Lexuss07

When the GS sunsets (as I lament here), I heard the GS 350 AWD will be replaced by an AWD ES with a 205 hp in-line 4 cylinder that will also be in the 2021 AWD Avalon. Here is a link about the AWD Avalon for reference: https://pressroom.toyota.com/get-a-g...-drive-sedans/

The GS is a great vehicle with amazing build quality that has served the Lexus stable since 1993. There is a hump in the center floor of the current ES to allow for a driveshaft.

Lexuss07

To supplement the discontinuation of the GS, Lexus will have a 205 hp 4-cylinder AWD ES in in its stable. The Avalon will be getting this AWD drive in 2021 https://pressroom.toyota.com/get-a-g...-drive-sedans/
Since the ES and Avalon share the same drivetrain and platform this makes sense about the AWD in the ES.

LeeSoFL

That seems a little under-powered for a car that weights 3600 lbs. The Audi TT has 220 hp and when I drove one, it was sluggish and weighed 500 lbs less.

bc6152

I find it hard to believe that the Lexus Executive Sedan will go from a 303 HP V6 to a 4 bang 205 HP engine AWD or not. Maybe in the hybrid model. But not the ES 350... I wouldn't buy one.

bc6152

And I test drove an Audi A5 back in 2013 with a 200 HP 4 cylinder before I bought my Lexus. So under powered I went with the ES 350 with 267 HP ( and saved some money)...

JDR76

I haven't yet seen anything credible that the AWD and 4 cylinder combo from the Camry and Avalon will make its way into the ES. Anything I've seen about the ES adding an AWD option is a eAWD configuration with a rear electric motor like they use in their other AWD hybrids. While I do suspect there will eventually be an AWD ES, I suspect it'll only be offered as a hybrid.

SW17LS

Just stupid...

bc6152

LOL

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Updated thread title to reflect what's actually in the linked article (Camry and Avalon, not ES) and moved to car chat.

arentz07

I see no evidence in the article of the ES getting the 2.5-liter engine. I'd be much more believing of a suggestion of an E-AWD hybrid ES.

Lexuss07

True, nothing is published about this. However, I got my information from a Lexus corporate employee. But in looking how similar the powertrains between the Avalon and ES with the hybrid and V-6 variants are, would led me to believe the AWD Avalon would have the same AWD powertrain in the upcoming AWD ES.

Toys4RJill

When the 2019 Avalon launched, a journalist ask the spokesperson from Toyota at the event about Avalon AWD. The Toyota rep on YouTube (proof to the naysayers) stated that the new Avalon platform was designed with AWD in mind if they wanted to add it. Lots of members dismissed it and said their comments. I have no doubt the ES can do AWD if Toyota wanted to do it. I highly doubt the ES for the US would use the 2.5 dynamic force engine that the new Avalon is going to use...people will give you all sorts of reasons blah blah blah...as to why the ES won't have it. My guess, is that Toyota is just not sure what to do yet as the North American consumer is steered (pun intended) towards the best selling luxury vehicle in the RX if they want AWD.

SW17LS

That consumer doesnt want the RX.

We have had this discussion before. The strategy of "well if they want that they can just buy this totally different vehicle that offers that feature". Consumers that want an AWD sedan will just leave Lexus and buy something else if that consumer isn't served. Its the same argument about space in the Highlander, "well customers who want space just buy the Sienna". No, they don't. Crossover customers don't want minivans, they want crossovers. Those customers will move to a brand that offers them what they want.

The style of vehicle is very important. ES customers who want to stay with a sedan but want AWD aren't all of a sudden going to just buy an RX because they want AWD.

Why wouldn't Avalon customers who want AWD just buy a Highlander? Why would Toyota bother to offer AWD in that? The logic just makes no sense.

Lexus is a luxury car, part of buying a luxury car is having options.

Toys4RJill

You are wrong on a lot of this ^^^ (my opinion only) My comments were in regards to the ES...if you want AWD and you are looking to buy an ES, you are out of luck.....therefore, an RX is there at a slightly higher price point...Lexus is in the unique position in that they offer an FWD large sedan whereas BMW or Mercedes does not

spwolf

i would not be surprised if ES AWD comes with that new 2.4t with 300hp.

Also, in markets like Russia, China, Japan, it will certainly come with 200hp 4cly since their customers will find it fine.