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https://www.boston.com/cars/car-revi...0-ultra-luxury

Lexus raises the bar on redesigned ES 350 ‘Ultra Luxury’

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https://www.kbb.com/car-news/genesis...on/2100007797/

2019 Genesis G80 vs. 2019 Lexus ES Comparison

2019 Genesis G80

Starting Price: $43,045 Price Yours

Above Average: Great value; loaded with standard features; great warranty; comfortable seating for five.

Below Average: Platform is older than others in segment; understated styling; lacks edge in driving dynamics.

Consensus: As a relative newcomer to the luxury segment, Genesis knows full well that it needs to make an impression, so the 2019 Genesis G80 comes to the party packed with standard features of both the safety and tech variety, a starting price thousands below the competition, and an outstanding warranty. Despite a robust 3.8-liter V6, however, isn’t as robust in performance as its rivals and its restrained styling does little to set it apart from the competition.





2019 Lexus ES

Starting Price: $40,775 Price Yours

Above Average: Excellent build quality; sharp looks; optional hybrid model; roomy interior; great brakes.

Below Average: Even the sport model is a bit conservative to be a true sport sedan; infotainment touchpad is frustrating; puts a premium on comfort over handling.

Consensus: The 2019 Lexus ES is, as it has been for many years, the no-nonsense alternative to the big luxury German sedans. A new design has given it a more aggressive look, with a mean-looking grille and a swoopy roof, but with improved interior space and better performance. The ES 350 is powered by a 302-horsepower V6, but there’s a lot to be said for the hybrid, which loses a bit in off-the-line acceleration but boasts 45 mpg highway. And if you’re looking for sportiness, there are definitely better choices anyway, as the ES series has always prioritized comfort over performance.





The major players in the premium luxury sedan have always been Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with Japanese and Korean automakers asserting themselves as well. In other words, it’s crowded, which is partly why Genesis has leapt into the fray at a significantly lower price point and with a significantly better warranty than its German rivals. However, one of its more significant rivals is Lexus, whose ES series has been a steady and strong player in the segment for years, also priced much lower than the Germans. The 2019 Lexus ES is no exception, with racier looks that also give it increased interior room (including ample headroom despite a more sloping roof), a great hybrid model, and even increased sporting touches, although the general tuning of the ES is toward comfort more than performance. Genesis also makes a convincing case with the G80, which is well built, comes with a choice of engines ranging from a 3.8-liter V6 up to a 5.0-liter V8, and of course has the longest warranty in the segment to help calm the nerves of a jittery buyer. Like the ES, the G80 offers a Sport setting that firms the suspension a bit and sharpens the throttle response, but also like the Lexus, no one would ever mistake it for a true sport sedan. Both of these cars are well made and include numerous luxury touches and comfortable interiors, at a price point significantly lower than their German competitors.

Similarities

Both value comfort over driving dynamics; priced thousands lower than German competitors.

2019 Genesis G80 Advantages

More horsepower and rear-wheel drive; longer warranty.

2019 Lexus ES Advantages

Optional hybrid model; roomy interior; proven resale value and build quality.

Final Recommendation

Genesis is a very new player on the luxury market, and as a result, it doesn’t really have the depth of engineering or attention to detail one expects in the luxury segment. Lexus has been at this game a long time, and with each passing generation, the ES series is improved and refined. We like the 2019 Genesis G80, and it’s an admirable effort, but given the refinement and attention to detail and quality luxury customers expect, we give this one to the 2019 Lexus ES. Added bonus: It starts $3,000 lower.


2019 Genesis G802019 Lexus ES

Popular Powertrains

Engine3.8-liter V63.5-liter V6

Horsepower311 hp @ 6,000 rpm302 hp @ 6,600 rpm

Torque293 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm267 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm

TransmissionAutomatic, 8-SpdAutomatic, 8-Spd

Fuel Economy21 mpg (18 city/26 hwy)26 mpg (22 city/33 hwy)

Also Available3.3-liter turbo V6; 5.0-liter V82.5-liter I4 hybrid

Specs

Warranty5 years/60,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating5 Stars5 Stars

Max Seating Capacity55

Wheelbase118.5 inches113.0 inches

Overall Length196.5 inches195.9 inches

Width74.4 inches 73.4 inches

Height58.3 inches56.9 inches

Turning Diameter36.2 feet38 feet

Headroom, Front41.1 inches37.5 inches

Headroom, Rear38.2 inches37.8 inches

Legroom, Front45.7 inches42.4 inches

Legroom, Rear35.0 inches39.2 inches

Shoulder Room, Front58.3 inches55.9 inches

Shoulder Room, Rear57.1 inches54.3 inches

EPA Passenger Volume107.7 cu. ft.97.4 cu. ft.

EPA Cargo Volume15.3 cu. ft.16.7 cu. ft.

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LEXUS ES 300H CAN TRAVEL LONG DISTANCE

https://www.rosevilletoday.com/colum...long-distance/

Jeffrey Weidel - Weidel on Wheels -

September 16, 2019

FULLY REDESIGNED LEXUS 300H FUEL EFFICIENT AND ROOMY

Roseville, CA- What better way to save a little money on a road trip than to drive a hybrid that can really max out the distance for one tank of gas.

Being capable of going more than 550 miles before a fill-up was one primary reason we loved driving the 2018 Lexus ES 300h on a recent trip to the Oregon coast. There aren’t many vehicles that can go that far on a tank of gas. The 300h has two advantages: A sizeable gas tank (13.2 gallons) and the hybrid gets an estimated 43-45 mpg.

Lexus might not be able to outperform its German rivals in terms of outright speed, but the 300h costs thousands of dollars less, and its four-cylinder engine is a good one. And the price is only around $5,000 more than the Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand and there’s no arguing that the 300h has luxurious qualities that the Avalon hybrid can’t match.

Part of the seventh generation of this popular sedan, the 2019 ES 300h is fully redesigned this year. The improvements include fuel efficiency, more safety features, upgraded technology, and additional cargo space.

2019 LEXUS ES 300H

• Performance: Hybrid 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 215 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 43-45 mpg
• Estimated Price: $41,700 to $45,300
• Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain 6 years/70,000 miles; roadside assistance 4 years/unlimited; corrosion 6 years/unlimited

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

The ES 300h features a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that pairs with an electric motor for a combined 215 horsepower (up from 200 hp). It receives criticism for a lack of performance, since it only accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is slow by luxury standards.

The Lexus ES 300h is significantly less powerful than the ES 350, a 3.5-liter, V6 that produces 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The gas-powered ES 350 is understandably much quicker, going 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, matching most of its competitors. Predictably, the ES 350’s gas mileage (22-33 mpg) falls way short of the ES hybrid model.

No one who test drives either ES models will confuse them with the sportier BMW 5 series. But a relatively new suspension and some steering changes have improved the way the ES handles overall. The braking remains good and even at high speeds the ES provides solid handling and a quiet ride. The vehicle has autonomous emergency braking that comes standard.

INTERIOR

Driving 500-plus miles along the challenging Oregon coast can be a little exhausting at times. However, making the drive more pleasurable was the comfortable front seating the ES 300h provided. An abundance of soft materials throughout also added to the comfort. The back seat is relaxing as well, offering good leg and head room

Now that the battery has been relocated below the rear seats, the cargo space is much improved, expanding to 16.7 cubic feet. The bad news is the rear seat doesn’t fold down to increase the storage capacity.

We loved the sound of the 10-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and that Lexus is finally offering Apple CarPlay, a real plus on a sizable road trip. But even though the standard 7-inch instrument display screen is very crisp, we aren’t fans of the touchpad mouse that makes operating the infotainment interface more difficult than it should be.

Although the 2019 Lexus ES 300h has some downside, it should please car shoppers who want a highly fuel-efficient, roomy luxury sedan.

mgala

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kyleedw.../#3dbdf61d477f

2019 Lexus ES 350 F-Sport - 3 Things You Need To Know

Kyle EdwardContributor
Cars & BikesI cover the auto industry, from breaking news to car reviews.

The Lexus brand has worked hard over the past few years to redesign it’s lineup in accordance with a bold new design theme. The ES is now the latest model to receive a full redesign, effectively turning the look into that of an entirely different car: and for the better. The ES offers a refined ride, quiet interior, and a hybrid powertrain if you'd like to add some electrification to your drive. It competes with cars like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, and while those models are arguably a bit sportier, neither can match the calming ride of the ES.


2019 Lexus ES350 F-Sport

LEXUS - DEWHURST PHOTOGRAPHYAttractive New Exterior Design

The new ES is built on the all-new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, which Lexus engineered to make vehicles more agile, comfortable and striking. There is no doubt that the all-new ES is a visually appealing vehicle, and it is easy to spot even in a long lineup of Mercedes and BMW's. While some people have criticized Lexus for such a daring new design standard, I commend them. Brands must take big risks to set themselves apart from the competition, or risk fading to the middle of the pack. Thanks to the adventurous decisions Lexus has made, the ES stands out with both instant brand recognition and an iconic look… and that's exactly how it should be.


2019 Lexus ES350 F-Sport

LEXUS DEWHURST PHOTOGRAPHY

Updated Engine & New 8-Speed Transmission

The ES only offers one petrol engine, a 3.5-liter V6 producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, it will accelerate the ES350 from 0-60 in around 6.6 seconds. While it’s not going to win many races, it is more than enough to feel confident and content while driving. It would be nice however, if more potent engines were offered, and it may be something for Lexus to consider adding in the future. There is nothing to complain about in the new eight-speed transmission either, it’s an incredibly refined gearbox, offering smooth shifts under any and all conditions.



2019 Lexus ES350 F-Sport Interior

LEXUS DEWHURST PHOTOGRAPHYUpgraded Interior

Perhaps the biggest change on the all-new ES is in the interior. Lexus has employed the latest signature design attributes and technology to make it feel and look like a true luxury car.

When it comes to the F-Sport model’s interior design, Lexus created an all-new kind of metallic cabin trim inspired by the making of a traditional Japanese sword. Hadori aluminum trim features fluctuating wave patterns that give a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle.

The seats are some of the most comfortable in-class, offering a unique and sporty design without sacrificing comfort. Even the seat controls and done in a metal finish making the cabin feel refined along with other soft interior elements and real metal trim.


2019 Lexus ES350 F-Sport Interior

LEXUS - DEWHURST PHOTOGRAPHY
Final Thoughts

The ES F-Sport focuses on comfort first, which is ideal if you are looking for something with a more aggressive look but don't want to sacrifice comfort for it. The refined powertrain, coupled with the new 8-speed, is incredibly smooth, though it also makes the ES one of the slowest vehicles in-class. Especially when compared against the base BMW 5 series, which has a 0-60 time of under 6 seconds and offers more power from a standstill, the ES can seem a bit slow. But, it is incredibly important to keep in mind that the ES starts at just $39,500, while the BMW and Audi equivalents are in the mid $50k range, a giant price gap which gives the ES a significant advantage.



Kyle Edward

Having been born in the Detroit area, I grew up with motor oil running through my veins. Wanting to put my passion to good use, at age sixteen I co-founded and hosted an automotive-focused YouTube channel, the Oakland Car Review, which garnered millions of views during its run. Transitioning toward written content, I was an early-stage partner in DRIVE Magazine and eventually oversaw its conversion to a fully digital platform. I now lead web operations at ThisIsDrive.com. My work extends to other outlets as well, these include some well-known names, such as Kelly Blue Book’s technology-focused Ride.Tech website. I remain up-to-date on the latest industry happenings by doing hours of research per week so that I can keep you informed. I am pleased to have been published on automotive topics for over five years and I look forward to bringing my passion for the industry and cars themselves to Forbes readers.

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2019 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury Review – Attempting to Make a Statement

By Tim Healey on August 19, 2019
​​​​​​​

2019 Lexus ES 300h

2.5-liter four-cylinder and hybrid battery (215 system, 176 engine horsepower @ 5,700 rpm; 163 lb-ft @ 3,600-5,200 rpm)

Continuously-variable automatic, front-wheel drive

43 city / 45 highway / 44 combined (EPA Rating, MPG)

5.5 city, 5.2 highway, 5.3 combined. (NRCan Rating, L/100km)

Base Price: $44,960 (U.S) / $61,500 (Canada)

As Tested: $54,405 (U.S.) / $234,995 (Canada)

Prices include $1,025 destination charge in the United States and $3,075 for freight, PDI, and A/C tax in Canada and, because of cross-border equipment differences, can’t be directly compared.Automotive journalists have long labeled the Lexus ES, and especially the hybrid version, as “boring.”

Count me among that number.

To its credit, Lexus has worked to remedy that reputation. The current-gen ES is still no sex machine or thrilling sports ride, but it’s more engaging than before without sacrificing the isolating comfort Lexus is known for. A new F Sport model does provide a bit more pizzazz, but even the fuel-saving hybrid is less of a snooze-fest than before.

I got my hands on one in North Carolina earlier this year, just to get a sense of how much less yawn-inducing it is than before.



(Full disclosure: Sometimes a press loan can be arranged while traveling. Other than the loan itself, I received no special consideration from Lexus, and I paid for gas, parking, and car wash out of pocket. The press fleet did pick up the minimal toll charges.)

It starts with the styling. Love or hate the “spindle” grille Lexus is so fond of these days, at least the brand is trying to make a statement. Personally, my feelings toward this particular front end vary based on application, and it doesn’t work quite as well here as it does on other products in the lineup, such as the larger LS. The longish hood and short deck lead to a slightly out-of-proportion look.

Still, at least the new ES won’t get lost in the Eddie Bauer parking lot quite as easily.



Inside, the story is similar. It seems Lexus is taking a love-it-or-leave it tack these days. I found the sloping lines to work well, but the button layout is haphazard, the touchpad controller for the infotainment takes some getting used to, and the infotainment system itself feels a bit like an afterthought, tacked atop the dash as it is. Control stalks sprouting like wings from the instrument cluster are just as weird in this Lexus as they are in other products bearing the brand’s name.

Weird looks are one thing, how a car drives is another. And while previous ES’s suffered in this department, the newest iteration is an improvement, even in hybrid guise.

Sure, it’s no sport sedan. Put it in the sportiest drive mode, and it’s somewhat engaging when attacking an on-ramp, but fun-to-drive is low on the priority list. To Lexus’ credit, the ES hybrid’s steering system does feel connected to the road and well-weighted – the disconnected steering feel of previous-gen cars is long gone.



Sports sedan it may not be, but the ES serves much better as serene-yet-not-soft interstate cruiser.

Mating a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for 215 system horsepower (176 from the gas engine, 39 from the motor) and 163 lb-ft of torque, the ES is no rocket, but the car accelerates adequately despite the relatively low torque figure.

As is the usual case with Lexus, the in-cabin materials mostly feel appropriately upscale for the price point and the seats were nice and comfortable for longer stints.

Hybrid buyers are usually shopping on fuel economy, of course, and the 2019 Lexus ES 350h checks in at 43 mpg city/45 mpg highway/44 mpg combined.



Luxury brands like Lexus promise plenty of standard features, and the ES 350h doesn’t disappoint. Dual-zone climate control, push button start, rear spoiler, moonroof, infotainment system, heated and cooled seats, hands-free trunk, and power rear sunshade are standard.

Options included blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, parking assist, 360-degree camera, rear pedestrian detection, navigation, Apple CarPlay, wireless cell-phone charge, premium audio, and heated steering wheel. All told, the sticker came to $54,405, including the $1,025 destination charge.

Lexus’ styling statement may fall a bit short for most, but the ES hybrid remains a solid sedan, and it has shed its boring roots. It’s no laugh riot, but it’s no snoozefest, either.

Executive transport for the middle manager is just fine when it’s smooth and stately. Those words fit the bill nicely when describing the ES.

[Images © 2019 Tim Healey/TTAC]

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https://www.fleeteurope.com/en/new-e...cquired-taste?

Test Drive Lexus ES300h: an acquired taste

Lexus has been struggling to get a foothold in the European market. The new hybrid ES300h is likely to enter more fleets as they look for diesel alternatives with a comparable, if not lower CO2 rating and TCO. This Audi A6/BMW 5/Mercedes E challenger is an acquired taste, though – aesthetically, dynamically and digitally.

Street cred (look&feel, driving experience, convenience): 7/10

The ES300h replaces the commercially very discrete GS model. It is based on the latest Toyota Camry and that means bye bye rear-wheel drive: it’s now the front wheels that transfer the engine’s rotation to the road. Given the comfort-oriented nature of this car, we don’t regret Lexus’ decision. On the contrary: it creates loads of interior space and makes for a more reassuring drive on slippery roads.

Power comes from a 2.5 petrol unit mated to a small battery pack through a transmission that feels like a CVT but really isn’t. The engine whine during acceleration so typical for Toyota-Lexus hybrids until recently has been partially fixed, fortunately. The four-cylinder still climbs to the ideal rpm and stays there for maximum efficiency as long as you accelerate, but it is less intrusive than before. In fact, the engine doesn't sound half bad.

In the beginning you may question whether that is how the car is supposed to drive: an engine that howls at a fixed rpm as the car picks up speed very progressively, only to settle down at a more agreeable number of rotations when you reach cruising speed. No gearshifts, no rpm drops, no real push: it takes a few moments to make this way of driving your own. Fortunately, the ES does without the fake sound of an automatic gearbox shifting up while you floor it – this feature on the IS300h makes the driving experience feel like an arcade game.

As to the materials used and the NVH level, we were quite impressed. Road and wind noises are well contained so you feel very zen aboard this big Lexus, which is never disconcerted by bumps or potholes. Some buttons and trim still can’t hide their Japanese descent, but that didn’t really bother us. What did, however, is the fact that the rear seats cannot be folded, contrary to the Camry’s. What’s that about, Lexus?

Fleet cred (Safety, ergonomics, eco-credentials, value proposition): 8/10

Maybe you can live with the fixed rear seats and the engine characteristics, but there is another potential deal breaker: the HMI. It’s as if Lexus wanted to do things differently for difference’s sake, not with optimum usability in mind. The only way to command the central display is by moving your finger on a laptop-like touchpad on the centre console and by clicking to select. We cannot find any argument in favour of this system. We also missed the writing feature available on models like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Volvo S90.

Equipment-wise, Lexus provides each ES with more standard goodies than you get from the German premium OEMs in this segment. A glass sunroof, a camera and sensor-based parking system, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, DAB: they are all included. Customisability is limited, though: Lexus, like many Asian brands, works with trim levels (base model, Executive Line, F Sport Line and so on) which you can enrich with just a handful of individual options.

The comprehensive standard equipment contributes to the residual value of this Lexus, and so do the relatively limited numbers on the road. The TCO is also positively influenced by the low CO2 emissions (100g/km, NEDC 2.0) and the real-life fuel consumption. We burnt a bit less than 7l/100km on average, which we found rather reassuring (the Lexus RX450h we tested three years ago claimed about 12 litres for every 100km travelled). Our own findings echo the excellent real-life fuel consumption results registered by ADAC's Ecotest.

As to the safety aspect, there is nothing much to say, except that Lexus has not deprived the entry-level from a rather complete suite of ADAS so that it passed the Euro NCAP tests with flying colours. It even got two “Best in Class” titles in 2018. That won’t hold prospective buyers back from choosing an ES. What might, however, is the very limited distribution network in Europe.

The bottom line: 15/20

If diesel is off the table and you are looking for a low-CO2 alternative that is more affordable than a plug-in hybrid BMW 5 Series (530e), Mercedes-Benz E Class (E300 e) or Volvo S90 (T8 Twin Engine), then the Lexus ES300h is worth considering. You will have to live with a few particularities. If you can, this Lexus is a great place to be mobile in.

PROS

• Comfortable, spacious, cosseting interior
• Affordable alternative to premium PHEV models
• TCO: low CO2 and real-life fuel consumption, generous equipment

CONS

• No split-folding rear seats, relatively small boot
• Unpractical human-machine interface
• Limited dealer network

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https://leftlanenews.com/2018/09/13/...-japan-101358/
SEP 13, 2018, 4:30AM ET

Lexus has become the first automaker to replace door-mounted mirrors with cameras in Japan.

Lexus has become the first automaker to replace door-mounted mirrors with cameras in a series-produced car. The option will be offered on the new ES exclusively on the Japanese market, where the technology became legal in 2016.

Tiny cameras in a thin, rain-proof housing capture footage of what's behind the car and transfer them to screens mounted in the area where the a-pillar meets the dashboard. It's not the cleanest execution of the technology we've seen but it offers several advantages over conventional mirrors, according to Lexus.

Notably, the cameras switch to a wider view when the driver activates one of the turn signals in order to show what's in the blind spot. Replacing the mirrors with smaller, thinner devices makes the ES more aerodynamic while reducing wind noise at high speeds.

The cameras will be available at an extra cost when the Lexus ES goes on sale in Japan in October. Pricing information hasn't been released yet. Lexus hasn't confirmed plans to roll out the technology to its other models but it's reasonable to assume this isn't the last time we're hearing about it.

There's no word on when lawmakers will allow the technology in the United States. The e-tron Audi will introduce on September 17th will offer cameras instead of mirrors in select markets, including Germany, but Audi confirmed the technology won't be available in the United States for legal reasons.

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https://paultan.org/2019/09/10/new-l...a-from-rm300k/

New Lexus ES 250 launched in Malaysia, from RM300k

In Cars, Lexus, Local Car Launches, Local News / By Danny Tan / 10 September 2019 7:44 pm / 16 comments

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