2019 Lexus ES 350 F-Sport - 3 Things You Need To Know
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 PHOTOGRAPHY
Attractive 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
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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 PHOTOGRAPHY
Upgraded 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.