Lexus has redesigned its popular ES 350 midsize sedan for 2019, and has already begun production of the new car at its plant in Louisville, Ky.
By G. CHAMBERS WILLIAMS III
The popular Lexus ES midsize sedan, known as the ES 350 in gasoline-only form and as the ES 300h as a hybrid, arrives this fall with a complete makeover for 2019, moving the ES into its seventh generation.
Besides a new chassis, striking new exterior styling and a more-luxurious interior, there are some new advanced safety technologies and updated infotainment/connectivity systems.
Lexus says the cabin of the new ES is roomy and quieter than the outgoing model, as well.
The ES continues to be based on the Toyota Camry, which itself got a complete redesign for 2018. The ES includes upscale amenities that make it stand out from its Toyota counterpart.
Lexus introduced the hybrid version 13 years ago, adding gasoline-electric fuel economy to the mainstream appeal of the ES, which is by far the best-selling Lexus sedan line.
Three trim levels are offered for the ES 350 and the ES 300h: base, Luxury and Ultra Luxury. The 2019 ES 350 starts at $39,500 (plus $1,025 freight); the Luxury model is $42,155; and the Ultra Luxury is $43,150.
Hybrid ES 300h versions begin at $41,310. The Luxury hybrid is $43,965, and the Ultra Luxury is $44,960.
There will also be an F Sport package available on the new ES, an option Lexus has introduced on some of its other models to bring sportier features and performance.
Either way – gasoline or hybrid — the new ES is a stylish, well-designed, well-appointed sedan that seats up to five people and offers a luxury ride and lots of great technology.
ES 350 models all come with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, connected to a new eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission. The engine is rated at 302 horsepower and 267 foot-pounds of torque.
The five-passenger ES 350 sedan, which is all new for 2019, has a variety of standard and available features, including a new dash display screen for the audio/navigation system.
Fuel economy has been improved as well. Preliminary ratings are 22 mpg city/33 highway/26 combined. That compares with 21/30/24 for the 2018 ES 350, according to EPA estimates.
The ES 300h models come with the fourth generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Drive System, the same as that used in the newest Camry hybrid. It includes a new 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine coupled with a smaller electric motor and an all-new hybrid transaxle. It has a total of 215 horsepower, and a combined fuel economy rating of 44 mpg.
Using Toyota’s new Global Architecture–K (GA-K) chassis, the new ES is 2.6 inches longer, 1.8 inches wider and 0.2 inches lower than the 2018 model, and it has a wheelbase two inches longer. Wheels have been pushed closer to the corners to improve handling and optimize cabin space.
Its exterior styling is meant to give the ES a more-distinctive look than in the past, to help it stand out from other sedans in its class.
The newest version of the signature Lexus grille dominates the front of the car, whose overall design Lexus refers to as “provocative elegance.” The grille is similar to those of the LS sedan and LC coupe, but on the ES, it has a unique vertical pattern with satin-plated trim.
The F Sport option brings a different grille. The vertical bars are replaced by a mesh pattern of interlocking “L” shapes with a jet-black finish and dark trim.
Up front, the new ES has slimmer headlights with “L” shaped marker lights. Standard is a single projector-beam headlight with the “L” marker lights; optional are triple-beam compact LED projector-beam headlights.
At the rear are LED taillights that wrap around the quarter panels and have a three-dimensional “L” shape. There are two chrome exhaust outlets. The F Sport comes with a trunk-lid spoiler, along with dark trim around the taillights and lower valance.
Standard are 17-inch wheels with a machined finish, split five-spoke design and dark silver accents. The same colors are used on the 18-inch, 10-spoke wheels that come with the Premium and Luxury models. Optional are 18-inch, split five-spoke wheels with a high-gloss finish.
Adding the F Sport package brings 19-inch wheels similar to those of the LC and LS models. They have a dual-spoke design with dark premium graphite coating.
Twelve exterior color choices are available, including the new Sunlit Green and Moonbeam Beige Metallic, both of which are specific to the ES.
The F Sport gets its own exclusive colors: Ultra Sonic Blue Mica 2.0 and Ultra White.
All ES models have a Drive Mode Select system that allows the driver to vary the settings according to personal taste and current road conditions. The settings are Eco, Normal and Sport on most models.
In the hybrid, the nickel-metal-hydride battery for the electric motor has been moved to a spot under the rear seat, instead of the trunk. That increases trunk space and helps even out weight distribution.
Toyota says Auto Glide Control has been added to the ES 300h to improve efficiency when driving in the Eco mode.
The ES has what Lexus calls a “driver-centric cockpit” with all controls within easy reach and all necessary information in plain view. Armrests slide the elbows, and buttons can be pushed without taking hands off the wheel, the company says.
There are standard 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Heated seats are available for the driver and front passenger along with a new suction-type ventilation system that provides improved interior cooling. Rear-seat headroom has been slightly increased.
Trunk space has increased to 16.7 cubic feet, and there are underfloor side pockets for smaller items. A hands-free trunk opener is available. Interior storage includes a dual-hinge center console and door pockets that can hold 20-ounce drink bottles or a 9.7-inch tablet.
Three interior color schemes are available, along with four trim choices and three different seat materials. Standard is the Striated Black trim. Also available are three kinds of wood trim: Linear Dark Mocha, Linear Espresso and Matte Bamboo. A new metallic trim comes on the F Sport.
This is the first Lexus to offer Apple CarPlay phone functionality, enabling drivers to control their iPhones through the dash display screen or with Siri Eyes Free voice control. Lexus says the ES models with the optional 12.3-inch navigation display will offer CarPlay starting from launch, while the standard Lexus Multimedia display system will add CarPlay in October. Android phones are also accommodated, along with Amazon Alexa capability for the Androids.
Standard on all trims is a 10-speaker Pioneer audio system; optional is a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system with 1,800 watts and Clari-Fi technology. The onboard Wi-Fi system operates through the Verizon mobile network.
All ES models come with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with new features designed to help protect the driver and passengers. The standard Pre-Collision System is designed to detect bicycles and pedestrians ahead, even in low light.
Lane Departure Assist is included, along with Lane Tracing Assist, designed to detect lane markings to determine the proper lane position. Without lane markings, the system is also capable of following the car ahead of it when used in conjunction with the All-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, Lexus says.
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3.