Next-Generation Lexus ES & ES F SPORT Prototypes Spotted!

Posted by Kevin on August 2nd, 2017

Two next-generation Lexus ES prototypes have been spotted in the California desert testing against the Mercedes E300 and Audi A6 — Motor1 has photos of what looks to be both an ES and ES F SPORT (above):

Both sedans have a coupe-like silhouette, much like the all-new fifth-generation LS — the standard ES with a waterfall grille, the other with an F SPORT mesh.

From the side, there are some obvious curves in both fenders, and the trunk lines are reminiscent of the current GS sedan.

With the straight rear, you would almost think this was a third-generation GS in the way the trunk and bumper come together. The sides look undefined from this angle, but it’s worth pointing out that the wheels are finally pushed out to the corners.

There’s a lot to take in — does this prototype signal the end of the GS? Could the ES really be getting an F SPORT edition? Is the car bigger, or is it the same size? Let us know in the comments, and let’s get to discussing.

Lexus ES: Sixth Generation
Popular Stories

Sorry. No data so far.

Comments
Trexus
My very first Lexus was a 1996 ES 300 and I loved that car. I took her to over 400K miles before she got rear-ended. I'm sure if I had her today she'd probably be close to 600K miles. I look forward to the next generation ES. The ES has always outsold the IS and I love the IS line as well. Lexus should expand the ES line to include a hardtop coupe based on the Toyota Solara. Lexus doesn't really need to market the ES, it sells well on it's own.

ES 350
ES 300h
ES 350 C
ES 300h C

F sport all variants as well...
bogglo
Trexus
My very first Lexus was a 1996 ES 300 and I loved that car. I took her to over 400K miles before she got rear-ended. I'm sure if I had her today she'd probably be close to 600K miles. I look forward to the next generation ES. The ES has always outsold the IS and I love the IS line as well. The IS competes directly with the 3 Series so no need to get rid of the IS just expand the IS line to include an IS F and bring the IS 300h to North America. Lexus should expand the ES line to include a hardtop coupe based on the Toyota Solara. Lexus doesn't really need to market the ES, it sells well on it's own.

ES 350
ES 300h
ES 350 C
ES 300h C

F sport all variants as well...
The solara. I love that car still got my 1999 solara sle chilling in the garage in chicago. I think the solara was more of a Avalon coupe. the interior was always better than a Camry IMO. but I don't see the es getting a coupe. the 300h might end up in the US now since lexus is trying to upgrade their line up and distance it from toyota
Ian Schmidt
supra93
I take back my earlier comment. It probably is the ES seeing how they also included the current ES in the test group. This is a sad day in Lexus history. Looks like Akio got want he wanted.
I'm not sure refreshing one of the models that pays the bills for sexy low-volume cars like the RC, LC, and LFA is quite what I'd call "a sad day in Lexus history". It's literally the only sedan they make that's selling in the middle of the current SUV/CUV craze.
S
Ian Schmidt
I'm not sure refreshing one of the models that pays the bills for sexy low-volume cars like the RC, LC, and LFA is quite what I'd call "a sad day in Lexus history". It's literally the only sedan they make that's selling in the middle of the current SUV/CUV craze.
I'm referring to the rumors of the GS cancellation. I have no issue with the ES itself.
Ian Schmidt
supra93
I'm referring to the rumors of the GS cancellation. I have no issue with the ES itself.
I prefer to think positive about the GS - the fact that the JDM Toyota version is out testing should mean positive things for it. If we're going to have a new golden age of Japanese speed with the Supra and NSX and GTR and Civic Type-R and so on, the GS F should come out and play too.
PeterF
Ian Schmidt
I prefer to think positive about the GS - the fact that the JDM Toyota version is out testing should mean positive things for it. If we're going to have a new golden age of Japanese speed with the Supra and NSX and GTR and Civic Type-R and so on, the GS F should come out and play too.
great point! and Lexus really is presenting a picture that they want to be and are becoming real players!
krew
Gecko
Let's be honest - all the ES really needs is an active AWD system that can split the power delivery between the front and rear wheels for consumers who want either more power or better driving dynamics... and the case for building a GS becomes approximately zero. This is what Audi has done for years with every sedan in their lineup: you can buy the plebeian FWD model if you don't care and just want an appliance, or you have the option of AWD, sports packages, larger engines, etc. It works for them and it can work for Lexus, and this method would represent a major risk aversion for Lexus when sedan sales are tanking dramatically month by month.

Judging from the spy pics, this is a good looking car... much more svelte and interesting than any ES before. If they offer 300+hp ES F-Sport that looks this good, they probably will be able to keep ~50% or more of GS buyers, all of their current ES audience and eliminate significant cost and risk.
AWD is key when it comes to the next-generation ES replacing the GS, at least in a suitable manner. Also, let's not kid ourselves -- the ES is one of the best-selling luxury sedans in North America and the GS is a poor seller that can only be fixed with a drastic reinvention that positions it away from the E-Class & 5-series. The decision looks easy from a business sense.

corradoMR2
FWD-platform aside, I can't believe I'm actually excited at the prospect of an ES F Sport. I know it's an oxymoron today, but think back at the sporty flair of the Gen2 ES while still being luxurious and refined. If Lexus captures that styling and "sporty" essence in the Gen7 ES which was lost in all prior Gens, I may actually have one in my driveway soon enough!
This is how I'm feeling as well. An ES F SPORT is so insane I want one of my own.
CIF
  • CIF
    CIF
  • August 9, 2017
Regarding "Akio getting what he wanted", this misconception needs to be cleared up as well. There was an interview Akio Toyoda did, where he mentioned he never actually wanted to cancel the GS. The whole story or urban legend that emerged about Akio "wanting to cancel it" was explained very clearly in the interview. He said that was just a comment he made to the development team to motivate them to make a better product, and that they did. They developed a class-leading chassis with the 4GS. He said in the interview he never wanted to literally cancel the GS. So this misconception needs to stop being repeated. Lexus enthusiasts, stay informed, and pass on this information to stop this misconception and false rumor in its tracks.

corradoMR2
If you look closely at the '18 LS and '18 CT grilles, the F Sport versions have the traditional "L" shapes like the alleged F Sport version of the ES. The non-F Sport version of the ES like the LS, CT, IS, etc which have a honeycomb, waterfall-style, or horizontal slat design as the standard grills.

So based on what we see today in production, my money is on that "ES" model being an "F Sport"... but yes, all speculation still at this time...
Great eye!

I see what you're saying, but I'll believe an ES F-Sport when I see it unveiled in production form. Not doubting you, just doubting Lexus actually doing it.
krew
CIF
Regarding "Akio getting what he wanted", this misconception needs to be cleared up as well. There was a little-known interview Akio Toyoda did some time ago, where he mentioned he never actually wanted to cancel the GS. The whole story or urban legend that emerged about Akio "wanting to cancel it" was explained very clearly in the interview
I'm sure I wrote about this, but do you have a link to this story?
S
Not trying to go off topic, but I have a fix for the GS' poor sale. How about dropping in that TT-V6 and bringing back the V8? It seems to work really well for Genesis.

2017
GS: 4,205
G80: 9,005
CIF
  • CIF
    CIF
  • August 9, 2017
krew
I'm sure I wrote about this, but do you have a link to this story?
I tried my best to search for the interview, but can't find the link. It was an obscure interview. You may have written about this. I do know 100% that the interview does exist, and Akio Toyoda did say this.

C