Video: Matt Farah Reviews the 2019 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT

Posted by Kevin on September 21st, 2018

Matt Farah from The Smoking Tire has fallen hard for the 2019 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT, calling it “the most comfortable, refined modern car I’ve driven”:

Lexus ES: Sixth Generation
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Comments
Ian Schmidt
They're definitely more similar than they've been, especially the front and back, but from the side this new ES is still recognizably an ES, in my opinion.
krew
Rydo
This may be a little of discussion here but am I the only one fearful that Lexus are showing they are about to enter a 'cookie-cutter' Audi-like design process with the ES?

To me it's just a slightly mutated LS in design.

Other alarm bells are the full width rear tail light now being shown on the LS+, LF Limitless and UX.
Lexus has definitely developed some design similarities across the lineup, but the ES/LS is the first time we've seen the more traditional cookie cutter approach. I think the UX/NX/RX show the current Lexus strategy -- major similarities, but different shapes.
krew
Rydo
This may be a little of discussion here but am I the only one fearful that Lexus are showing they are about to enter a 'cookie-cutter' Audi-like design process with the ES?

To me it's just a slightly mutated LS in design.

Other alarm bells are the full width rear tail light now being shown on the LS+, LF Limitless and UX.
Lexus has definitely developed some design similarities across the lineup, but the ES/LS is the first time we've seen the more traditional cookie cutter approach. I think the UX/NX/RX show the current Lexus strategy -- major similarities, but different shapes.
krew
Rydo
This may be a little of discussion here but am I the only one fearful that Lexus are showing they are about to enter a 'cookie-cutter' Audi-like design process with the ES?

To me it's just a slightly mutated LS in design.

Other alarm bells are the full width rear tail light now being shown on the LS+, LF Limitless and UX.
Lexus has definitely developed some design similarities across the lineup, but the ES/LS is the first time we've seen the more traditional cookie cutter approach. I think the UX/NX/RX show the current Lexus strategy -- major similarities, but different shapes.
krew
Rydo
This may be a little of discussion here but am I the only one fearful that Lexus are showing they are about to enter a 'cookie-cutter' Audi-like design process with the ES?

To me it's just a slightly mutated LS in design.

Other alarm bells are the full width rear tail light now being shown on the LS+, LF Limitless and UX.
Lexus has definitely developed some design similarities across the lineup, but the ES/LS is the first time we've seen the more traditional cookie cutter approach. I think the UX/NX/RX show the current Lexus strategy -- major similarities, but different shapes.
mikeavelli
krew
Lexus has definitely developed some design similarities across the lineup, but the ES/LS is the first time we've seen the more traditional cookie cutter approach. I think the UX/NX/RX show the current Lexus strategy -- major similarities, but different shapes.
I posted some up on my IG story and got two people confused if it was a LS or ES.... that really haven't happened to me before even with similar front ends. As you stated I love the current strategy/shared cues but not so similar......
mikeavelli
krew
Lexus has definitely developed some design similarities across the lineup, but the ES/LS is the first time we've seen the more traditional cookie cutter approach. I think the UX/NX/RX show the current Lexus strategy -- major similarities, but different shapes.
I posted some up on my IG story and got two people confused if it was a LS or ES.... that really haven't happened to me before even with similar front ends. As you stated I love the current strategy/shared cues but not so similar......
mikeavelli
krew
Lexus has definitely developed some design similarities across the lineup, but the ES/LS is the first time we've seen the more traditional cookie cutter approach. I think the UX/NX/RX show the current Lexus strategy -- major similarities, but different shapes.
I posted some up on my IG story and got two people confused if it was a LS or ES.... that really haven't happened to me before even with similar front ends. As you stated I love the current strategy/shared cues but not so similar......
mikeavelli
krew
Lexus has definitely developed some design similarities across the lineup, but the ES/LS is the first time we've seen the more traditional cookie cutter approach. I think the UX/NX/RX show the current Lexus strategy -- major similarities, but different shapes.
I posted some up on my IG story and got two people confused if it was a LS or ES.... that really haven't happened to me before even with similar front ends. As you stated I love the current strategy/shared cues but not so similar......
S
mikeavelli
I posted some up on my IG story and got two people confused if it was a LS or ES.... that really haven't happened to me before even with similar front ends. As you stated I love the current strategy/shared cues but not so similar......
I dont think they are too similar? There will always be people who wont know the difference between old ES and new ES too, so I dont think we need to pay attention to them.

As long as LS looks great, filtering that down is not a problem, as we can see by MB. For instance, for me, BMW's dont make too much sense since 7 series does not look great... but I dont think anyone cares, they still sell, lol.
S
mikeavelli
I posted some up on my IG story and got two people confused if it was a LS or ES.... that really haven't happened to me before even with similar front ends. As you stated I love the current strategy/shared cues but not so similar......
I dont think they are too similar? There will always be people who wont know the difference between old ES and new ES too, so I dont think we need to pay attention to them.

As long as LS looks great, filtering that down is not a problem, as we can see by MB. For instance, for me, BMW's dont make too much sense since 7 series does not look great... but I dont think anyone cares, they still sell, lol.
S
mikeavelli
I posted some up on my IG story and got two people confused if it was a LS or ES.... that really haven't happened to me before even with similar front ends. As you stated I love the current strategy/shared cues but not so similar......
I dont think they are too similar? There will always be people who wont know the difference between old ES and new ES too, so I dont think we need to pay attention to them.

As long as LS looks great, filtering that down is not a problem, as we can see by MB. For instance, for me, BMW's dont make too much sense since 7 series does not look great... but I dont think anyone cares, they still sell, lol.
S
mikeavelli
I posted some up on my IG story and got two people confused if it was a LS or ES.... that really haven't happened to me before even with similar front ends. As you stated I love the current strategy/shared cues but not so similar......
I dont think they are too similar? There will always be people who wont know the difference between old ES and new ES too, so I dont think we need to pay attention to them.

As long as LS looks great, filtering that down is not a problem, as we can see by MB. For instance, for me, BMW's dont make too much sense since 7 series does not look great... but I dont think anyone cares, they still sell, lol.
S
7ES pricing listed in China, pre-order starts today:

ES200 Base ¥285,000 ($42,100)
ES200 Premium ¥304,000 ($44,900)

ES260 Base ¥341,000 ($50,400)
ES260 F-Sport ¥384,000 ($56,700)
ES260 Luxury ¥404,000 ($59,700)

ES300h Base ¥365,000 ($53,900)
ES300h Luxury ¥424,000 ($62,600)
ES300h Executive ¥474,000 ($70,000)

The 300h is at a much better value than the 260. However only the 260 gets the F-Sport package which is expected to be a major seller. I expect the volume to go as following: ES200 Premium, ES260 F-Sport, ES300h Luxury, ES300h Executive.

USD equivalent included so our American fellows know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
S
7ES pricing listed in China, pre-order starts today:

ES200 Base ¥285,000 ($42,100)
ES200 Premium ¥304,000 ($44,900)

ES260 Base ¥341,000 ($50,400)
ES260 F-Sport ¥384,000 ($56,700)
ES260 Luxury ¥404,000 ($59,700)

ES300h Base ¥365,000 ($53,900)
ES300h Luxury ¥424,000 ($62,600)
ES300h Executive ¥474,000 ($70,000)

The 300h is at a much better value than the 260. However only the 260 gets the F-Sport package which is expected to be a major seller. I expect the volume to go as following: ES200 Premium, ES260 F-Sport, ES300h Luxury, ES300h Executive.

USD equivalent included so our American fellows know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
S
7ES pricing listed in China, pre-order starts today:

ES200 Base ¥285,000 ($42,100)
ES200 Premium ¥304,000 ($44,900)

ES260 Base ¥341,000 ($50,400)
ES260 F-Sport ¥384,000 ($56,700)
ES260 Luxury ¥404,000 ($59,700)

ES300h Base ¥365,000 ($53,900)
ES300h Luxury ¥424,000 ($62,600)
ES300h Executive ¥474,000 ($70,000)

The 300h is at a much better value than the 260. However only the 260 gets the F-Sport package which is expected to be a major seller. I expect the volume to go as following: ES200 Premium, ES260 F-Sport, ES300h Luxury, ES300h Executive.

USD equivalent included so our American fellows know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
S
7ES pricing listed in China, pre-order starts today:

ES200 Base ¥285,000 ($42,100)
ES200 Premium ¥304,000 ($44,900)

ES260 Base ¥341,000 ($50,400)
ES260 F-Sport ¥384,000 ($56,700)
ES260 Luxury ¥404,000 ($59,700)

ES300h Base ¥365,000 ($53,900)
ES300h Luxury ¥424,000 ($62,600)
ES300h Executive ¥474,000 ($70,000)

The 300h is at a much better value than the 260. However only the 260 gets the F-Sport package which is expected to be a major seller. I expect the volume to go as following: ES200 Premium, ES260 F-Sport, ES300h Luxury, ES300h Executive.

USD equivalent included so our American fellows know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
Joaquin Ruhi
ssun30
USD equivalent included so our fellow Americans know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
Actually, given the U.S. manufacture of the Lexus ES, it might not be quite that dire. A Toyota USA News Release contains this passage:

If tariffs are imposed, Toyota estimates the cost of the Kentucky-built Toyota Camry will increase by $1,800, the Texas-built Tundra truck by $2,800 and the Indiana-built Sienna minivan by $3,000. The government is expected to decide later this year on whether to impose tariffs.
On the other hand, if the increased tariffs come to pass, I'd imagine that the price of the Japan-built Lexus GS will rise even more versus the U.S.-built ES, perhaps hastening the GS's demise in the U.S. market.
Joaquin Ruhi
ssun30
USD equivalent included so our fellow Americans know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
Actually, given the U.S. manufacture of the Lexus ES, it might not be quite that dire. A Toyota USA News Release contains this passage:

If tariffs are imposed, Toyota estimates the cost of the Kentucky-built Toyota Camry will increase by $1,800, the Texas-built Tundra truck by $2,800 and the Indiana-built Sienna minivan by $3,000. The government is expected to decide later this year on whether to impose tariffs.
On the other hand, if the increased tariffs come to pass, I'd imagine that the price of the Japan-built Lexus GS will rise even more versus the U.S.-built ES, perhaps hastening the GS's demise in the U.S. market.
Joaquin Ruhi
ssun30
USD equivalent included so our fellow Americans know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
Actually, given the U.S. manufacture of the Lexus ES, it might not be quite that dire. A Toyota USA News Release contains this passage:

If tariffs are imposed, Toyota estimates the cost of the Kentucky-built Toyota Camry will increase by $1,800, the Texas-built Tundra truck by $2,800 and the Indiana-built Sienna minivan by $3,000. The government is expected to decide later this year on whether to impose tariffs.
On the other hand, if the increased tariffs come to pass, I'd imagine that the price of the Japan-built Lexus GS will rise even more versus the U.S.-built ES, perhaps hastening the GS's demise in the U.S. market.
Joaquin Ruhi
ssun30
USD equivalent included so our fellow Americans know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
Actually, given the U.S. manufacture of the Lexus ES, it might not be quite that dire. A Toyota USA News Release contains this passage:

If tariffs are imposed, Toyota estimates the cost of the Kentucky-built Toyota Camry will increase by $1,800, the Texas-built Tundra truck by $2,800 and the Indiana-built Sienna minivan by $3,000. The government is expected to decide later this year on whether to impose tariffs.
On the other hand, if the increased tariffs come to pass, I'd imagine that the price of the Japan-built Lexus GS will rise even more versus the U.S.-built ES, perhaps hastening the GS's demise in the U.S. market.
S
Joaquin Ruhi
Actually, given the U.S. manufacture of the Lexus ES
Totally missed the fact that the ES will be produced at TMMK.

But the point stands, imagine the 5-series or A6 at $70,000, base trim.
S
Joaquin Ruhi
Actually, given the U.S. manufacture of the Lexus ES
Totally missed the fact that the ES will be produced at TMMK.

But the point stands, imagine the 5-series or A6 at $70,000, base trim.
S
Joaquin Ruhi
Actually, given the U.S. manufacture of the Lexus ES
Totally missed the fact that the ES will be produced at TMMK.

But the point stands, imagine the 5-series or A6 at $70,000, base trim.
S
Joaquin Ruhi
Actually, given the U.S. manufacture of the Lexus ES
Totally missed the fact that the ES will be produced at TMMK.

But the point stands, imagine the 5-series or A6 at $70,000, base trim.
S
ssun30
7ES pricing listed in China, pre-order starts today:

ES200 Base ¥285,000 ($42,100)
ES200 Premium ¥304,000 ($44,900)

ES260 Base ¥341,000 ($50,400)
ES260 F-Sport ¥384,000 ($56,700)
ES260 Luxury ¥404,000 ($59,700)

ES300h Base ¥365,000 ($53,900)
ES300h Luxury ¥424,000 ($62,600)
ES300h Executive ¥474,000 ($70,000)

The 300h is at a much better value than the 260. However only the 260 gets the F-Sport package which is expected to be a major seller. I expect the volume to go as following: ES200 Premium, ES260 F-Sport, ES300h Luxury, ES300h Executive.

USD equivalent included so our American fellows know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
How does it compare with old prices?
S
ssun30
7ES pricing listed in China, pre-order starts today:

ES200 Base ¥285,000 ($42,100)
ES200 Premium ¥304,000 ($44,900)

ES260 Base ¥341,000 ($50,400)
ES260 F-Sport ¥384,000 ($56,700)
ES260 Luxury ¥404,000 ($59,700)

ES300h Base ¥365,000 ($53,900)
ES300h Luxury ¥424,000 ($62,600)
ES300h Executive ¥474,000 ($70,000)

The 300h is at a much better value than the 260. However only the 260 gets the F-Sport package which is expected to be a major seller. I expect the volume to go as following: ES200 Premium, ES260 F-Sport, ES300h Luxury, ES300h Executive.

USD equivalent included so our American fellows know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
How does it compare with old prices?
S
ssun30
7ES pricing listed in China, pre-order starts today:

ES200 Base ¥285,000 ($42,100)
ES200 Premium ¥304,000 ($44,900)

ES260 Base ¥341,000 ($50,400)
ES260 F-Sport ¥384,000 ($56,700)
ES260 Luxury ¥404,000 ($59,700)

ES300h Base ¥365,000 ($53,900)
ES300h Luxury ¥424,000 ($62,600)
ES300h Executive ¥474,000 ($70,000)

The 300h is at a much better value than the 260. However only the 260 gets the F-Sport package which is expected to be a major seller. I expect the volume to go as following: ES200 Premium, ES260 F-Sport, ES300h Luxury, ES300h Executive.

USD equivalent included so our American fellows know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
How does it compare with old prices?
S
ssun30
7ES pricing listed in China, pre-order starts today:

ES200 Base ¥285,000 ($42,100)
ES200 Premium ¥304,000 ($44,900)

ES260 Base ¥341,000 ($50,400)
ES260 F-Sport ¥384,000 ($56,700)
ES260 Luxury ¥404,000 ($59,700)

ES300h Base ¥365,000 ($53,900)
ES300h Luxury ¥424,000 ($62,600)
ES300h Executive ¥474,000 ($70,000)

The 300h is at a much better value than the 260. However only the 260 gets the F-Sport package which is expected to be a major seller. I expect the volume to go as following: ES200 Premium, ES260 F-Sport, ES300h Luxury, ES300h Executive.

USD equivalent included so our American fellows know how much to pay when Mr. Trump passes the tariff. $70,000 for a fully loaded ES300h, get ready.
How does it compare with old prices?
S
spwolf
How does it compare with old prices?
More expensive across the board. Then of course it's larger and packs much more features than the 6ES. Cheaper than a base E200L.

FYI the current lineup looks like this:

ES200 'Elite' ¥279,000
ES200 'Comfort' ¥298,000

ES250 'Elegant' ¥325,000
ES250 'Luxury' ¥381,000

ES300h 'Comfort' ¥354,000
ES300h 'Luxury' ¥401,000
ES300h 'Prestige' ¥467,000

Some notes on common trim names Lexus uses in China:
Base trim is usually called 'Comfort', 'Excellence', or 'Avant-garde'. An even more barebones trim is called the 'Elite'.
Premium trim is called 'Elegant'.
Luxury trim is called 'Luxury' or 'Superior'.
Ultra-luxury trim is called 'Prestige' or 'Supreme'.
For ES and LS there is the final 'Executive' trim.

S