A New Level of Performance and Sophistication The Next Generation of Lexus ES

The introduction of the new Lexus ES continues the expression of the brand's design direction and commitment towards crafting vehicles with heightened excitement, emotion and passion expanding that vision of the brand's future to a broader audience. Traditional buyers will find the new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before while a new generation of customers will be introduced to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this segment.

Built on the all-new Global Architecture―K (GA-K) platform, the new ES pushes the limits of design in the midsize luxury sedan class. This ES is longer (+2.6 in), lower (-.2 in) and wider (+1.8 in.) than before with wheels that have been pushed closer to the corners thanks to a two-inch longer wheelbase and wider tracks front (+.4 in) and rear (+1.5 in). It's stance and proportions reflect its newfound performance capabilities and give the ES the kind of eye-catching appearance that will make owners take a second look as they walk away.

Project Chief Designer, Yasuo Kajino, describes the look of the ES as "provocative elegance". Kajino says

To create a dynamic yet fluid shape, Kaijino's team used the low hood enabled by the new ES platform to produce a distinctive silhouette emphasized by an aggressive downward slant. Up front, the face of the ES is dramatically different depending on the model. The standard ES 350 and the ES 300h use elegant vertical bars that radiate out from the center while the ES 350 F SPORT model adopts a blacked out cross-hatch pattern that corresponds with cut outs at each corner of the fascia.

In a break with ES models of the past, the seventh-generation design uses a fast roofline that emphasizes its lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. The rear end is clean and sharply chiseled, with LED taillamps that wrap around the quarter panels to provide a continuous styling line from any angle. F SPORT models add a rear spoiler, additional rear badging and a dark lower valance to further refine the look. There are three different wheel designs (17- and 18-inch) for the ES 350 and ES 300h while the ES 350 F SPORT gets standard 19-inch wheels with a design similar to that found on the LC coupe.

A dozen colors make up the exterior paint palette including two new shades, one green and one beige, that are anything but typical. Moonbeam Beige Metallic was designed to mimic light reflecting off fresh snow, while Sunlight Green replicates the color of ocean water brightened by the sun. F SPORT models get an exclusive Heat Blue color that compliments its high-energy design.

When designing the look and feel of the ES's interior, Kajino's team started with the Lexus Future Interior concept which blends a driver-centric cockpit with a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. In the ES, the driver's focus is kept on the road ahead by placing the center display screen, instrument panel and heads up display in a tight cluster in the driver's field of view. Additionally, adjustments were made to components such as the steering wheel angle and position and brake pedal angle and location to provide the driver with a natural driving position.

Front passengers, on the other hand, get a more open and spacious environment that promotes relaxation.

Rear seat passenger comfort has long been a hallmark of the ES and the seventh-generation model still prioritizes rear package capability despite the sleeker exterior roofline. A lower hip point and a carefully configured headliner preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase delivers uncharacteristically generous legroom.

In addition to the array of eye-catching paint colors available on the ES, there's a new interior color combination that reflects the "provocative elegance" theme. Along with Black, Chateau and Topaz Brown, the ES will offer a new Rich Cream interior that blends cream upholstery with a brown headliner to give the cabin a modern, yet warm look and feel.

To create an entirely different appearance for the inside of new F-SPORT model, an all-new kind of metallic cabin trim was developed that is unlike anything else Lexus has done before. Inspired by the making of a traditional Japanese sword, Hadori trim features fluctuating wave patterns that give it a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle. The effect is subtle yet indicative of the level of detail and craftsmanship that Kajino's team put into giving the F-SPORT a unique place in the lineup. The standard ES 350 and ES 300h will continue to offer traditional materials like Bamboo and Shimamoku wood which give the ES a hand-crafted appearance that luxury buyers expect in this category.

The engineering team led by Yasuhiro Sakakibara had one clear goal when it came to the ES: Transform the image of the ES. That meant turning a sedan known primarily for comfort and quietness into one that is equally capable of delivering class-leading handling and power that you can feel and hear.

According to Yasuhiro Sakakibara, Chief Engineer, this ES was built to deliver a fundamentally higher level of performance than any of its predecessors. "We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on and that can only be achieved with a solid foundation."

The starting point was the newly developed Global Architecture-K chassis. It is an exceptionally rigid front-wheel drive chassis, rivaling the Global Architecture-L rear-wheel drive platform used for the LC coupe and LS sedan in terms of torsional stiffness. Various grades of high-tensile steel reduce weight versus previous platforms while additional enhancements like an all-new double wishbone suspension design, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat gave the engineers the flexibility to tune the ES with a newfound level of precision. Providing a good base to expand and enhance from, the platform allowed us to realize low and wide proportions, resulting in a lower center of gravity and better than ever aerodynamics.

For the ES's chassis engineering team, the goal was clear: To create a sense of comforting predictability coupled with a feeling of quick response to every movement. Yoshiaki Ito, ES chief test driver describes the ES's heightened level and refined definition of comfort by saying: "We want every kind of driver to feel a sense of complete control when they are behind the wheel of the ES. It's a level of comfort that goes beyond merely delivering a smooth ride."

For an even higher level of dynamic performance, F SPORT models will offer an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) similar to that found on the LC coupe. This adds adjustable dampers at each corner that feature 650 levels of damping force for the ultimate in control over any surface. The use of linear solenoids result in more precise damping control. Another F SPORT exclusive is a Sport+ mode for the Drive Mode Select system that specifies the most aggressive engine, transmission and suspension settings for maximum performance. A new Engine Sound Enhancement feature is also activated in Sport+ mode that adds an additional layer of engine noise that enhances the natural rhythms of the spirited driving.

All ES 350s are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that is designed to deliver commanding acceleration along with an invigorating sound. With an update to D4-S fuel injection, the impressively smooth engine now develops 300 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Both of those numbers are up significantly (+32 hp, +14 lb-ft) compared to the previous generation V6.

In addition to the boost in power, the ES 350 also benefits from a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. This uses an ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock up clutch to more efficiently transfer power to the front wheels, and has been tuned to deliver crisp, precisely timed shifts with quick pedal responses. With a wider spread of ratios, the new eight speed is able to utilize high torque gears on the low end for quick starts and tall gearing on the high end for optimum efficiency.

In select global markets the ES will be offered as an ES 250, powered by an all-new, high-efficiency 2.5 L 4 cylinder engine. This aluminum-intensive engine features a long-stroke design, laser-clad intake valve seats and advanced Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT i) to achieve a new high-speed combustion process, and achieves an overall thermal efficiency of 38%.

Not to be outdone by its gasoline siblings, the ES 300h is capable of delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions for a midsize luxury sedan. A new, fourth-generation Hybrid Drive System overturns the traditional image of hybrids with excellent power performance, a high-level fuel economy, and the elimination of the rubber band' feeling associated with previous hybrid systems. The new hybrid system couples an ultra-efficient, Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with a lighter, more compact, more power dense electric motor and self-charging hybrid system. Together they deliver a combined 205 total system horsepower and more than 40 mpg in combined driving.

An all-new engine, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder incorporates fast burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficient engines in a production vehicle. The result is more power without increasing emissions or fuel consumption. Various methods were used to achieve such impressive results including straight intake ports, increased valve angles and laser-clad valve seats. A variable capacity oil pump, multi-hole injectors, VVTi-E on the intake valves and a variable cooling system also contribute to the engine's impressive heat and combustion management.

Overall drivability of the ES 300h has been improved thanks to a more sophisticated hybrid system control computer that is better able to mimic the feel and power delivery of a standard gas engine. Even the nickel-hydrogen battery is smaller than before which allows it to be mounted underneath the back seat so it doesn't infringe on truck space.

One element of the ES that hasn't been radically transformed is its dedication to safety. All versions of the seventh-generation ES feature the new Lexus Safety System + 2.0 as standard equipment. Already one of the most sophisticated systems of its kind, LSS+ 2.0 adds new capabilities that further expand the scenarios in which it is capable of providing additional safety to the driver and passengers.

One such feature is daytime bicyclist detection which is part of the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS). Already capable of detecting oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, the Pre-Collision System's ability to detect bicyclists addresses one of the most common accident scenarios on the road today. PCS has also been enhanced to better detect pedestrians at night by increasing the radar's sensitivity and dynamic range.

Another new safety advancement offered in the ES is a two-stage adaptive high beam system (AHS). This system not only turns the high beams on and off automatically for the driver, its 24 individual LED light array is capable of adapting the light pattern to provide enhanced illumination while reducing glare for oncoming drivers.

From the nimble, consistent responsiveness that delivers that distinctive Lexus driving performance, to real stitching on areas such as the soft padding of the instrument panel, where each stitch is embedded into materials for a 3-D effect, and the sound insulation and absorption measures that were undertaken to deliver an outstanding level of quietness and sound control, the new Lexus ES is a reminder that nothing is crafted like a Lexus.

When it goes on sale later this year, the 2019 Lexus ES will usher in a new era for one of the brand's most popular models. Much like the flagship LS, the new ES sedan aims to engage a broader range of customers. It delivers everything that traditional Lexus buyers expect along with elements that will draw in those who haven't considered the brand before. Bolder styling, more dynamic performance, unique cabin materials and the latest safety technology add a chapter to the ES story that will recast the traditional image of the ES into one that is new and unexpected.

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