Comparing the New Lexus ES & Lexus LS Sedans

Posted by Kevin on April 18th, 2018

The next-generation Lexus ES has been revealed, and the similarities with the exterior design of the LS flagship are undeniable — let’s put them side-by-side for a comparison:

Lexus ES vs Lexus LS Front

Lexus ES vs Lexus LS Side

There are so many shared design cues that pointing out the differences turns into a game of its own — the headlights, the grille pattern, the lack of a chrome samurai blade along the bottom of the doors.

Overall, the ES is softer in its curves and less articulated in its angles, but this should be expected and even preferred. After all, the LS is the Lexus sedan flagship and can’t give away all its secrets.

(Special thanks to RAL on the forums for this post idea!)

Lexus ES: Sixth GenerationLexus LS: Fourth Generation
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Comments
S
Gecko
2.5L hybrid (208hp) seems good for Camry, Rav4, NX, etc and 3.5L hybrid (354hp) seems reserved for flagship products, so there is a missing link here. Maybe it is a 3.0L hybrid V6? That would certainly make sense for RX. Weird thing is that the current 3.5L RX hybrid makes 311hp and is an older system... so will the new system be down in displacement and horsepower? So much unknown at this point... I can't even really speculate.



For western markets, they really should have 2.0T I4 with ~280hp and a new 3.0T V6 with ~375hp. I'd love for either to go into a next gen ES, but I foresee Lexus thinking the 2GR-FKS is "good enough for now" with 300hp. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised?
Well, EU cars nothing about petrols, so no need for 2.0t there... over 300hp engine is only really needed for the USA. So it is up to US market. 2.0t would replace V6, which is also not great for US market, while 2.5l 4cly turbo would be faster than 300hp V6 but still seems like not great engine for US market.

I also agree that they will end up with 230-250hp hybrid, since they plan to add it to Highlander, it cant be 208hp engine from Camry. But what will it be?

p.s. will it come to US market (2nd hybrid model)? Likely not for now... just like we in Europe always had more hybrid options due to penetration, it will likely not be in the US. I mean Toyota EU will have 2 hybrid powertrains in every car they offer soon enough, thats just not happening in the US.
S
Gecko
2.5L hybrid (208hp) seems good for Camry, Rav4, NX, etc and 3.5L hybrid (354hp) seems reserved for flagship products, so there is a missing link here. Maybe it is a 3.0L hybrid V6? That would certainly make sense for RX. Weird thing is that the current 3.5L RX hybrid makes 311hp and is an older system... so will the new system be down in displacement and horsepower? So much unknown at this point... I can't even really speculate.



For western markets, they really should have 2.0T I4 with ~280hp and a new 3.0T V6 with ~375hp. I'd love for either to go into a next gen ES, but I foresee Lexus thinking the 2GR-FKS is "good enough for now" with 300hp. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised?
Well, EU cars nothing about petrols, so no need for 2.0t there... over 300hp engine is only really needed for the USA. So it is up to US market. 2.0t would replace V6, which is also not great for US market, while 2.5l 4cly turbo would be faster than 300hp V6 but still seems like not great engine for US market.

I also agree that they will end up with 230-250hp hybrid, since they plan to add it to Highlander, it cant be 208hp engine from Camry. But what will it be?

p.s. will it come to US market (2nd hybrid model)? Likely not for now... just like we in Europe always had more hybrid options due to penetration, it will likely not be in the US. I mean Toyota EU will have 2 hybrid powertrains in every car they offer soon enough, thats just not happening in the US.
A
Lol "vertical slat" lexus give it up you can't do vertical slat on something that is not straight what is this vertical spindle slat. The only way to be creative with this grill is cut it in half.
A
Lol "vertical slat" lexus give it up you can't do vertical slat on something that is not straight what is this vertical spindle slat. The only way to be creative with this grill is cut it in half.
A
Lol "vertical slat" lexus give it up you can't do vertical slat on something that is not straight what is this vertical spindle slat. The only way to be creative with this grill is cut it in half.
Gecko
Axel
Lol "vertical slat" lexus give it up you can't do vertical slat on something that is not straight what is this vertical spindle slat. The only way to be creative with this grill is cut it in half.
I really kind of like it... and am in favor of variations of the inner material to keep things fresh. LS and LC have that intricate 3D pattern, UX is chunkier and more fitting for an SUV, this ES grille looks cool as well IMO. I think the variation keeps things interesting.

Even Mercedes is now using several different grilles for luxury, sport, AMG, etc.
Gecko
Axel
Lol "vertical slat" lexus give it up you can't do vertical slat on something that is not straight what is this vertical spindle slat. The only way to be creative with this grill is cut it in half.
I really kind of like it... and am in favor of variations of the inner material to keep things fresh. LS and LC have that intricate 3D pattern, UX is chunkier and more fitting for an SUV, this ES grille looks cool as well IMO. I think the variation keeps things interesting.

Even Mercedes is now using several different grilles for luxury, sport, AMG, etc.
Gecko
Axel
Lol "vertical slat" lexus give it up you can't do vertical slat on something that is not straight what is this vertical spindle slat. The only way to be creative with this grill is cut it in half.
I really kind of like it... and am in favor of variations of the inner material to keep things fresh. LS and LC have that intricate 3D pattern, UX is chunkier and more fitting for an SUV, this ES grille looks cool as well IMO. I think the variation keeps things interesting.

Even Mercedes is now using several different grilles for luxury, sport, AMG, etc.
S
@ssun30

latest from bestcar on new corolla versions - wagon should come in 2019 with 250hp 1.6l 3cly engine - this is second time this 1.6l 3cly has appeared, first time was in UX info. So who knows anymore what will they do for 300+ hp Lexus :)
S
@ssun30

latest from bestcar on new corolla versions - wagon should come in 2019 with 250hp 1.6l 3cly engine - this is second time this 1.6l 3cly has appeared, first time was in UX info. So who knows anymore what will they do for 300+ hp Lexus :)
S
@ssun30

latest from bestcar on new corolla versions - wagon should come in 2019 with 250hp 1.6l 3cly engine - this is second time this 1.6l 3cly has appeared, first time was in UX info. So who knows anymore what will they do for 300+ hp Lexus :)
Benito
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
I don’t think this is an F-sport grill, all the F-sport grills I can think of have a mesh pattern and this does not.
Benito
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
I don’t think this is an F-sport grill, all the F-sport grills I can think of have a mesh pattern and this does not.
Benito
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
I don’t think this is an F-sport grill, all the F-sport grills I can think of have a mesh pattern and this does not.
GTG
  • GTG
    GTG
  • April 11, 2018
First this grill is very nice ! Second this picture is a hybrid ES I hope it comes with more mpg like 10 to 20 more . Third please let it have a new infotainment system that works on the move .
GTG
  • GTG
    GTG
  • April 11, 2018
First this grill is very nice ! Second this picture is a hybrid ES I hope it comes with more mpg like 10 to 20 more . Third please let it have a new infotainment system that works on the move .
GTG
  • GTG
    GTG
  • April 11, 2018
First this grill is very nice ! Second this picture is a hybrid ES I hope it comes with more mpg like 10 to 20 more . Third please let it have a new infotainment system that works on the move .
A
Gecko
Surely it will be 2.0T base with optional V6.
I’m guessing the ES will debut with the 2.5L NA or even together with a 2.0L NA in Beijing because that where the bread and butter lies in China. We might have to wait for later shows ( is there an NY show late this year?) to see more powerful options offered in US
A
Gecko
Surely it will be 2.0T base with optional V6.
I’m guessing the ES will debut with the 2.5L NA or even together with a 2.0L NA in Beijing because that where the bread and butter lies in China. We might have to wait for later shows ( is there an NY show late this year?) to see more powerful options offered in US
A
Gecko
Surely it will be 2.0T base with optional V6.
I’m guessing the ES will debut with the 2.5L NA or even together with a 2.0L NA in Beijing because that where the bread and butter lies in China. We might have to wait for later shows ( is there an NY show late this year?) to see more powerful options offered in US
GTG
  • GTG
    GTG
  • April 11, 2018
No there is no other show this year in New York. It just ended on Sunday .
GTG
  • GTG
    GTG
  • April 11, 2018
No there is no other show this year in New York. It just ended on Sunday .
GTG
  • GTG
    GTG
  • April 11, 2018
No there is no other show this year in New York. It just ended on Sunday .
krew
GTG
First this grill is very nice ! Second this picture is a hybrid ES I hope it comes with more mpg like 10 to 20 more . Third please let it have a new infotainment system that works on the move .
I imagine it will have CarPlay, just like the UX. So big upgrade coming in that regard.

amoschen7
I’m guessing the ES will debut with the 2.5L NA or even together with a 2.0L NA in Beijing because that where the bread and butter lies in China. We might have to wait for later shows ( is there an NY show late this year?) to see more powerful options offered in US
Have to figure they will announce all engines at once, as there are no other shows until the Fall. I imagine the ES comes arrives in dealers late this summer.

Do we have a bet going on engines? I'm figuring it will mirror the Camry exactly, right down to the 301-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Big thing for me is AWD -- I can't believe how excited I am about an ES. Just a very interesting model.
krew
GTG
First this grill is very nice ! Second this picture is a hybrid ES I hope it comes with more mpg like 10 to 20 more . Third please let it have a new infotainment system that works on the move .
I imagine it will have CarPlay, just like the UX. So big upgrade coming in that regard.

amoschen7
I’m guessing the ES will debut with the 2.5L NA or even together with a 2.0L NA in Beijing because that where the bread and butter lies in China. We might have to wait for later shows ( is there an NY show late this year?) to see more powerful options offered in US
Have to figure they will announce all engines at once, as there are no other shows until the Fall. I imagine the ES comes arrives in dealers late this summer.

Do we have a bet going on engines? I'm figuring it will mirror the Camry exactly, right down to the 301-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Big thing for me is AWD -- I can't believe how excited I am about an ES. Just a very interesting model.
krew
GTG
First this grill is very nice ! Second this picture is a hybrid ES I hope it comes with more mpg like 10 to 20 more . Third please let it have a new infotainment system that works on the move .
I imagine it will have CarPlay, just like the UX. So big upgrade coming in that regard.

amoschen7
I’m guessing the ES will debut with the 2.5L NA or even together with a 2.0L NA in Beijing because that where the bread and butter lies in China. We might have to wait for later shows ( is there an NY show late this year?) to see more powerful options offered in US
Have to figure they will announce all engines at once, as there are no other shows until the Fall. I imagine the ES comes arrives in dealers late this summer.

Do we have a bet going on engines? I'm figuring it will mirror the Camry exactly, right down to the 301-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Big thing for me is AWD -- I can't believe how excited I am about an ES. Just a very interesting model.
Andyl
krew
I imagine it will have CarPlay, just like the UX. So big upgrade coming in that regard.



Have to figure they will announce all engines at once, as there are no other shows until the Fall. I imagine the ES comes arrives in dealers late this summer.

Do we have a bet going on engines? I'm figuring it will mirror the Camry exactly, right down to the 301-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Big thing for me is AWD -- I can't believe how excited I am about an ES. Just a very interesting model.
Indeed AWD for ES is interesting.

If Lexus does ditch GS and only uses ES as the only their mid-sized sedan, the addition of AWD will become crucial to be be competitive, especially in North American market. Being AWD, Lexus can also offer more powerful engine variants.
Andyl
krew
I imagine it will have CarPlay, just like the UX. So big upgrade coming in that regard.



Have to figure they will announce all engines at once, as there are no other shows until the Fall. I imagine the ES comes arrives in dealers late this summer.

Do we have a bet going on engines? I'm figuring it will mirror the Camry exactly, right down to the 301-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Big thing for me is AWD -- I can't believe how excited I am about an ES. Just a very interesting model.
Indeed AWD for ES is interesting.

If Lexus does ditch GS and only uses ES as the only their mid-sized sedan, the addition of AWD will become crucial to be be competitive, especially in North American market. Being AWD, Lexus can also offer more powerful engine variants.
Andyl
krew
I imagine it will have CarPlay, just like the UX. So big upgrade coming in that regard.



Have to figure they will announce all engines at once, as there are no other shows until the Fall. I imagine the ES comes arrives in dealers late this summer.

Do we have a bet going on engines? I'm figuring it will mirror the Camry exactly, right down to the 301-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Big thing for me is AWD -- I can't believe how excited I am about an ES. Just a very interesting model.
Indeed AWD for ES is interesting.

If Lexus does ditch GS and only uses ES as the only their mid-sized sedan, the addition of AWD will become crucial to be be competitive, especially in North American market. Being AWD, Lexus can also offer more powerful engine variants.
S
spwolf
latest from bestcar on new corolla versions - wagon should come in 2019 with 250hp 1.6l 3cly engine - this is second time this 1.6l 3cly has appeared, first time was in UX info. So who knows anymore what will they do for 300+ hp Lexus :)
That information is false. 250PS/5500rpm means 320Nm of torque at that rpm, which doesn't line up with the peak number of 294Nm at 3000rpm. This discrepancy is very easy to spot since a 250PS motor usually have at least 350Nm of peak torque. Looks like someone isn't doing their homework.

S