Maritime winters demand more from a luxury sedan than smooth interiors and advanced technology. When freezing rain coats Highway 1 or lake-effect snow sweeps through the Kennebecasis Valley, the drivetrain layout becomes the difference between confidence and concern.
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 AWD addresses winter driving challenges with Lexus Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive, a system engineered to distribute power intelligently between front and rear wheels as traction demands change. For drivers in Saint John facing unpredictable weather from November through April, this capability shifts daily driving from cautious navigation to controlled progress.
Dynamic Torque Control AWD: How It Works in Winter Conditions
The Lexus Dynamic Torque Control AWD system monitors wheel speed, steering angle, and throttle input continuously. Under normal driving conditions, the system sends 100 per cent of torque to the front wheels to maximize fuel efficiency.
When the system detects reduced traction—such as accelerating on ice, cornering on wet pavement, or climbing snow-covered hills—it automatically transfers power to the rear wheels. The split can reach up to 50:50 front-to-rear distribution, providing stability when grip is compromised.
This active torque management responds faster than driver input alone. During a typical Saint John winter scenario—merging onto the highway after overnight freezing rain—the system adjusts power delivery multiple times per second to maintain forward momentum and directional control.
Front-wheel-drive luxury sedans lack this rear-axle power distribution. In low-traction situations, front-wheel-drive vehicles rely solely on the front tires for both acceleration and steering, which can lead to wheelspin, understeer, or loss of momentum on inclines.
Powertrain: 203 Horsepower 2.5 L Four-Cylinder Engine
The ES 250 AWD pairs its all-wheel-drive system with a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower. The engine connects to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, allowing manual gear selection when desired.
The powertrain balances responsive acceleration with fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder configuration reduces weight compared to larger V6 options, contributing to the vehicle's handling balance and everyday operating costs.
The eight-speed transmission features closely spaced gear ratios that keep the engine in its optimal power band during acceleration and highway passing. Paddle shifters provide direct control when driving on winding roads or descending steep grades where engine braking is beneficial.
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: Year-Round Cabin Comfort
The ES 250 AWD includes heated and ventilated front seats across its grade structure. The heating function activates quickly during cold starts, warming the seat surfaces and lower back support within minutes of starting the vehicle.
Ventilation uses perforations in the seat leather to circulate air through the cushion and backrest, reducing heat buildup during summer months or after the vehicle has been parked in direct sunlight. Both functions adjust across multiple intensity levels.
These features eliminate the common discomfort of entering a cold vehicle during winter mornings or a heat-soaked cabin after work. The dual-zone automatic climate control system works in conjunction with the seat conditioning to maintain consistent comfort for both driver and front passenger.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5: Active Safety Portfolio
Every ES 250 AWD includes Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a collection of driver-assistance technologies designed to help identify and respond to potential collision scenarios.
The system includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection monitors the road ahead and can apply automatic emergency braking if a potential frontal collision is detected
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains a set following distance from vehicles ahead, adjusting speed automatically in highway traffic
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist detects unintended lane drift and can provide gentle steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered
- Automatic High Beams switch between high and low beams based on detecting other vehicles' headlights or taillights
Additional standard safety systems include the Blind Spot Monitor System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which helps detect vehicles in adjacent lanes during lane changes and approaching traffic when reversing out of parking spaces. Ten airbags are positioned throughout the cabin.
The ES 250 AWD's safety technology suite addresses both collision avoidance and occupant protection, providing multiple layers of active and passive safety systems.
ES 250 AWD Trims: Signature and Premium
Lexus offers the ES 250 AWD in two grades, each building on the all-wheel-drive platform with different equipment levels.
ES 250 AWD Signature
The Signature grade establishes the ES 250 AWD foundation with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and NuLuxe upholstery. The leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, Smart Key System with Push Button Start, and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard.
Bi-LED headlamps provide forward illumination. The Lexus Interface system includes an 8-inch display screen with Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Service Connect services.
The Signature grade addresses core luxury sedan expectations: comfortable seating, climate control, and connectivity systems that integrate with smartphones and provide remote vehicle access.
ES 250 AWD Premium
The Premium grade enhances the Signature configuration with the Lexus Driver Memory System, which stores seat and mirror position preferences for multiple drivers. Rain-sensing wipers, power-folding exterior mirrors, and a windshield de-icer improve convenience during winter weather.
The Lexus Interface is upgraded to include Drive Connect along with a larger 12.3-inch display screen and integrated Lexus Navigation. A wireless charging system for personal electronics eliminates the need for charging cables. Intuitive Parking Assist with auto braking helps detect obstacles during low-speed parking manoeuvres.
The Premium grade adds features that simplify daily use and improve cold-weather functionality, particularly for drivers who share the vehicle or frequently navigate unfamiliar areas.
Comparing All-Wheel Drive to Front-Wheel Drive in Winter
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Capability
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ES 250 AWD
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Front-Wheel-Drive Sedan
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Power Distribution
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Front/rear split up to 50:50
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Front wheels only
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Traction on Ice
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Rear wheels assist when front slip
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Limited to front tire grip
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Hill Climbing (snow)
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Power to all four wheels
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Front wheels may spin
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Cornering Stability
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Rear torque balances steering
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Understeer risk increases
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Winter Confidence
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Enhanced control
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Driver compensates
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The difference becomes clear in real-world winter driving. Accelerating from a stop at a snow-covered intersection, the ES 250 AWD distributes power to whichever wheels have the most grip. A front-wheel-drive sedan in the same situation must rely entirely on the front tires, which are also responsible for steering.
During cornering on slippery roads, the ES 250 AWD's rear torque helps maintain the intended line through the turn. Front-wheel-drive sedans are more prone to understeer—the tendency for the front end to push wide in corners—because the front tires must handle both acceleration and directional control simultaneously.
On highway on-ramps during freezing rain, the ES 250 AWD accelerates smoothly while maintaining stability. Front-wheel-drive vehicles may experience wheelspin or require gentler throttle application, extending merge times and requiring larger traffic gaps.
The AWD Advantage for Saint John Winters
Saint John's winter weather brings freezing rain, heavy snow, and temperature fluctuations that create variable road conditions throughout the day. The ES 250 AWD's all-wheel-drive system responds to these changing conditions automatically, without requiring driver intervention or mode selection.
The system benefits daily commutes on treated roads and longer trips on rural highways where conditions deteriorate quickly. It provides traction when leaving parking lots with accumulated snow, navigating hills in residential areas, and merging onto highways where traffic speeds remain high despite poor conditions.
Front-wheel-drive luxury sedans deliver comfort and refinement during dry weather, but their single-axle power delivery limits capability when traction decreases. The ES 250 AWD's dual-axle system addresses this limitation while maintaining the refined driving experience expected from a Lexus sedan.
Your New ES 250 AWD is Waiting
The 2025 Lexus ES 250 AWD delivers all-wheel-drive confidence for New Brunswick winters, backed by a 203 horsepower engine, heated and ventilated seats, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. Contact our sales team at Lexus of Saint John to arrange a test drive and experience the difference all-wheel drive makes in winter conditions.
