels.
The 2021 Lexus ES starts at $40,925, including the destination fees. It arrives this fall.
