With many of Lexus' models newly introduced, redesigned or refreshed over the last couple of years, the fifth generation ES, originally introduced as a 2013 model, is beginning to show its age. Now, the company chose the Shanghai Auto Show to pull the covers off of the 2016 ES, an updated model that should hit dealerships later this year. Still based on the Camry, the most noticeable change is an updated exterior featuring a new grille and headlights that will fit in well with the rest of the Lexus family.

Further exterior updates include an L shaped LED daytime running light configuration up front, revised rear lights, new chrome finishes and new exhaust tips. The 2016 will also gain an array of new colors, each featuring Lexus' "self-healing" exterior paint coat, perfect for shallow scratches. Interior updates include new color choices and a larger variety of leather selections. A new matte-finish Bamboo trim will also be available for the dashboard. The steering wheel has also been modified, and the digital display has been enlarged to 4.2-inches. The 2016 model gains no new powertrains in the US, keeping the ES350's 268 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the ES300h's 2.5-liter four-pot.

Lexus promises structural reinforcements under the skin that should enhance ride quality and handling while improving the unibody's stiffness. There are also enhancements to the car's insulation, and the addition of the Lexus Safety System+ driver assistance technologies.