New Lexus ES 250 gets all-wheel drive

For the first time in about three decades, the Japan-made Lexus ES once again is available with an AWD transmission. Only the ES 250 model gets the honors, though.

The business sedan borrows its Dynamic Torque Control AWD system from the Camry and the Avalon, which in turn received it from the RAV4 last year. Whenever the front wheels skid a coupling at the rear axle activates, sending exactly half of the torque to the rear end.

Powering the Lexus ES 250 AWD is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine worth 206 hp (154 kW). The gearbox is eight-speed automatic.

Aside from this, the premium vehicle comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 and a few purely decorative touches to tell it from its 2WD version – the spoiler details, mirror caps and wheels are black, among other things.

Prices begin at U.S. $40,925.