A Closer Look at the 2020 Lexus ES 350 F Sport

Vehicle

The Lexus ES has always been a vehicle that was built with the goal of luxurious commuting for buyers. It was intended for someone who wanted to get there not only in style but in complete comfort. With a solid body structure providing low wind noise and soft suspension giving a smooth ride, it lives up to the promise. In the past, Lexus shoppers who wanted a sedan with tire-chirping performance likely switched to the potent and smaller GS-F or other F-Sport models. 

Text and photos by Chad Haire 

Emblem

Now the good news. The ES 350 is now being offered with the performance F-Sport setup. This emblem is affixed to the outside so all your friends will know you forked up the extra coin. So just what does this package do?  

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 ES 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Mode Selection

The key to the F-Sport system can be found on this knob found on the dash. There are markings for Eco, Custom, Normal, Sport, and Sport+. In the Normal mode, the car behaves like any other ES 350 with its tame driving characteristics. But hit one of the Sport settings, and the car comes to life. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 ES 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

POV

The first thing noticed in the Sport+ mode is the gauge cluster morphs, providing a large tachometer to look at. Then the steering and Adaptive Variable Suspension stiffens up. Stomp on the gas pedal, the transmission downshifts with a strong jerking motion, knocking you back in the seat. Then the exhaust decibel level races upward with a large growl for all to hear as the car races forward. If you need passing power, this delivers!  

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 ES 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Suspension

Even in the two Sport modes, the suspension always provides a comfortable ride, maintaining the luxury experience. These issued 18-inch alloy wheels are included in the deal. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 ES 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Gauge Cluster

The gauge cluster is well designed and offers plenty of information. It changes appearance depending on the driving mode picked. Notice the paddle shifters on the steering wheel adding sportiness. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 ES 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Info Screen

The info/navigation screen is large at 12.3 inches but is an extra-cost option. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 ES 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Sound

The "Audio Package" gives us a Mark Levinson 1,800 watt 17-speaker stereo unit that sounds great. It also includes navigation and that large infotainment screen. All this adds $2,900 to the tab. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 ES 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Headlight

These triple beam LED headlights crank out the light, but will also force you to crank out an extra $1,515. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 ES 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Cost

The base price of an ES 350 starts about $40K. The F-Sport version doesn't cost much more at $45K. As always, there are going to be options to jack the price up. In this case, the tab came to $53,990. This is a lot of car for the money. Considering the last GS-F with the F-Sport system we drove last month was $89K, this ES 350 F-Sport looks like a bargain! 

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 ES 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.