First 2019 Lexus ES Sedan Rolls Off Production Line in Kentucky

Posted by Kevin on August 3rd, 2018

The very first 2019 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT has rolled off the production line at the Georgetown factory in Kentucky:

The Lexus line in Georgetown won a J.D. Power Platinum award in 2016 after its first year of production, and has just been awarded a Gold award for the second consecutive year.

The Lexus ES will be arriving in dealerships this September. Pricing has been announced, and here you can read our review of the all-new sedan.

Lexus ES: Sixth Generation
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Comments
Twiz
Ok I just read the press release I see the new 4 cylinder engine I'm surprised its not turbo. Also that's a big increase in power for the v6 engine just like the Camry over 300hp
Twiz
Ok I just read the press release I see the new 4 cylinder engine I'm surprised its not turbo. Also that's a big increase in power for the v6 engine just like the Camry over 300hp
Twiz
Ok I just read the press release I see the new 4 cylinder engine I'm surprised its not turbo. Also that's a big increase in power for the v6 engine just like the Camry over 300hp
Carmaker1
Well, it has been quite an 18-month wait since admin Mike was told about this car in 2016 and gushed about it. It is a good improvement over the XV60, but not a fitting E-class or 5-Series competitor at the top end.

I look forward to watching how the European market place responds to it and if it justifies the dumping of a 25-year old nameplate, instead of implementing kaizen ACROSS the model range. Kaizen is CONTINUOUS improvement, not dump and run with spreading your bread and butter all around, for those who haven't really asked you for it in Europe and would mostly prefer an A6.

Excuse my negativity, but this does NOT bridge the GAP between the IS and LS as needed. Why couldn't this target the Volvo S90, to justify the death of GS? A cynical marketing exercise nonetheless and barely works as a tempoary placeholder.

Not everyone is a car enthusiast, but plenty of those non car enthusiasts can tell the difference in some cases and will move to the next brand that offers a product that is a direct alternative to the midsizers XF/A6/5er/E from Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

My "auntie", a successful medical supply business owner (multi-millions) "leased" an ES 350 in February 2013 and quickly replaced it with a 2014 GS450h within 1 year for some rather interesting reasons. She had previously driven a W211 E350 and didn't want anything too big like an S-Class or LS. The reasons she gave in choosing a GS then, was her husband (pediatric specialist) had surprised her with the wrong Lexus for her birthday and the GS fit what she wanted more.

This is someone who I met in February 2006 (as a grown person; met earlier as an infant), that day being driven up to my family house in her realtor's 2005/06 beige ES 330 to spend the night (thousands of miles from Morristown, NJ home). Her first day in her current city of residence the past 12 years, was spent being driven around in a Lexus ES and her first Lexus locally was an 2013 ES 350. It was quickly replaced by the GS, thus breaking her lease over some disenchantment.

I wouldn't call her a car person, especially compared to my own mother who is a BMW fanatic by blood and co-raised me. This "auntie" recently went with a 2016 Porsche Cayenne, as Lexus did not (still does not) make a true Cayenne competitor and she did not like the 2016 GS facelift. Are Lexus willing to lose people like that, over and over? Like the many impatient LS 460 owners?

Anyway, I do look forward to at least writing about the new ES in August or September at earliest. Expect what happened to the SC to happen with GS. "GA-L II" might be the basis of that possibly. On its own, the new ES is a fair offering and damn well better than a Buick (competitively). Still, it isn't good when an XSE/Sportivo Camry looks sportier than a larger luxury F-Sport model.
Carmaker1
Well, it has been quite an 18-month wait since admin Mike was told about this car in 2016 and gushed about it. It is a good improvement over the XV60, but not a fitting E-class or 5-Series competitor at the top end.

I look forward to watching how the European market place responds to it and if it justifies the dumping of a 25-year old nameplate, instead of implementing kaizen ACROSS the model range. Kaizen is CONTINUOUS improvement, not dump and run with spreading your bread and butter all around, for those who haven't really asked you for it in Europe and would mostly prefer an A6.

Excuse my negativity, but this does NOT bridge the GAP between the IS and LS as needed. Why couldn't this target the Volvo S90, to justify the death of GS? A cynical marketing exercise nonetheless and barely works as a tempoary placeholder.

Not everyone is a car enthusiast, but plenty of those non car enthusiasts can tell the difference in some cases and will move to the next brand that offers a product that is a direct alternative to the midsizers XF/A6/5er/E from Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

My "auntie", a successful medical supply business owner (multi-millions) "leased" an ES 350 in February 2013 and quickly replaced it with a 2014 GS450h within 1 year for some rather interesting reasons. She had previously driven a W211 E350 and didn't want anything too big like an S-Class or LS. The reasons she gave in choosing a GS then, was her husband (pediatric specialist) had surprised her with the wrong Lexus for her birthday and the GS fit what she wanted more.

This is someone who I met in February 2006 (as a grown person; met earlier as an infant), that day being driven up to my family house in her realtor's 2005/06 beige ES 330 to spend the night (thousands of miles from Morristown, NJ home). Her first day in her current city of residence the past 12 years, was spent being driven around in a Lexus ES and her first Lexus locally was an 2013 ES 350. It was quickly replaced by the GS, thus breaking her lease over some disenchantment.

I wouldn't call her a car person, especially compared to my own mother who is a BMW fanatic by blood and co-raised me. This "auntie" recently went with a 2016 Porsche Cayenne, as Lexus did not (still does not) make a true Cayenne competitor and she did not like the 2016 GS facelift. Are Lexus willing to lose people like that, over and over? Like the many impatient LS 460 owners?

Anyway, I do look forward to at least writing about the new ES in August or September at earliest. Expect what happened to the SC to happen with GS. "GA-L II" might be the basis of that possibly. On its own, the new ES is a fair offering and damn well better than a Buick (competitively). Still, it isn't good when an XSE/Sportivo Camry looks sportier than a larger luxury F-Sport model.
Carmaker1
Well, it has been quite an 18-month wait since admin Mike was told about this car in 2016 and gushed about it. It is a good improvement over the XV60, but not a fitting E-class or 5-Series competitor at the top end.

I look forward to watching how the European market place responds to it and if it justifies the dumping of a 25-year old nameplate, instead of implementing kaizen ACROSS the model range. Kaizen is CONTINUOUS improvement, not dump and run with spreading your bread and butter all around, for those who haven't really asked you for it in Europe and would mostly prefer an A6.

Excuse my negativity, but this does NOT bridge the GAP between the IS and LS as needed. Why couldn't this target the Volvo S90, to justify the death of GS? A cynical marketing exercise nonetheless and barely works as a tempoary placeholder.

Not everyone is a car enthusiast, but plenty of those non car enthusiasts can tell the difference in some cases and will move to the next brand that offers a product that is a direct alternative to the midsizers XF/A6/5er/E from Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

My "auntie", a successful medical supply business owner (multi-millions) "leased" an ES 350 in February 2013 and quickly replaced it with a 2014 GS450h within 1 year for some rather interesting reasons. She had previously driven a W211 E350 and didn't want anything too big like an S-Class or LS. The reasons she gave in choosing a GS then, was her husband (pediatric specialist) had surprised her with the wrong Lexus for her birthday and the GS fit what she wanted more.

This is someone who I met in February 2006 (as a grown person; met earlier as an infant), that day being driven up to my family house in her realtor's 2005/06 beige ES 330 to spend the night (thousands of miles from Morristown, NJ home). Her first day in her current city of residence the past 12 years, was spent being driven around in a Lexus ES and her first Lexus locally was an 2013 ES 350. It was quickly replaced by the GS, thus breaking her lease over some disenchantment.

I wouldn't call her a car person, especially compared to my own mother who is a BMW fanatic by blood and co-raised me. This "auntie" recently went with a 2016 Porsche Cayenne, as Lexus did not (still does not) make a true Cayenne competitor and she did not like the 2016 GS facelift. Are Lexus willing to lose people like that, over and over? Like the many impatient LS 460 owners?

Anyway, I do look forward to at least writing about the new ES in August or September at earliest. Expect what happened to the SC to happen with GS. "GA-L II" might be the basis of that possibly. On its own, the new ES is a fair offering and damn well better than a Buick (competitively). Still, it isn't good when an XSE/Sportivo Camry looks sportier than a larger luxury F-Sport model.
A
KOHIPEET
So you're suggesting, that the new GS won't make it to Europe? They might as well abandon the entire segment in Europe alltogether.
KOHIPEET
You see, I doubt that. If a new GS is in development, then why release the ES in Europe? Only to have the IS, the ES and the new GS in a few years time, on a shrinking, extremely competitive market.

Unless Lexus wants to establish a brand new segment between the GS and the IS but this, I think is even less likely. (perhaps they'll price it just slightly above the IS but that would cannibalize IS' sales)

If they want to succeed in this segment (success meaning sales at least in ballpark with the other manufacturer's) they need to have another, more powerfull híbrid.
From a car enthusiast point of view, we all get why the ES cannot be a true replacement for the GS (handling, driving dynamics, RWD vs FWD) but in layman terms, there's no denying in the increased price point. You could argue that "mainstream" customers will not care about it being FWD, but what about the quality of the materials? The comfort of the GS should definitely trump the ES. The GS ($46k) in the U.S is 8k more expensive than the ES ($39k) and in Europe, the difference is even wider, the IS starts at €36k and the GS at €53k (Spanish prices). The LS in Spain is €112k and $75k in the US, there needs to be a model in between to capture that spectrum of willingness to pay.

I still think that the ES cannot compete in the same E class and 5 Series segment in equal terms. Sure, the ES has certainly being upgraded but it still has the "Camry" or Toyota stigma, a very powerful and established name while the GS has its own brand equity. I see Lexus repositioning the GS as a for door coupe a la CLS Class or A7. Make no mistake, the GS is no SC, the GS has years of experience and it is a well developed brand in the world, it's harder to elevate the ES brand vis a vis GS when you can still leverage the GS.
A
KOHIPEET
So you're suggesting, that the new GS won't make it to Europe? They might as well abandon the entire segment in Europe alltogether.
KOHIPEET
You see, I doubt that. If a new GS is in development, then why release the ES in Europe? Only to have the IS, the ES and the new GS in a few years time, on a shrinking, extremely competitive market.

Unless Lexus wants to establish a brand new segment between the GS and the IS but this, I think is even less likely. (perhaps they'll price it just slightly above the IS but that would cannibalize IS' sales)

If they want to succeed in this segment (success meaning sales at least in ballpark with the other manufacturer's) they need to have another, more powerfull híbrid.
From a car enthusiast point of view, we all get why the ES cannot be a true replacement for the GS (handling, driving dynamics, RWD vs FWD) but in layman terms, there's no denying in the increased price point. You could argue that "mainstream" customers will not care about it being FWD, but what about the quality of the materials? The comfort of the GS should definitely trump the ES. The GS ($46k) in the U.S is 8k more expensive than the ES ($39k) and in Europe, the difference is even wider, the IS starts at €36k and the GS at €53k (Spanish prices). The LS in Spain is €112k and $75k in the US, there needs to be a model in between to capture that spectrum of willingness to pay.

I still think that the ES cannot compete in the same E class and 5 Series segment in equal terms. Sure, the ES has certainly being upgraded but it still has the "Camry" or Toyota stigma, a very powerful and established name while the GS has its own brand equity. I see Lexus repositioning the GS as a for door coupe a la CLS Class or A7. Make no mistake, the GS is no SC, the GS has years of experience and it is a well developed brand in the world, it's harder to elevate the ES brand vis a vis GS when you can still leverage the GS.
A
KOHIPEET
So you're suggesting, that the new GS won't make it to Europe? They might as well abandon the entire segment in Europe alltogether.
KOHIPEET
You see, I doubt that. If a new GS is in development, then why release the ES in Europe? Only to have the IS, the ES and the new GS in a few years time, on a shrinking, extremely competitive market.

Unless Lexus wants to establish a brand new segment between the GS and the IS but this, I think is even less likely. (perhaps they'll price it just slightly above the IS but that would cannibalize IS' sales)

If they want to succeed in this segment (success meaning sales at least in ballpark with the other manufacturer's) they need to have another, more powerfull híbrid.
From a car enthusiast point of view, we all get why the ES cannot be a true replacement for the GS (handling, driving dynamics, RWD vs FWD) but in layman terms, there's no denying in the increased price point. You could argue that "mainstream" customers will not care about it being FWD, but what about the quality of the materials? The comfort of the GS should definitely trump the ES. The GS ($46k) in the U.S is 8k more expensive than the ES ($39k) and in Europe, the difference is even wider, the IS starts at €36k and the GS at €53k (Spanish prices). The LS in Spain is €112k and $75k in the US, there needs to be a model in between to capture that spectrum of willingness to pay.

I still think that the ES cannot compete in the same E class and 5 Series segment in equal terms. Sure, the ES has certainly being upgraded but it still has the "Camry" or Toyota stigma, a very powerful and established name while the GS has its own brand equity. I see Lexus repositioning the GS as a for door coupe a la CLS Class or A7. Make no mistake, the GS is no SC, the GS has years of experience and it is a well developed brand in the world, it's harder to elevate the ES brand vis a vis GS when you can still leverage the GS.
L
It looks so much better without spoiler.
L
It looks so much better without spoiler.
L
It looks so much better without spoiler.
R
What saddens me is that Lexus is perceived to be depressing the pricepoints on its models. Or so is it?
R
What saddens me is that Lexus is perceived to be depressing the pricepoints on its models. Or so is it?
R
What saddens me is that Lexus is perceived to be depressing the pricepoints on its models. Or so is it?
S
renyeo
What saddens me is that Lexus is perceived to be depressing the pricepoints on its models. Or so is it?
Most of the luxury brand sales here in Europe are in up to €40k sector... Lexus simply did not have much to offer there while Germans offer wide range of their vehicles in that price range.

All the recent products such as LC, LS, F models and even RX-L have moved up the price points compared to their previous versions.
S
renyeo
What saddens me is that Lexus is perceived to be depressing the pricepoints on its models. Or so is it?
Most of the luxury brand sales here in Europe are in up to €40k sector... Lexus simply did not have much to offer there while Germans offer wide range of their vehicles in that price range.

All the recent products such as LC, LS, F models and even RX-L have moved up the price points compared to their previous versions.
S
renyeo
What saddens me is that Lexus is perceived to be depressing the pricepoints on its models. Or so is it?
Most of the luxury brand sales here in Europe are in up to €40k sector... Lexus simply did not have much to offer there while Germans offer wide range of their vehicles in that price range.

All the recent products such as LC, LS, F models and even RX-L have moved up the price points compared to their previous versions.
Madi
Look at 1:48 in the following video, is that a rear seat back adjuster?

Madi
Look at 1:48 in the following video, is that a rear seat back adjuster?

Madi
Look at 1:48 in the following video, is that a rear seat back adjuster?

S
Madi
Look at 1:48 in the following video, is that a rear seat back adjuster?

Amazing video, thank you... Quality of the interior is pretty nice in good quality videos, looks great. They even matched the plastics colors in different interior models.

As to the rear recliner, yes, it seems to have electric rear recliner. and white F-Sport looks amazing.
S
Madi
Look at 1:48 in the following video, is that a rear seat back adjuster?

Amazing video, thank you... Quality of the interior is pretty nice in good quality videos, looks great. They even matched the plastics colors in different interior models.

As to the rear recliner, yes, it seems to have electric rear recliner. and white F-Sport looks amazing.
S
Madi
Look at 1:48 in the following video, is that a rear seat back adjuster?

Amazing video, thank you... Quality of the interior is pretty nice in good quality videos, looks great. They even matched the plastics colors in different interior models.

As to the rear recliner, yes, it seems to have electric rear recliner. and white F-Sport looks amazing.
ThePenguin
Madi
Now may some folks will stop the GS discontinuation non-sense after realizing that - as I said before -
- No AWD ES
- New GS is on development
:):)
Yup. People are quick to forget that the GS took a model-year off (2012) between the 3rd and 4th Generation :p I have a strong feeling that the 5th Generation will be a A7/Gran Coupe/CLS competitor.

Madi
Look at 1:48 in the following video, is that a rear seat back adjuster?
FINALLY! Great eye you have. I've been waiting for them to at least offer heated rear seats in the sedan lineup. I really hope that those rear controls make it to the US-spec vehicles.
ThePenguin
Madi
Now may some folks will stop the GS discontinuation non-sense after realizing that - as I said before -
- No AWD ES
- New GS is on development
:):)
Yup. People are quick to forget that the GS took a model-year off (2012) between the 3rd and 4th Generation :p I have a strong feeling that the 5th Generation will be a A7/Gran Coupe/CLS competitor.

Madi
Look at 1:48 in the following video, is that a rear seat back adjuster?
FINALLY! Great eye you have. I've been waiting for them to at least offer heated rear seats in the sedan lineup. I really hope that those rear controls make it to the US-spec vehicles.
ThePenguin
Madi
Now may some folks will stop the GS discontinuation non-sense after realizing that - as I said before -
- No AWD ES
- New GS is on development
:):)
Yup. People are quick to forget that the GS took a model-year off (2012) between the 3rd and 4th Generation :p I have a strong feeling that the 5th Generation will be a A7/Gran Coupe/CLS competitor.

Madi
Look at 1:48 in the following video, is that a rear seat back adjuster?
FINALLY! Great eye you have. I've been waiting for them to at least offer heated rear seats in the sedan lineup. I really hope that those rear controls make it to the US-spec vehicles.
S
ThePenguin
Yup. People are quick to forget that the GS took a model-year off (2012) between the 3rd and 4th Generation :p I have a strong feeling that the 5th Generation will be a A7/Gran Coupe/CLS competitor.



FINALLY! Great eye you have. I've been waiting for them to at least offer heated rear seats in the sedan lineup. I really hope that those rear controls make it to the US-spec vehicles.
Rear heating is given for sure, even in US spec vehicles.
S
ThePenguin
Yup. People are quick to forget that the GS took a model-year off (2012) between the 3rd and 4th Generation :p I have a strong feeling that the 5th Generation will be a A7/Gran Coupe/CLS competitor.



FINALLY! Great eye you have. I've been waiting for them to at least offer heated rear seats in the sedan lineup. I really hope that those rear controls make it to the US-spec vehicles.
Rear heating is given for sure, even in US spec vehicles.
S
ThePenguin
Yup. People are quick to forget that the GS took a model-year off (2012) between the 3rd and 4th Generation :p I have a strong feeling that the 5th Generation will be a A7/Gran Coupe/CLS competitor.



FINALLY! Great eye you have. I've been waiting for them to at least offer heated rear seats in the sedan lineup. I really hope that those rear controls make it to the US-spec vehicles.
Rear heating is given for sure, even in US spec vehicles.

S