Teased: The Next-Generation Lexus ES Sedan


Lexus has released the first teaser image of the upcoming next-generation ES sedan, here it is in full-resolution:

Whether by coincidence or strategy, the released image is from nearly the same angle as the photo of the ES that leaked on Monday. The vertical slat grille is a departure from recent patterns used by Lexus, and is likely meant to soften the ES’ overall resemblance to the LS sedan.

The press release reads more like a tweet, but contains some valuable information:

More than just a pretty face, this all-new Lexus vehicle aims to radically transform the concept of comfort for luxury consumers all over the world. Witness its global debut in Beijing on April 25, 2018. #ExperienceAmazing

There we have it — not only will the new Lexus ES debut in two weeks at the Beijing Motor Show, it will be available in all markets globally. Big news indeed.

So, what do you think of this spindle grille intrepretation? Are you ready for an ES with a design similar to the LS flagship?

FeaturesLexus ES: Fifth Generation
Comments
They are not going to dump the nameplate of a best seller, just no way.
ssun30
They are not going to dump the nameplate of a best seller, just no way.
No, he’s right. This new line replacing both the ES and GS is going to be called the Lexus BS.



:joy:
mordecai
No, he’s right. This new line replacing both the ES and GS is going to be called the Lexus BS.



:joy:
Oh, that takes me back! In mid-2005, real, honest-to-God rumors started of a Lexus BS line. No April Fools' joke, this would've been a RWD, C-segment hatchback to directly rival BMW's 1-Series. After multiple accounts of the rumors, I felt compelled to write a commentary piece for my.IS in December 2005. Sadly, this never came true, instead morphing into the much less compelling CT.
Joaquin Ruhi
Oh, that takes me back! In mid-2005, real, honest-to-God rumors started of a Lexus BS line. No April Fools' joke, this would've been a RWD, C-segment hatchback to directly rival BMW's 1-Series. After multiple accounts of the rumors, I felt compelled to write a commentary piece for my.IS in December 2005. Sadly, this never came true, instead morphing into the much less compelling CT.
Mannn that was some BS from Lexus...... : unamused:


April 17, 2018

BEIJING—The all-new ES springs from a reimagined luxury equation. Engaging design, athletic performance, and renowned refinement transform Lexus’s most popular sedan. The all-new #LexusES. Reborn. #ExperienceAmazing

Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 240 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases/the+all+new+es+trans+for+the+world.htm

Honestly WTH is that trunk spoiler, so bulky and out of place
I will wait and won't judging it until 25th but my first impressions so far towards Avalon of compared to this
Mini-LS. This looks to be a home run for Lexus. I hope they will introduce the ES to the European market.

The stance and detailing makes it look both sporty and elegant at the same time. More successful than the LS in showing these conflicting identities.
Looks good to me so far. I think the interior has to be a big step up from the current generation though and I expect that it will be.
The side profile/greenhouse view in the teaser video disappointed me. Reminds me of the Genesis G80 or, worse, the outgoing 5th-gen (L33) Nissan Altima.
An attempt to show the side profile in one picture.
maiaramdan
I will wait and won't judging it until 25th but my first impressions so far towards Avalon of compared to this
It also carries Camry's signature feature of protruded wheel arch on the rear doors together with the door cut that follows the arch.
I like it. Lexus press photos are almost always awful (remember when we thought the UX was blah, and then real photos came out and it was actually pretty great?) but even here this does a good job of conveying both "mini-LS" and continuity from the previous ES. Definitely won't scare Granny, and they'll sell zillions.
Hmmmm...

Overall, I like it and I'm pleasantly surprised.

Like @Joaquin Ruhi mentioned, I'm kinda getting Genesis G80 vibes from the side profile. The greenhouse and general side profile is actually very close to the Chevrolet Impala... not my favorite comparison. The long body lines, more upright A-pillar and general proportions of this car are reminding me of the late 90s and early 2000s Toyota Crowns and a few other JDM sedans. I get a nostalgic vibe.

A few things I like:
- The front end. I think this might be Lexus' nicest front end since the LC. The lines are right, the details work, it's not overstyled and it's a relatively mature take on what we've seen from Lexus' faces lately. I could do without the chrome whiskers though.
- The front and rear overhang don't look bad. From spy shots, it looked like there would be considerable front overhang but I don't see it here. Nice work.
- Specifically, the headlights. With UX, LS and ES, it seems like Lexus is moving towards a somewhat toned down headlight that incorporates the DRL into the main housing... but still gives the illusion of a signature check. I like it. The execution of this is much better than GS, IS and others. I assume the IS may end up a little more wild... a la LC... but that's alright.


A few things I don't love:
- That rear bumper... what is that strange chunk that looks to be protruding out?
- The greenhouse is sticking out to me as a sore spot in the design. The rear end of the car goes into a fastback shape and the side flanks are rather chunky... it looks like a slightly smaller greenhouse would have fit this design better, but after the complaints about headroom in the new LS, I understand why they did this.
- Rear spoiler... what's going on here?

Excited to see the interior.
The protruding rear bumper and spoiler are also seen on the Camry (very pronounced on the XSE) and the Avalon. If it's not a design choice then it has something to do with rear collision safety. You can tell they are doing TNGA part sharing there, which I don't think is the appropriate thing to do. Toyota parts on Lexus=easy target for media criticism.

And once again, Lexus has built enough front overhang to fit a V8 in that transverse FWD chassis.
The protruding rear bumper and spoiler are also seen on the Camry (very pronounced on the XSE) and the Avalon. If it's not a design choice then it has something to do with rear collision safety. You can tell they are doing TNGA part sharing there, which I don't think is the appropriate thing to do. Toyota parts on Lexus=easy target for media criticism.

And once again, Lexus has built enough front overhang to fit a V8 in that transverse FWD chassis.
R
  • R
    RAL
  • April 18, 2018
I'll take it! ... Atomic Silver/Noble Brown ... less the spoiler/hybrid ... can't wait to see 'real' photos/real life
R
  • R
    RAL
  • April 18, 2018
I'll take it! ... Atomic Silver/Noble Brown ... less the spoiler/hybrid ... can't wait to see 'real' photos/real life
I definitely like the styling much more then the LS. It's more cohesive to me. Will need to see the rear in full and without the spoiler in person though.
I'm glad they got rid of some of the tacky styling cues like on the LS that appear to be borrowed from several different vehicles (thus making it appear less cohesive, or as Robert Cumberford put it "an aesthetic mess".).
I am really looking forward to seeing the interior, which fell very short on material quality when the current ES launched. Also looking forward to official drivetrain specifics.
Alshamsi
An attempt to show the side profile in one picture.
Lexus Altima
looks pretty darn good... lets see the rest of it!
Well i knew it if the LS was not ground breaking in terms of design expect the entire line to be like this lukewarm. They going to try to do funny things with the IS aswell
As already noted by @Ian Schmidt, Lexus and photos, that isn't usually a successful marriage.
But exceptions confirm the rule, don't they?
The very first photos of a car are very important (just google around now) and therefore more than successful with this ES.

Just judging by that picture, the new ES looks great, "Welcome to Western Europe!" would I say.
This doesn't seem to be a F Sport version (we miss the label on the sides), so that says a lot about what we can expect.
And at the back, I see a chrome strip but not directly the rear light bar, as we have seen at the UX, but that's OK for me.
From now on we'll not speak about a mini/baby LS but rather from the little brother of the LS.
OlFius
As already noted by @Ian Schmidt, Lexus and photos, that isn't usually a successful marriage.
But exceptions confirm the rule, don't they?
The very first photos of a car are very important (just google around now) and therefore more than successful with this ES.

Just judging by that picture, the new ES looks great, "Welcome to Western Europe!" would I say.
This doesn't seem to be a F Sport version (we miss the label on the sides), so that says a lot about what we can expect.
And at the back, I see a chrome strip but not directly the rear light bar, as we have seen at the UX, but that's OK for me.
From now on we'll not speak about a mini/baby LS but rather from the little brother of the LS.
indeed, it is top end luxury version, not F-Sport.

And I agree, welcome to Europe!
Alshamsi
An attempt to show the side profile in one picture.
View attachment 2801
Let's take this one step further and brighten it up:

View attachment 2807

There's nothing about this design that reminds me of the previous-gen ES, and that's an accomplishment in itself. Very impressed with this, though I agree with some of the criticisms I've read -- don't understand the rear door cut, spoiler is curious.

OlFius
From now on we'll not speak about a mini/baby LS but rather from the little brother of the LS.
Like it!
Somewhat disappointed in this latest reveal, very much a limo look and different from the renderings already viewed. However will wait and see more info and detail wish they could capture the style of the Five series it is a big car and yet does not look it. This pic illustrates a rather large barge like vehicle - yes disappointed in these pics any way.
krew
Let's take this one step further and brighten it up:

View attachment 2807

There's nothing about this design that reminds me of the previous-gen ES, and that's an accomplishment in itself. Very impressed with this, though I agree with some of the criticisms I've read -- don't understand the rear door cut, spoiler is curious.



Like it!
It reminds me a bit of new Crown... it is looks expensive and massive, where ES previously looked like cheapest Lexus.

Big change, great move.
krew
View attachment 2807

There's nothing about this design that reminds me of the previous-gen ES, and that's an accomplishment in itself.
[​IMG]






To me, it looks very much like an ES and I'd never mistake it for anything else. FWD proportions, larger greenhouse, long-ish hood... it is definitely an ES, but made modern to match LS.
Gecko
[​IMG]






To me, it looks very much like an ES and I'd never mistake it for anything else. FWD proportions, larger greenhouse, long-ish hood... it is definitely an ES, but made modern to match LS.
BUZZKILL!

K