2019 Lexus ES shown ahead of China debut – baby LS!

It looks like Lexus is done teasing us – the company has officially dropped a sole picture of its most popular sedan, and it looks a whole lot like the flagship LS, which is hardly a bad thing of course. The 2019 Lexus ES will take centre stage at the Beijing Motor Show next week.

The variant pictured here is of the ES 300 Hybrid, which gets full LED headlights with the brand’s signature triple-projector units – entry-level models will get regular projectors instead. Like the outgoing XV60 ES facelift, the LED daytime running lights are integrated in similar fashion, albeit more eye-catching thanks to the use of modern LED light bars.

The front fascia as a whole will continue to divide opinion (the polarising design approach is intentional) – the full-height spindle grille extends further out and comes with vertical slats that flare up towards the bottom. The upper edges of the grille get chrome extensions that guide the eyes to two prominent creases on the bonnet, which is an evolutionary touch from the existing model.

Round the back, the haunch appears more heavily sculpted this time, and the shoulder line leads straight towards the LED tail light. It now features three slim L-shaped LED bars instead of two from the XV60 ES, and the top section is accented in chrome. The teaser video also shows a large spoiler resting atop the boot, complete with dark multispoke alloy wheels.

Apparently, the all-new ES will ride on the same TNGA platform as the latest Toyota Avalon. Expect improvements to be made in areas to do with practicality, safety, handling and performance. After all, Lexus did say the seventh-generation ES will have “athletic performance.”

For engines, the ES will most likely be offered with the brand’s new range of Dynamic Force Engines, such as the 3.5 litre VVT-iW naturally-aspirated V6 with D-4S direct injection from the Avalon. The 2.5 litre four-cylinder unit in the US-spec Camry puts out 206 hp and 253 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, and the Camry Hybrid (equipped with the next-generation Toyota Hybrid System II) makes about 176 hp and 222 Nm.

The 2.5L engine features VVT-iE on the intake side while utilising VVT-i for the exhaust, and a high and efficient compression ratio of 13:1 (longer stroke to achieve this) for increased thermal and fuel efficiency. The variable valve timing system uses an electric motor instead of oil pressure to control timing. Expect the hybrid version (ES 300h?) to serve as the model’s range-topper.

Transmission-wise, expect the conventional petrol engines to be fitted with a new Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid version should use a CVT with a new Sport Mode with six virtual ratios, as equipped on the new Camry Hybrid.

Compared to many rivalling mid-size executive sedans, the Lexus ES has always focused more on comfort and luxury over dynamics and “sportiness”, which is rather refreshing. Will that unique positioning continue? All will be revealed on April 25. What do you think?

GALLERY: 2015 Lexus ES 250 Luxury

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