2019 Lexus ES: A brief introduction

The 2019 Lexus ES enters the seventh generation and has undergone many improvements. Lexus stated that ES is one of the most competitive market segments in the industry. Therefore, the 2019 models have improved luxury, performance and fuel efficiency. The F SPORT variant is for people who want a little extra stimulation.

Here is a brief walk around the 2019 Lexus ES.

Essential Foundations

Power & Performance

Safety & Technology

Interior Layout

Pricing & Availability

Essential Foundations

The new ES rides on the Lexus Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, a rigid front-wheel drive chassis. The platform employs various grades of high-strength steel to reduce weight while a new multi-link rear suspension facilitates better handling. The rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat provided engineers the flexibility to further tune the 2019 ES.

Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Power & Performance

The 2019 Lexus ES 350 features a 3.5-liter V6 with an updated D-4S fuel injection system. The engine, which creates 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque, is paired to a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic. Lexus says the transmission was configured with a wider spread of ratios for an optimum combination of low-end acceleration and high-end efficiency.

EPA fuel mileage estimates are 22/33 city/highway with a combined of 26 mpg. Lexus says this is a two mile-per-gallon improvement in combined driving, despite an extra 34 horsepower and 19 lb-ft. of torque for the new model year.

The new ES 300h runs Lexus’ fourth-generation Hybrid Drive System, paired with an Atkinson cycle, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine. With lighter, more compact designs for the electric motor and self-charging hybrid system, the new ES 300h returns an EPA rating of 43/45 city/highway and 44 combined mpg.

Total system output is 215 horsepower.

Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Safety & Technology

The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is now standard equipment, which includes daytime bicyclist detection and low light pedestrian detection. The tech treatments are numerous, from Apple CarPlay compatibility and Siri Eyes Free voice control, to Amazon Alexa functionality.

Interior Layout

Designers wanted the driver to have a more focused view of the road. For example, the layout of the center screen, instrument panel, and available heads-up display are meant to increase driver engagement. On the other hand, designers wanted to give passengers a feeling of openness, spaciousness, and comfort.

The F SPORT model includes a new metallic theme inspired by Japanese swords. The Hadori aluminum trim contains fluctuating wave patterns for a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle.

Lexus ES 350 F SPORT interior layout with Hadori aluminum trim. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Pricing & Availability

The 2019 Lexus ES is available now with a base price of $39,750, about a $600 increase over the outgoing model. The ES 300h starts at $41,560, about a $500 decrease compared to its predecessor.

The ES 350 F SPORT, starting at $44,285, includes a re-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels and tires. F SPORT models also offer the Adaptive Variable Suspension system borrowed from the LC coupe and LS sedan with 650 levels of damping force.

Carl Anthony studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan. Before going back to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.

Photo &Source: Toyota Motor Sales Company, USA