xrenjami

I was wondering if anyone here has come across anything that would help explain the 2mpg highway difference between the base and F sport models. The only thing I can find that might help explain is the 19” wheels on the F Sport, but that seems like quite a difference to be explained by a 1 or 2 inch wheel size jump. All the specs I can find show the same gear ratios and final drive ratios as being the same. And weight isn’t a significant difference either. Thoughts?

I really like the look of the F sport, but I’m not a big fan of bigger wheel sizes. They almost always tend to ride worse - I like more rubber between me and the road.

Any commentary about what your experience has been with any of the wheel sizes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

mikemu30

I've had no issues with the 19s on the FSport and in fact it was one of the reasons I only wanted that model - just more attractive look. As far as the low profile tires, no issue there either. I live in the NY/NJ tri state area, drive into NYC often with no issues on those horrible roads. Note sure about the MPG difference.

kalel2127

I also purchased the Fsport for the wheels, grill, IP, and interior. I'm not a fan of the standard ES or Hybrid so I didn't even give them a second thought. Recently, a friend of mine purchased a standard ES 350 for just under 40k. I drove it for about a mile and I couldn't tell a difference in regards to driving quality, the ride felt the same to me. I think that most everyone here would agree that the ES Fsport is not really a "sport" vehicle. Like most other brands Lexus slaps a sport badge and changes a few cosmetic items just to make more money.

I suggest you go to your local dealer and drive them both and don't be hesitant to put the car through its paces. The salesmen only care about their commission and will put up with almost anything you throw at them.

mikemu30

Mine doesn't have the adaptive suspension but I suspect the ones that do have a different feel depending on the mode you're in.

kalel2127

Oh yes, the difference is night and day. I used to have a Benz S-class with adaptive suspension and it was a noticeable difference between the settings. But it's an option I almost never used because on the highest setting the ride was extremely stiff, it was pointless IMO.

mikemu30

I avoided the option just to eliminate any issues with repairs down the road - one more thing to go wrong as the car ages.

oldcajun

Back to the original question, the difference in mileage ratings is almost certainly due to the higher rolling resistance of the wider, grippier tires. Cars that maximize economy use skinny tires with hard rubber compounds. As to ride, if everything else is equal, the tire with the lower aspect ratio will have a stiffer ride. How much stiffer is hard to predict since "everything else" is never quite equal. Tires of the same size but different brands also vary in ride comfort. Alex on Autos gave the ES350 an A+ in ride comfort and he was driving an F Sport at the time so it can't be a big issue.

Batmite

Is there possibly a difference in transmission tuning or logic that may be slightly more aggressive in addition to the heavier and stickier tires?

mikemu30

Probably so in Sport+ mode which I don't think is available on the base model.

1stTimeLex

I drove both F-sport and top trim with 'aero' wheels or something like that. The major difference I noted was there was slightly a bit more tire noise on the F-sport but the damping and ride isolation was nearly identical. My seat of the pants impression was that the bigger tires of the F-sport made it feel more responsive in the curves than the standard model - but that could be just a head game. As for mileage, I'm spot-on with the city rating of 22-23 mpg.

Batmite

It isn’t standard on the F Sport; one must opt for the adaptive suspension to get Sport +

mikemu30

Never said it was standard. Just pointing out one possible difference between a base and FSport model.