First 2019 Lexus ES Sedan Rolls Off Production Line in Kentucky

ssun30

It's incredible how badly Toyota failed with their marketing with hybrids (of course, it's their own fault for making hybrids the worst cars to drive). And now the Germans are trying to convince the world their souped-up start-and-stop is the next biggest revolution in the auto industry, because apparently they couldn't keep up in the full hybrid game with the Japanese nor in the EV game with the Chinese.

Heh, I dont thinkt hey failed did they? I mean they sell 1.5m per year, and soon to be 2m. While all of the germans combined likely sell 10x less.
But sure, perception in some media is that hybrids suck and bad plugins rule, however in reality, it is obviously that the buyers of those cars do not read the press! :)

Case in point, downfall in diesel sales in Europe, despite ALL of the automotive media telling us diesels are awesome and it is just an missunderstanding, and how hybrids drive poorly, in reality diesel share in Europe went down from 55% to 38% in single year, which is biggest retraction in technology ever since Nokia failed... and next year I am pretty sure that diesel marketshare in Europe is going below 30%, something that none of the analysts ever predicted.

So I do wonder how much is media actually able to change perceptives lately, it seems that personal experience still rules in the customer, which can be seen by rapidly increasing hybrid sales by Toyota in Europe.

Another thing in regards to AWS, in regards to Lexus it is usually packaged separately and the take rate is very low. My wife's GS F-SPort had it and I loved it, there was a noticeable difference compared to one with out. I think it was a 3k option and most dealers didn't order it and most people didn't request it or know about it.

Thus I don't see AWS as some amazing new option. It is on the LS F-Sport as well as an option.

Another thing in regards to AWS, in regards to Lexus it is usually packaged separately and the take rate is very low. My wife's GS F-SPort had it and I loved it, there was a noticeable difference compared to one with out. I think it was a 3k option and most dealers didn't order it and most people didn't request it or know about it.

Thus I don't see AWS as some amazing new option. It is on the LS F-Sport as well as an option.

Another thing in regards to AWS, in regards to Lexus it is usually packaged separately and the take rate is very low. My wife's GS F-SPort had it and I loved it, there was a noticeable difference compared to one with out. I think it was a 3k option and most dealers didn't order it and most people didn't request it or know about it.

Thus I don't see AWS as some amazing new option. It is on the LS F-Sport as well as an option.

Another thing in regards to AWS, in regards to Lexus it is usually packaged separately and the take rate is very low. My wife's GS F-SPort had it and I loved it, there was a noticeable difference compared to one with out. I think it was a 3k option and most dealers didn't order it and most people didn't request it or know about it.

Thus I don't see AWS as some amazing new option. It is on the LS F-Sport as well as an option.

Levi

Yes I am in Europe.

I will not die without AWS, but the same way I will not die without AWD. That does not mean AWD cannot be beneficial, nor that AWS is not beneficial. Subaru made AWD cars long before any other car makers, and made it their USP. Customers (not enthusiast) are not always informed about new technology/features, but were recently 'sold' AWD as the latest German thing (Quattro/xDrive/4Matic) that will make you drive like Alonso in any condition (not true). I have always liked the possibilities given by AWS (passive/active mechanical/electric rear wheel-steering), and the Japanese, especially Honda made it on many cars. AWS is not crucial, but better than many other features for me, so would come top on the list of not necessary features. The problem I have, it the Germans will sell AWS as the next best thing, and they were 'first'. VAG has AWS on all its expensive cars and it will trickle down on the next A4. I also expect the next 3 Series to get AWS optionally, it will no more be related to the FWD 1 Series, but the RWD 5 Series. Normal customer will never know that Talisman also has AWS (or had it before). Normal customer will not know that even the Megane in RS guise, has AWS. Nothing can beat German marketing, I and dislike it, because it is deceptive. I also dislike feature 'brands', like 4Control, Renault's rear-wheel-steering. Which customer can understand what it means? And without repeating it like the Germans, a customer will not remember. Every generic customer that has once shopped for a new car, and considered AWD, has heard of Quattro. Porsche for example is also guilty of dumbing down customers, with all their abbreviations, when all the customer cares about is the Porsche badge. Only those interested/working in the field know what something stands for and what it really does.

Why I mention AWS with regards to the ES, is because according to Lexus, whether it replaces the GS' customers or not, the goal is to bring a younger customer. I expect the ES to be not only comfortable, but also sportier and better handling. AWS, with would help. AWD more helps with grip, not handling (unless torque vectoring).

PS: I am not bashing German engineering. They are very good, world class at machinery, components, automation, whatever a lot of high tech, but cars are not what they do well/better than others. Their carmakers are specially good at marketing. Their 'deceptive' marketing (and other dirty tricks, hint: media) blows everything out of the water.

You're honestly right though, TMC do not react until they've been annoyed being poked with sticks by reviewers and customers. They're just so behind in the technology race. They're a little bit in limbo because on one hand they want to stay reliable, but on the other they have urges to forge on with technology.

LOL I LOVE YOU for saying "that will make you drive like Alonso".

For those who don't know this amazing god of an F1 driver, this guy is a genuine legend. Levi lets talk F1, I actually love you for saying that. It genuinely made my day. :joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy:

Levi

Yes I am in Europe.

I will not die without AWS, but the same way I will not die without AWD. That does not mean AWD cannot be beneficial, nor that AWS is not beneficial. Subaru made AWD cars long before any other car makers, and made it their USP. Customers (not enthusiast) are not always informed about new technology/features, but were recently 'sold' AWD as the latest German thing (Quattro/xDrive/4Matic) that will make you drive like Alonso in any condition (not true). I have always liked the possibilities given by AWS (passive/active mechanical/electric rear wheel-steering), and the Japanese, especially Honda made it on many cars. AWS is not crucial, but better than many other features for me, so would come top on the list of not necessary features. The problem I have, it the Germans will sell AWS as the next best thing, and they were 'first'. VAG has AWS on all its expensive cars and it will trickle down on the next A4. I also expect the next 3 Series to get AWS optionally, it will no more be related to the FWD 1 Series, but the RWD 5 Series. Normal customer will never know that Talisman also has AWS (or had it before). Normal customer will not know that even the Megane in RS guise, has AWS. Nothing can beat German marketing, I and dislike it, because it is deceptive. I also dislike feature 'brands', like 4Control, Renault's rear-wheel-steering. Which customer can understand what it means? And without repeating it like the Germans, a customer will not remember. Every generic customer that has once shopped for a new car, and considered AWD, has heard of Quattro. Porsche for example is also guilty of dumbing down customers, with all their abbreviations, when all the customer cares about is the Porsche badge. Only those interested/working in the field know what something stands for and what it really does.

Why I mention AWS with regards to the ES, is because according to Lexus, whether it replaces the GS' customers or not, the goal is to bring a younger customer. I expect the ES to be not only comfortable, but also sportier and better handling. AWS, with would help. AWD more helps with grip, not handling (unless torque vectoring).

PS: I am not bashing German engineering. They are very good, world class at machinery, components, automation, whatever a lot of high tech, but cars are not what they do well/better than others. Their carmakers are specially good at marketing. Their 'deceptive' marketing (and other dirty tricks, hint: media) blows everything out of the water.

You're honestly right though, TMC do not react until they've been annoyed being poked with sticks by reviewers and customers. They're just so behind in the technology race. They're a little bit in limbo because on one hand they want to stay reliable, but on the other they have urges to forge on with technology.

LOL I LOVE YOU for saying "that will make you drive like Alonso".

For those who don't know this amazing god of an F1 driver, this guy is a genuine legend. Levi lets talk F1, I actually love you for saying that. It genuinely made my day. :joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy:

Levi

Yes I am in Europe.

I will not die without AWS, but the same way I will not die without AWD. That does not mean AWD cannot be beneficial, nor that AWS is not beneficial. Subaru made AWD cars long before any other car makers, and made it their USP. Customers (not enthusiast) are not always informed about new technology/features, but were recently 'sold' AWD as the latest German thing (Quattro/xDrive/4Matic) that will make you drive like Alonso in any condition (not true). I have always liked the possibilities given by AWS (passive/active mechanical/electric rear wheel-steering), and the Japanese, especially Honda made it on many cars. AWS is not crucial, but better than many other features for me, so would come top on the list of not necessary features. The problem I have, it the Germans will sell AWS as the next best thing, and they were 'first'. VAG has AWS on all its expensive cars and it will trickle down on the next A4. I also expect the next 3 Series to get AWS optionally, it will no more be related to the FWD 1 Series, but the RWD 5 Series. Normal customer will never know that Talisman also has AWS (or had it before). Normal customer will not know that even the Megane in RS guise, has AWS. Nothing can beat German marketing, I and dislike it, because it is deceptive. I also dislike feature 'brands', like 4Control, Renault's rear-wheel-steering. Which customer can understand what it means? And without repeating it like the Germans, a customer will not remember. Every generic customer that has once shopped for a new car, and considered AWD, has heard of Quattro. Porsche for example is also guilty of dumbing down customers, with all their abbreviations, when all the customer cares about is the Porsche badge. Only those interested/working in the field know what something stands for and what it really does.

Why I mention AWS with regards to the ES, is because according to Lexus, whether it replaces the GS' customers or not, the goal is to bring a younger customer. I expect the ES to be not only comfortable, but also sportier and better handling. AWS, with would help. AWD more helps with grip, not handling (unless torque vectoring).

PS: I am not bashing German engineering. They are very good, world class at machinery, components, automation, whatever a lot of high tech, but cars are not what they do well/better than others. Their carmakers are specially good at marketing. Their 'deceptive' marketing (and other dirty tricks, hint: media) blows everything out of the water.

You're honestly right though, TMC do not react until they've been annoyed being poked with sticks by reviewers and customers. They're just so behind in the technology race. They're a little bit in limbo because on one hand they want to stay reliable, but on the other they have urges to forge on with technology.

LOL I LOVE YOU for saying "that will make you drive like Alonso".

For those who don't know this amazing god of an F1 driver, this guy is a genuine legend. Levi lets talk F1, I actually love you for saying that. It genuinely made my day. :joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy:

Levi

Yes I am in Europe.

I will not die without AWS, but the same way I will not die without AWD. That does not mean AWD cannot be beneficial, nor that AWS is not beneficial. Subaru made AWD cars long before any other car makers, and made it their USP. Customers (not enthusiast) are not always informed about new technology/features, but were recently 'sold' AWD as the latest German thing (Quattro/xDrive/4Matic) that will make you drive like Alonso in any condition (not true). I have always liked the possibilities given by AWS (passive/active mechanical/electric rear wheel-steering), and the Japanese, especially Honda made it on many cars. AWS is not crucial, but better than many other features for me, so would come top on the list of not necessary features. The problem I have, it the Germans will sell AWS as the next best thing, and they were 'first'. VAG has AWS on all its expensive cars and it will trickle down on the next A4. I also expect the next 3 Series to get AWS optionally, it will no more be related to the FWD 1 Series, but the RWD 5 Series. Normal customer will never know that Talisman also has AWS (or had it before). Normal customer will not know that even the Megane in RS guise, has AWS. Nothing can beat German marketing, I and dislike it, because it is deceptive. I also dislike feature 'brands', like 4Control, Renault's rear-wheel-steering. Which customer can understand what it means? And without repeating it like the Germans, a customer will not remember. Every generic customer that has once shopped for a new car, and considered AWD, has heard of Quattro. Porsche for example is also guilty of dumbing down customers, with all their abbreviations, when all the customer cares about is the Porsche badge. Only those interested/working in the field know what something stands for and what it really does.

Why I mention AWS with regards to the ES, is because according to Lexus, whether it replaces the GS' customers or not, the goal is to bring a younger customer. I expect the ES to be not only comfortable, but also sportier and better handling. AWS, with would help. AWD more helps with grip, not handling (unless torque vectoring).

PS: I am not bashing German engineering. They are very good, world class at machinery, components, automation, whatever a lot of high tech, but cars are not what they do well/better than others. Their carmakers are specially good at marketing. Their 'deceptive' marketing (and other dirty tricks, hint: media) blows everything out of the water.

You're honestly right though, TMC do not react until they've been annoyed being poked with sticks by reviewers and customers. They're just so behind in the technology race. They're a little bit in limbo because on one hand they want to stay reliable, but on the other they have urges to forge on with technology.

LOL I LOVE YOU for saying "that will make you drive like Alonso".

For those who don't know this amazing god of an F1 driver, this guy is a genuine legend. Levi lets talk F1, I actually love you for saying that. It genuinely made my day. :joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy:

So does this mean US gets the ES350 later than the 300h? The 300h will be delivered in August in Asia.

So does this mean US gets the ES350 later than the 300h? The 300h will be delivered in August in Asia.

So does this mean US gets the ES350 later than the 300h? The 300h will be delivered in August in Asia.

So does this mean US gets the ES350 later than the 300h? The 300h will be delivered in August in Asia.

ssun30

So does this mean US gets the ES350 later than the 300h? The 300h will be delivered in August in Asia.

Nope. ES will be launched few months later than in Asia. They have to stage the launch to get enough produced.

ssun30

So does this mean US gets the ES350 later than the 300h? The 300h will be delivered in August in Asia.

Nope. ES will be launched few months later than in Asia. They have to stage the launch to get enough produced.

ssun30

So does this mean US gets the ES350 later than the 300h? The 300h will be delivered in August in Asia.

Nope. ES will be launched few months later than in Asia. They have to stage the launch to get enough produced.

ssun30

So does this mean US gets the ES350 later than the 300h? The 300h will be delivered in August in Asia.

Nope. ES will be launched few months later than in Asia. They have to stage the launch to get enough produced.

Videos: The 2019 Lexus ES Sedan Goes Global

Videos in Dutch, French, and Chinese.

View the original article post

Videos: The 2019 Lexus ES Sedan Goes Global

Videos in Dutch, French, and Chinese.

View the original article post

Videos: The 2019 Lexus ES Sedan Goes Global

Videos in Dutch, French, and Chinese.

View the original article post

Videos: The 2019 Lexus ES Sedan Goes Global

Videos in Dutch, French, and Chinese.

View the original article post

When I have time I want to try to explain some tidbits that was mentioned in the Chinese video.

Really interesting thing about the ES is how long the wheel base and interior rear space is, perfect mass market premium sedan for China, perhaps the sales numbers they'll throw down in China with the ES might easily dwarf global numbers for the GS (not even counting EU), and thats how they justified the new ES and ending GS sales in Europe.

What really perplexes me is what is going to fill the MSRP gap between ES and LS? Will the ES just start low and gain tons of optional features to bring it to 55k-ish?

Will the GS get refreshed again to try to extend sales life?

When I have time I want to try to explain some tidbits that was mentioned in the Chinese video.

Really interesting thing about the ES is how long the wheel base and interior rear space is, perfect mass market premium sedan for China, perhaps the sales numbers they'll throw down in China with the ES might easily dwarf global numbers for the GS (not even counting EU), and thats how they justified the new ES and ending GS sales in Europe.

What really perplexes me is what is going to fill the MSRP gap between ES and LS? Will the ES just start low and gain tons of optional features to bring it to 55k-ish?

Will the GS get refreshed again to try to extend sales life?

When I have time I want to try to explain some tidbits that was mentioned in the Chinese video.

Really interesting thing about the ES is how long the wheel base and interior rear space is, perfect mass market premium sedan for China, perhaps the sales numbers they'll throw down in China with the ES might easily dwarf global numbers for the GS (not even counting EU), and thats how they justified the new ES and ending GS sales in Europe.

What really perplexes me is what is going to fill the MSRP gap between ES and LS? Will the ES just start low and gain tons of optional features to bring it to 55k-ish?

Will the GS get refreshed again to try to extend sales life?

When I have time I want to try to explain some tidbits that was mentioned in the Chinese video.

Really interesting thing about the ES is how long the wheel base and interior rear space is, perfect mass market premium sedan for China, perhaps the sales numbers they'll throw down in China with the ES might easily dwarf global numbers for the GS (not even counting EU), and thats how they justified the new ES and ending GS sales in Europe.

What really perplexes me is what is going to fill the MSRP gap between ES and LS? Will the ES just start low and gain tons of optional features to bring it to 55k-ish?

Will the GS get refreshed again to try to extend sales life?

zeusus

When I have time I want to try to explain some tidbits that was mentioned in the Chinese video.

Really interesting thing about the ES is how long the wheel base and interior rear space is, perfect mass market premium sedan for China, perhaps the sales numbers they'll throw down in China with the ES might easily dwarf global numbers for the GS (not even counting EU), and thats how they justified the new ES and ending GS sales in Europe.

What really perplexes me is what is going to fill the MSRP gap between ES and LS? Will the ES just start low and gain tons of optional features to bring it to 55k-ish?

Will the GS get refreshed again to try to extend sales life?

No they couldn't justify even a minor refresh for the GS. It will head to its grave after this model year perhaps.

I can't imagine how dominting the ES could become once the drop in import tax in China kicks in.

zeusus

When I have time I want to try to explain some tidbits that was mentioned in the Chinese video.

Really interesting thing about the ES is how long the wheel base and interior rear space is, perfect mass market premium sedan for China, perhaps the sales numbers they'll throw down in China with the ES might easily dwarf global numbers for the GS (not even counting EU), and thats how they justified the new ES and ending GS sales in Europe.

What really perplexes me is what is going to fill the MSRP gap between ES and LS? Will the ES just start low and gain tons of optional features to bring it to 55k-ish?

Will the GS get refreshed again to try to extend sales life?

No they couldn't justify even a minor refresh for the GS. It will head to its grave after this model year perhaps.

I can't imagine how dominting the ES could become once the drop in import tax in China kicks in.

zeusus

When I have time I want to try to explain some tidbits that was mentioned in the Chinese video.

Really interesting thing about the ES is how long the wheel base and interior rear space is, perfect mass market premium sedan for China, perhaps the sales numbers they'll throw down in China with the ES might easily dwarf global numbers for the GS (not even counting EU), and thats how they justified the new ES and ending GS sales in Europe.

What really perplexes me is what is going to fill the MSRP gap between ES and LS? Will the ES just start low and gain tons of optional features to bring it to 55k-ish?

Will the GS get refreshed again to try to extend sales life?

No they couldn't justify even a minor refresh for the GS. It will head to its grave after this model year perhaps.

I can't imagine how dominting the ES could become once the drop in import tax in China kicks in.

zeusus

When I have time I want to try to explain some tidbits that was mentioned in the Chinese video.

Really interesting thing about the ES is how long the wheel base and interior rear space is, perfect mass market premium sedan for China, perhaps the sales numbers they'll throw down in China with the ES might easily dwarf global numbers for the GS (not even counting EU), and thats how they justified the new ES and ending GS sales in Europe.

What really perplexes me is what is going to fill the MSRP gap between ES and LS? Will the ES just start low and gain tons of optional features to bring it to 55k-ish?

Will the GS get refreshed again to try to extend sales life?

No they couldn't justify even a minor refresh for the GS. It will head to its grave after this model year perhaps.

I can't imagine how dominting the ES could become once the drop in import tax in China kicks in.

zeusus

When I have time I want to try to explain some tidbits that was mentioned in the Chinese video.

Really interesting thing about the ES is how long the wheel base and interior rear space is, perfect mass market premium sedan for China, perhaps the sales numbers they'll throw down in China with the ES might easily dwarf global numbers for the GS (not even counting EU), and thats how they justified the new ES and ending GS sales in Europe.

What really perplexes me is what is going to fill the MSRP gap between ES and LS? Will the ES just start low and gain tons of optional features to bring it to 55k-ish?

Will the GS get refreshed again to try to extend sales life?

obviously something new will be slotted where GS is, maybe the rumored 4 door coupe GS?

Otherwise, right now we do not see anything about ES going up in pricing significantly. They are not changing its market position, they are adding F-Sport model for different buyer set and also upping everything else, but in the end, it has same market position as before.

Also GS continues for 2019 MY in the US. For Europe they would have to do some re-engineering to add particulate filters i guess and they decided against it. In RU, GS-F stays.