The 2019 Lexus ES enters its seventh generation with a number of improvements. Lexus says the ES resides in one of the industry’s most competitive segments and, as a result, the 2019 model gets a bump in luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency. An F SPORT variant is available for those who want a little extra spice.
Here is a brief walk around the 2019 Lexus ES.
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 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that includes 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 display screen, instrument panel, and available heads-up display are meant to keep the driver engaged. 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 will arrive in September with a base price of $39,500, a $550 increase over the outgoing model. The ES 300h starts at $41,310, a $510 decrease compared to its predecessor.
The ES 350 F SPORT, starting at $44,035, 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 is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He 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.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
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