UPDATE: You can now read our first review of the 2019 Lexus ES
- New 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an estimated 44 combined mpg
- 3.5-liter V6 upgraded with fuel-injection system
- 8-speed auto transmission
- Longer, lower and wider
- Goes on sale in September
- Wins KBB Luxury Car Best Buy of 2019 award
The all-new 2019 Lexus ES is showing its emotional side. The change is evident as soon as you look at the car: design elements, including a fast roofline and a low hood, give it a sportier look than in past models. In addition, the longer, lower, wider sedan now offers an available F Sport model, a first on the ES.
Improved Performance
The ES now uses Lexus’ Global Architecture – K front-wheel drive platform, which gives the car a longer wheelbase in addition to its larger overall dimensions. The wheels are pushed closer to the car’s corners, and the front and rear tracks are wider. While the ES has traditionally been known as offering a relaxed, easygoing ride without much gusto, the goal with the new ES is to provide responsive handling and increased power. The new platform is more rigid, and uses a new multi-link rear suspension and rack-mounted electric power steering.
The standard engine continues to be a 3.5-liter V6; however, its upgraded fuel-injection system helps increase the horsepower and torque numbers to 302 and 307 respectively, increases of 34 horsepower and 19 lb-ft of torque. Last year’s 6-speed automatic has been replaced by an 8-speed. While the F Sport has design cues that are different from the rest of the ES line, it doesn’t offer increased power, it adds Adaptive Variable Suspension, and the drive mode selector adds a Sport+ mode – with more aggressive engine, transmission and suspension settings, plus increased engine noise.
The ES 300h hybrid uses a new 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, designed to increase power without increasing emissions or reducing fuel economy. The system provides 215 total horsepower with a manufacturer-estimated 44 combined mpg.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
Staying True to Form
Even though the new platform and styling could suggest the ES is abandoning its comfortable, quiet roots, Lexus has designed the new ES to retain the elements that buyers like about the sedan. The longer wheelbase translates into more room inside, and the interior is also said to be quieter than the outgoing model. The interior is focused on the driver, yet all passengers benefit from generous space. In back, the roofline is lower, but Lexus engineers reconfigured second-row seating so as not to sacrifice headroom for the sake of style.
Like the body, the ES interior has also been redesigned with new looks and materials – including a unique interior for the F Sport. New tech options include Apple CarPlay and on-board Wi-Fi, which is part of an optional nav system that uses a 12.3-inch display. ES models without navigation have an 8-inch screen that is controlled through a trackpad. The ES is also Amazon Alexa enabled.
Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2019 Lexus ES, but we expect to get more information about the sedan closer to its September 2018 on-sale date.
More New and Redesigned Models for 2019
