DRIVEN + VIDEO: The All-new Lexus ES Pushes The Once Sedate Luxury Sedan Forward — Do YOU Approve?

When it comes to luxury sedans, if there's one vehicle I could pinpoint that was devoid of style and personality, it would be the Lexus ES. It...was...awful.

But, people loved them.

Not only did they boast Lexus' outstanding reliability, they also were comfortable and were a step above their Toyota counterparts. While it was the definition of "all beige everything," Lexus had no problem moving a lot of units off their respective lots.

Fast forward to today and it's time for an all-new ES. Increasing in size and taking a page from the all-new LS' playbook, it's a much more aggressive ES than we've previously seen. Although the last-gen car started getting a bit more ferocious, this all-new ES is a whole 'nother thing.

I've seen a couple on the road so far and I have to say I am actually impressed with the latest ES. Having said that, we're curious what YOU think of Lexus' latest attempt: Do YOU give it your seal of approval? Or, would you pass?



The Lexus ES luxury sedan comes loaded with luxury trimmings that cater to every customer's whim. Prestige, comfort, performance driving dynamics are expected in this category for this price point, and Kelley Blue Book's Micah Muzio will take you for a lux spin to see how the ES delivers on all those luxurious promises.

MDarringer - 11/4/2018 8:24:00 PM

+3 Boost

Lincoln really needs to pay attention to the ES. The MKZ is too small. The Continental is the right size but it's priced hella wrong. An FWD Cadillac Seville would be a better move than a CT4 or a CT5. The ES is a formidable player even in a collapsing sedan market. The latest one is nice looking and wears the Lexus design language almost as well as the LC. Acura is clueless. Infiniti is clueless.

Car4life1 - 11/4/2018 9:01:31 PM

-2 Boost

What a lovely Camry

MDarringer - 11/4/2018 10:05:42 PM

+5 Boost

Indeed it is, but the A3 is just a pretty Golf. The real question is how did Ford misfire TWICE with the Lincoln Fusion? The MKZ is ugly and the Continental is overpriced and hastily rushed to market is how. The Camry feel more like an ES repurposed than the Continental which very much betrays that it's a repurposed Fusion.

dumpsty - 11/5/2018 8:37:45 AM

+1 Boost

Basically, the new ES will be automatically/universally accepted by the average consumer - even while the new Camry use the shared platform as well. Makes sense for Toyota/Lexus though. The ES is probably still a good descent seller for the brand.

I recently had a Camry rental & could easily feel the Avalon dynamics all through it. It was one of the cheaper trim models. It wasn't bad, but it definitely made me think - How does the new ES improve on all of the content/features/driving experience?

dlin - 11/5/2018 12:36:01 PM

+2 Boost

I rode in Camry rental and test drive ES recently just for fun. And you definitely feel the difference, like a 3 vs 7. Maybe not such a great analogy, since Size Does Matter, but you get my point.

jeffgall - 11/4/2018 9:16:35 PM

+4 Boost

What an ugly snout

Car4life1 - 11/4/2018 9:19:22 PM

+1 Boost

How dare you refer to “The Predator” inspired grille as ugly...I hear a remake of the movie is coming soon btw

TheSteve - 11/4/2018 9:25:54 PM

+3 Boost

I liked Lexus when their gravest sin was that their styling was too conservative. I just can't get into "heinously ugly", no matter how good it might be.

cidflekken - 11/4/2018 10:11:27 PM

+2 Boost

this car will change little to nothing in the sedan landscape. It will continue to be very popular but I don’t think it will conquest sales from anyone else. Lexus' “sporty” efforts haven’t helped increase sales for the brand so that ne part of the ES' personality likely will have no impact. If it were my money I would definitely go with a G80 which actually looks fresher in comparison to this ES, despite being much older, though the ES' interior looks better.

MDarringer - 11/4/2018 10:58:24 PM

+2 Boost

When you see the demographics of the clientele for this car, Lexus is spot on virtually like no other manufacturer. This isn't a fun car, but I know I'd adore it after driving in it as much as I do in a week.

A while ago I drove the Stinger to Tucumcari and back 2K miles round trip and I was exceedingly happy with its ability to makes miles disappear. My Continental was cushier on the same trip and the Fusion was definitely better than a half-price Continental. The ES would be a dream for such a trip.

dlin - 11/4/2018 10:29:51 PM

0 Boost

A strong proposition that gets everything right, except the driving wheels.
Time to add AWD version.

MDarringer - 11/4/2018 10:50:34 PM

+2 Boost

AWD is more of a marketing ploy than a need in this class of car. With the exception of places with severely inclement weather, AWD is pointless. This is not a canyon carver.

dlin - 11/5/2018 12:17:55 PM

0 Boost

Really? Anyone dumb enough to think ES is a Canyon carver?

Since ES is APPARENTLY a Cruiser, Lexus might as well add AWD version for areas where it snows. Nothing to do with class or carving canyon.

cidflekken - 11/4/2018 11:23:51 PM

+3 Boost

For my money I would get a fully loaded Accord and save almost $15k. It may not be as quiet but it truly is a brilliantly executed car in almost every aspect.

MDarringer - 11/5/2018 8:02:07 AM

+2 Boost

That's the point for most of its buyers. But if you think the ES is devoid of style then an Audi A4 must be invisible because it really is devoid of style.

bnilhome - 11/5/2018 8:46:46 AM

+4 Boost

This new ES is about the size of the new Accord and I honestly think the new Accord looks nicer. I am not sure why someone would want to pay $10,000 more for the Lexus even if its a nicer ES than before. Some mainstream sedans have gotten so upscale they are challenging entry-level sedans like the ES.

xjug1987a - 11/5/2018 10:20:52 AM

+2 Boost

Wonder if this will replace both the ES and the GS? If I'm not mistaken this ES is now, for this model and the previous, based on the Avalon platform. (I know thats a slightly bigger version of the Camry, but it is bigger). While I find these cars ugly and boring, I recently rode in one and was pretty impressed. VERY comfortable way to move around... its formidable especially w/its interior and dependablity. I think aging boomers looking for something more comfortable and might find themselves at the Lexus dealer... I'm w/Matt and hope the new Cadillacs are as premium as they should be but priced right. I would love a Seville too... the alpanumerics suck....

Truthy - 11/5/2018 2:44:44 PM

+2 Boost

I drove the 2019 ES F-Sport and was quite impressed. The seats and driving position are great. It is not a "canyon carver" but the steering felt connected and the drive refined. Plus it was silent.
After 4 years with the service hell that is MB I am ready for a Lexus.

Truthy - 11/5/2018 3:01:39 PM

+2 Boost

I read that an AWD ES will be launched in 12 -24 months and then the GS will be discontinued.

dlin - 11/6/2018 11:22:08 AM

+2 Boost

I noticed during test drive there's a floor bump in the back seat, similar to that of RWD cars, so very likely structurally prepared for AWD version.

ricks0me - 11/5/2018 3:59:15 PM

-2 Boost

Put an Altima grill on that and you will have an Altima.

Lexus styling is lame
Nissan styling is lame
Audi styling is lame
Lincoln styling is lame
Tesla Model S has great style buy you can keep the the rest of the lineup.

Give me back my skateboard!

Truthy - 11/6/2018 9:24:15 AM

+3 Boost

Drive the Lexus and the Nissan back-to-back and tell me if you still think it is an Altima.
The Model S is an attractive car. The interior is inferior to an Altima.

LexSucks - 11/6/2018 5:15:24 PM

-1 Boost

Watch out BMW!! Lol