LexFinally

Ionian mentioned the possibility that Toyota might brings its Crown "executive flagship sedan" to the US later this year, saying "It looks Toyota is going to bring the Crown to stateside soon as they already trademarked the name last year." He linked this video (thanks, Ionian):


When I watched the video, the first thing I noticed was the very long "prestige gap" between the front wheelwell and front door, usually the tipoff of an RWD chassis. Sure enough, the car is listed elsewhere as an AWD/RWD sedan on the Mirai/LS architecture.

If this car came to America, it's much more than just an Avalon replacement. It's a car that remedies the ES's one basic weakness: FWD for a powerful engine. IMO, there would honestly be very little reason for the current ES in such a scenario. Fascinating that Toyota would take this risk.

mikemu30

I don't think the ES has a thing to worry about. That car is downright hideous.

wmoor004

I believe future ES vehicles will have an All Wheel drive option. Beside Lexus and Lexus owners love the baby LS. 👶 lol

mikemu30

The future is now. ES is available in AWD.

ionian

The above video you linked is the old model as it has split screen design. The original video I linked was this one:

wmoor004

Not the underpowered 250--- I am speaking of the 350 ES.No AWD exists to the best of my limited knowledge

703

The current generation crown has been around since 2018.

Previous generation crowns are lacklustre. They were a poor man’s Lexus LS.

However this generation Crown is more of a GS than the LS, specially with the 3.5L hybrid in par with the LC or LS500h.

ESh

There’s not enough space to put the 4x4 transfer case with the V6, but maybe the next generation will have the hump on the floor just like the 2IS.

wmoor004

If mercedes can do it I am sure Lexus can make it happen. 🤔 In all honesty the 2023 renders look better than the the current Gen ES. Unless its an ugly crossovers.lol

mikemu30

Correct but you referenced future ES vehicles. The 250 is an ES vehicle.

ionian

It isn't a matter of technical know-how as much as other factors at play such business justifications, regulations, etc. Lexus isn't doing V6 AWD for ES now as it doesn't make sense. If they aren't doing it now they surely won't do it in the future. For those that want more HP with AWD in next gen ES Lexus will shove PHEV tech that is currently in 2022 NX450h+ into ES body with some tweaks and call it a day. Biden's administration is setting higher fuel-economy rules that require the average new car or truck to get nearly 50 miles per gallon of gasoline by 2026. Manufacturers won't able to meet it unless they go hybrid or PHEV.

ICE V6 is a goner.

ESh

Everybody can do it if they create a chassis with more space around the engine/tranny but on the NGA-K platform it is not enough space for V6+4X4.
Maybe they will modify it for the next gen ES.

wmoor004

I am confused, I thought I made that clear. Allow me to rephrase, the Lexus ES 350 needs AWD. Although the ES 250 has AWD I would not purchase the vehicle because it is underwhelming. My opinion.

wmoor004

I assume this is your opinion? That being the case I can respect that because we are all entitled to one.

ionian

The proof is in the pudding. If you want AWD you have to give up the V6 and join the ES250 family