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
A
Killing the GS for this Hyundai lookalike. The sad part now is toyota have found direction when it comes to styling lexus is still confused
A
Killing the GS for this Hyundai lookalike. The sad part now is toyota have found direction when it comes to styling lexus is still confused
OlFius
GTG
A Avalon is a Avalon , a Lexus ES is a way of life ! .
It all depends on what your way of life means, something I absolutely don't want to judge.
But the new ES may have a little bit more than this render, we've already seen better.

If the new ES is positioned between the current ES and the GS, then it can be much more.
It will be a very important version for Lexus, especially now that we're a bit in the dark about what will happen to the GS.
As @krew already mentioned, we can only hope that the concept of the LF-1 was an indication for a totally new GS, why not ?!
But I don't believe that there is already confirmation that the LF-1 concept will ever become a production model.

As long as it moves forward a little, and that no less than 5 years is needed, because I can't wait that long.
There are other (very exciting) alternatives, maybe that's something I'm looking for in my life?
OlFius
GTG
A Avalon is a Avalon , a Lexus ES is a way of life ! .
It all depends on what your way of life means, something I absolutely don't want to judge.
But the new ES may have a little bit more than this render, we've already seen better.

If the new ES is positioned between the current ES and the GS, then it can be much more.
It will be a very important version for Lexus, especially now that we're a bit in the dark about what will happen to the GS.
As @krew already mentioned, we can only hope that the concept of the LF-1 was an indication for a totally new GS, why not ?!
But I don't believe that there is already confirmation that the LF-1 concept will ever become a production model.

As long as it moves forward a little, and that no less than 5 years is needed, because I can't wait that long.
There are other (very exciting) alternatives, maybe that's something I'm looking for in my life?
GTG
  • GTG
    GTG
  • March 29, 2018
The GS is a great car , but the ES is more than that . Sales sales sales , sales people , the ES is selling more than the GS in almost all of its markets . If you drive a Toyota Avalon or what ever and you think it looks good and even better than an ES because this rendering is to much for you then that cool . Just saying the GS is lacking in many areas against it competitors and the ES has maybe three to complete with , its ahead of them all the time in sales . , when I say a way of life I mean if you like Lexus then you can go get a different car . And if you love Lexus you will buy it no matter how it looks . Dependable , value , comfort, resale value the list goes on . If I could get a GS F or GS or Lexus give me one cool . This ES looks great but we will see the final product soon .
GTG
  • GTG
    GTG
  • March 29, 2018
The GS is a great car , but the ES is more than that . Sales sales sales , sales people , the ES is selling more than the GS in almost all of its markets . If you drive a Toyota Avalon or what ever and you think it looks good and even better than an ES because this rendering is to much for you then that cool . Just saying the GS is lacking in many areas against it competitors and the ES has maybe three to complete with , its ahead of them all the time in sales . , when I say a way of life I mean if you like Lexus then you can go get a different car . And if you love Lexus you will buy it no matter how it looks . Dependable , value , comfort, resale value the list goes on . If I could get a GS F or GS or Lexus give me one cool . This ES looks great but we will see the final product soon .
krew
There are two conversations happening at the same time -- this rendering of the next-generation ES, and the fact that the ES looks to be replacing the GS as the Lexus midsize sedan.

Standing alone, a new ES that looks like that rendering is a home run. It's once we start factoring in the GS cancellation things get complicated.

This is a sales move most definitely, as developing a new GS would take up resources that could be allocated to crossovers and the ES is a near-guaranteed success. I see this as Lexus shifting away from the 5-series & E Class mold and pursuing the Audi A6. That said, there's an emotional component with the GS that the ES just doesn't have.

I'm torn on this, honestly. And like so much, it depends on the product. The ES will not be able to replicate the GS driving experience, but it's tough to write off a car based on an unofficial photochop.
krew
There are two conversations happening at the same time -- this rendering of the next-generation ES, and the fact that the ES looks to be replacing the GS as the Lexus midsize sedan.

Standing alone, a new ES that looks like that rendering is a home run. It's once we start factoring in the GS cancellation things get complicated.

This is a sales move most definitely, as developing a new GS would take up resources that could be allocated to crossovers and the ES is a near-guaranteed success. I see this as Lexus shifting away from the 5-series & E Class mold and pursuing the Audi A6. That said, there's an emotional component with the GS that the ES just doesn't have.

I'm torn on this, honestly. And like so much, it depends on the product. The ES will not be able to replicate the GS driving experience, but it's tough to write off a car based on an unofficial photochop.
Yuan
krew
There are two conversations happening at the same time -- this rendering of the next-generation ES, and the fact that the ES looks to be replacing the GS as the Lexus midsize sedan.

Standing alone, a new ES that looks like that rendering is a home run. It's once we start factoring in the GS cancellation things get complicated.

This is a sales move most definitely, as developing a new GS would take up resources that could be allocated to crossovers and the ES is a near-guaranteed success. I see this as Lexus shifting away from the 5-series & E Class mold and pursuing the Audi A6. That said, there's an emotional component with the GS that the ES just doesn't have.

I'm torn on this, honestly. And like so much, it depends on the product. The ES will not be able to replicate the GS driving experience, but it's tough to write off a car based on an unofficial photochop.
However A6 have S and RS/Avant trims and have AWD in the top trims. A6/7 are still considered exciting cars to a lot of people, the ES is known for its bland drawing experience and it will be hard to turn that around even if Lexus make the ES exciting to drive. ES will always be the "overpriced" Toyota Avalon.
Yuan
krew
There are two conversations happening at the same time -- this rendering of the next-generation ES, and the fact that the ES looks to be replacing the GS as the Lexus midsize sedan.

Standing alone, a new ES that looks like that rendering is a home run. It's once we start factoring in the GS cancellation things get complicated.

This is a sales move most definitely, as developing a new GS would take up resources that could be allocated to crossovers and the ES is a near-guaranteed success. I see this as Lexus shifting away from the 5-series & E Class mold and pursuing the Audi A6. That said, there's an emotional component with the GS that the ES just doesn't have.

I'm torn on this, honestly. And like so much, it depends on the product. The ES will not be able to replicate the GS driving experience, but it's tough to write off a car based on an unofficial photochop.
However A6 have S and RS/Avant trims and have AWD in the top trims. A6/7 are still considered exciting cars to a lot of people, the ES is known for its bland drawing experience and it will be hard to turn that around even if Lexus make the ES exciting to drive. ES will always be the "overpriced" Toyota Avalon.
mikeavelli
Yuan
However A6 have S and RS/Avant trims and have AWD in the top trims. A6/7 are still considered exciting cars to a lot of people, the ES is known for its bland drawing experience and it will be hard to turn that around even if Lexus make the ES exciting to drive. ES will always be the "overpriced" Toyota Avalon.
You do realize up until a couple of years ago the base A6 here was a 210hp CVT, FWD car right. So please lets not just bash Lexus. While I agree the ES nameplate will be a tough name to turnaround the good news is it has a strong base already compared to the GS.

If the ES looks anything like that rendering and from what I've heard internally, it will be a grand slam home run. It just is a shame it seems the GS will be gone.
mikeavelli
Yuan
However A6 have S and RS/Avant trims and have AWD in the top trims. A6/7 are still considered exciting cars to a lot of people, the ES is known for its bland drawing experience and it will be hard to turn that around even if Lexus make the ES exciting to drive. ES will always be the "overpriced" Toyota Avalon.
You do realize up until a couple of years ago the base A6 here was a 210hp CVT, FWD car right. So please lets not just bash Lexus. While I agree the ES nameplate will be a tough name to turnaround the good news is it has a strong base already compared to the GS.

If the ES looks anything like that rendering and from what I've heard internally, it will be a grand slam home run. It just is a shame it seems the GS will be gone.
Yuan
mikeavelli
You do realize up until a couple of years ago the base A6 here was a 210hp CVT, FWD car right. So please lets not just bash Lexus. While I agree the ES nameplate will be a tough name to turnaround the good news is it has a strong base already compared to the GS.

If the ES looks anything like that rendering and from what I've heard internally, it will be a grand slam home run. It just is a shame it seems the GS will be gone.
So? Did the A6 not have the S and RS version before the couple of years ago?
ES don't even have AWD to offer at any trim. I'm not against cookie cutters, I don't like having whole bunch of them and nothing exciting.
Yuan
mikeavelli
You do realize up until a couple of years ago the base A6 here was a 210hp CVT, FWD car right. So please lets not just bash Lexus. While I agree the ES nameplate will be a tough name to turnaround the good news is it has a strong base already compared to the GS.

If the ES looks anything like that rendering and from what I've heard internally, it will be a grand slam home run. It just is a shame it seems the GS will be gone.
So? Did the A6 not have the S and RS version before the couple of years ago?
ES don't even have AWD to offer at any trim. I'm not against cookie cutters, I don't like having whole bunch of them and nothing exciting.
T
As I understand, the underpinnings of the IS and GS are very closely related. It could be that the IS will grow into being the GS replacement, regardless of the ES.
T
As I understand, the underpinnings of the IS and GS are very closely related. It could be that the IS will grow into being the GS replacement, regardless of the ES.
S
TheNerdyPotato
As I understand, the underpinnings of the IS and GS are very closely related. It could be that the IS will grow into being the GS replacement, regardless of the ES.
Which is a logical step they should take. A 10 cm/4 inch stretch is all it takes to put the IS in a different segment.
S
TheNerdyPotato
As I understand, the underpinnings of the IS and GS are very closely related. It could be that the IS will grow into being the GS replacement, regardless of the ES.
Which is a logical step they should take. A 10 cm/4 inch stretch is all it takes to put the IS in a different segment.
T
Which could then leave an opening for a new entry-level coupe. RWD 2-seater with that 2.5T and Lexus refinement for <$35k would hit a sweet spot for me, especially if it was offered with a manual transmission.
T
Which could then leave an opening for a new entry-level coupe. RWD 2-seater with that 2.5T and Lexus refinement for <$35k would hit a sweet spot for me, especially if it was offered with a manual transmission.
S
TheNerdyPotato
Which could then leave an opening for a new entry-level coupe. RWD 2-seater with that 2.5T and Lexus refinement for <$35k would hit a sweet spot for me, especially if it was offered with a manual transmission.
But that's pretty much a recipe for disaster from a financial perspective. One can dream though.
S
TheNerdyPotato
Which could then leave an opening for a new entry-level coupe. RWD 2-seater with that 2.5T and Lexus refinement for <$35k would hit a sweet spot for me, especially if it was offered with a manual transmission.
But that's pretty much a recipe for disaster from a financial perspective. One can dream though.
C
spwolf
Bestcar about Lexus ES in Japan:
https://bestcarweb.jp/news/newcar/2544



Baby LS at half the cost? Looks like a home run!
C
spwolf
Bestcar about Lexus ES in Japan:
https://bestcarweb.jp/news/newcar/2544



Baby LS at half the cost? Looks like a home run!
Gecko
My theory is we will see the ES move to the Avalon platform, which is technically a large car, and the next IS will grow considerably to be roughly the size of the Camry. That would also help stem the losses from GS retirement.
Gecko
My theory is we will see the ES move to the Avalon platform, which is technically a large car, and the next IS will grow considerably to be roughly the size of the Camry. That would also help stem the losses from GS retirement.
E
The ES is already on the Avalon platform since the current generation. They are virtually the same dimension and have the same powertrain.

The 2013 Lexus ES is no longer the Lexus-skinned clone of Toyota’s best-selling Camry sedan; it now rides a platform that has been stretched by two inches in comparison to the more plebian model. (It now shares its platform directly with the all-new 2013 Avalon instead of with the Camry.)
https://web.archive.org/web/2012040...eveals-2013-es-new-hybrid-variant-120697.html
E
The ES is already on the Avalon platform since the current generation. They are virtually the same dimension and have the same powertrain.

The 2013 Lexus ES is no longer the Lexus-skinned clone of Toyota’s best-selling Camry sedan; it now rides a platform that has been stretched by two inches in comparison to the more plebian model. (It now shares its platform directly with the all-new 2013 Avalon instead of with the Camry.)
https://web.archive.org/web/2012040...eveals-2013-es-new-hybrid-variant-120697.html
Gecko
^For sure, I was just referencing the new TNGA platform for large FWD cars. Should have clarified.
Gecko
^For sure, I was just referencing the new TNGA platform for large FWD cars. Should have clarified.

G