After giving us an early look at the all-new 2019 Lexus ES, the carmaker has now released full details of its BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class fighter.
The seventh-generation (XV70) ES rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-K platform, which is also used for the latest Camry. This has resulted in some dimensional changes, with the sedan now 66 mm longer and 46 mm wider, but sees 5 mm removed from its height. The wheelbase has also grown by 51 mm, as do the front (+10 mm) and rear (+38 mm) tracks.
Design-wise, the ES follows in the footsteps of its larger sibling, the LS, with a significant revision to brand’s trademark spindle grille that now extends further. Depending on the variant – ES 250, ES 260 (China-spec), ES 350 and ES 300h – the grille comes with vertical slats or a cross-hatch pattern arranged in parallel.
The Z-shaped, triple-element headlamps are also new, although they aren’t as slender in appearance as those on the LS. The lighting units come with a two-stage adaptive high beam system, where its 24 individual LED light array is capable of adapting the light pattern to provide better illumination while reducing glare for oncoming drivers.
Moving towards the rear, the ES’ haunches are now more prominent, with a distinct line that originates from the top of the new taillights, and progresses towards the front headlamps. The side window kink is also significantly sharper here, and notable creases play with light and shadow to create a more dynamic three-quarter view.
This trend is continued when viewing the car from the back, with the bumper and boot lid coming together to mimic the “X look” seen at the front. Part of the taillights are also covered by a wide trim piece that plays host to the car’s reverse camera, and there’s a small spoiler on the boot lid, with the Lexus logo positioned below it.
There are three different wheel designs (17 to 18 inches in size) for the ES 350 and ES 300h, but those who opt for the F Sport package get standard 19-inch units with a design similar to those on the LC. The F Sport package also comes with a more pronounced rear spoiler, a darker lower rear valance and an exclusive Heat Blue metallic paint shown here. The standard palette consists of 12 colours, including two new ones – Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Sunlight Green.
Moving inside, the ES’ cabin has been overhauled with the instruments now housed within a binnacle that isn’t unlike those in the LS and LC, with control dials within easy reach reminiscent of the LFA. There’s also the theatrical digital display in the instrument cluster that changes its appearance depending on the selected drive mode.
For infotainment needs, there’s a standard eight-inch screen, or an optional 12.3 inch unit – both are paired to the Lexus touchpad controller in the centre console. Elsewhere, the centre stack has been tidied up with a neater layout of buttons for the climate control and media systems. The analogue clock has also been shifted to beside the infotainment screen and the gear lever is new as well.
Passengers in the rear will enjoy a lower hip point and the headliner has been configured to preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase delivers uncharacteristically generous legroom. There’s also a number of Interior colour combinations to choose from, including Black, Chateau, Topaz Brown and a new Rich Cream.
Models with the F Sport package get a unique Hadori metallic cabin trim that features fluctuating wave patterns for a 3D look, inspired by the making of a traditional Japanese sword. Other models will continue to offer traditional materials like bamboo and Shimamoku wood for a hand-crafted feel.
As for the oily bits, all ES 350s are powered by a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine with updated D4-S fuel injection, which sends drive to the front via an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The mill itself now makes 300 hp and 355 Nm of torque, which is 32 hp and 19 Nm more than the V6 in the previous-generation model. In selected markets, the ES 250 is powered by a 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine featuring Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT i) and an overall thermal efficiency of 38%.
In the ES 300h, a 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine works with a lighter, more compact, more power dense electric motor, self-charging hybrid system and electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with intelligence (ECVT-i). The total system output is rated at 205 hp, with the powertrain capable of delivering a claimed 17 km/l.
As mentioned earlier, the ES now uses the front-wheel drive TNGA-K platform, which Lexus says rivals the Global Architecture-L rear-wheel drive platform used for the LC and LS in terms of rigidity. The chassis features an all-new double wishbone suspension design, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat.
An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system with adjustable dampers is offered for F Sport models, which also comes with an exclusive Sport+ drive mode. Select that and the most aggressive engine, transmission and suspension settings are delivered to you for maximum performance, along with a new Engine Sound Enhancement feature.
Lastly, all versions of the ES come with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard equipment, which adds new capabilities like daytime bicyclist detection which is part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS) that already detects oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. Sales of the new ES is slated to start later this year.
GALLERY: 2019 Lexus ES 300h
GALLERY: 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport (US-spec)
GALLERY: 2019 Lexus ES 260 F Sport (China-spec)
GALLERY: 2019 Lexus ES
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Such quality & prestige for only 270k. UMW definitely got another cbu winner in the Lexus ES.
Wow…stunning and beautiful…very sharp and edgy…bravo lexus bravo
Looks like china car design
Fuiyoo sleek car <3! Current FL one also not bad!
Truth to be told, I don’t really care about the aesthetic features of every new car model that comes into the market. Nowadays, in every new car launch coverage in PT, I will skip to the safety features aspect of it. In the case of any luxury cars that will be launched in Malaysia, I always look for adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency brake features. Without these features, I think it is pretty useless to consider buying one here and the public should not be bothered to consider buying one.
Right on the money…. and safety. All versions of the ES come with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard equipment
What’s the purpose of the huge grill? To trap fish into engine?
nice design for both exterior and interior.
ALmost vomit to see the big grill
the rear is much better than LS
best looking lexus in years
One word : UGLY
Sporty, but not yet elegant.
Is there contamination from radioactive waste water?
Ongoing still?