When Lexus Philippines invited me to the global launch of the new Lexus ES in La Jolla, California, not far from San Diego, I was upfront in telling Mike Santos, the trip lead, that the last time I had driven more than a kilometer was 34 years ago. No worries, Mike said. I could focus on the rear-seat experience. After all, that’s how many Lexus owners across Asia experience the sedan. So that’s where I sat as we started our drive. The new ES is noticeably larger than the model it replaces. Its length has increased by 165 mm to 5,140 mm, width by 55 mm to 1,920 mm, and wheelbase by 80 mm to 2,950 mm. The result: a cabin that feels more spacious, particularly for rear-seat passengers. That matters particularly in the Philippines and other Asian countries, where many luxury vehicle owners spend much of their time being..
