7th gen ES reviews
GS F was planned. In late 2012 I posted a picture of the 4GS engine bay showing the space that was left between the V6 and the radiator, and mentioned a V8 was coming. Granted it took a few years (2016 GS F), but it had ample room for a V8 
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: ON/NY
Thats an F car special varient, like the GS-F. I wouldn't be surprised at all if there was an LS-F with a V8, what we won't see though is the LS with a simple V8 option without all the other things that come with an "F" variant (thinks I wouldn't want) the way everybody else does it (BMW, MB, Genesis, Audi, etc). Should have been clearer.
Back to this new ES, I have absolutely no expectation that the new 3.5 with direct injection will still be there at the end of the production run. I would fully expect some sort of new V6 at some point.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: ON/NY
-LS460 awd planned, not added till later because of issues with the transfer case. Early adopters buy the regular LS460 is what I see
-ISF not planned but added
-GSF planned and then added
-ES 2019/2019 Avalon, engineered into the design, not added, might be added if demand warrants.....Lexus does not offer it first year or that it was they “say”, so early adopters will buy the 2WD model.
My guess is that the awd system will be akin to the RX 3 row coming at a later date. I am sure the RX 3 row design was built into the design of the regular RX at launch in 2016 or whenever the latest model came out..
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Jun 9, 2018 at 12:20 PM.
of course lexus could do it, but i see so little upside. as mmarshall says most people wanting awd will just go suv.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Why?
Subaru (and others) do AWD successfully with engines as small as normally-aspirated 2.5L fours....even in vehicles as large as an Outback. Imprezas and Crosstreks even manage to do it with N/A 2.0L fours, although, granted those cars are substantially lighter than an ES. But I certainly don't see any problems with the ES's 3.5L V6 and AWD.
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To add to that, and reiterate what another has said, by limiting the ES, you force the buyer to the RX if you want AWD which increases profit margin. While I don't agree with that, I understand why they would do it or rather not do an AWD ES. I think the 7ES refresh and 8ES will tell more once the 4IS comes to fruition, due to the GS vacancy.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: ON/NY
I have said this before, however the future of gas prices and a possible economic downturn (which is quite possible) will force SUV buyers into something a little lower in the price brackets when this happens SUV sales will eventually peak, sedans will not disappear.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: CA
Why? 302hp is plenty for a non-F car. If anything, knowing Lexus, the AWD option for the ES is actually more likely to come with a less powerful engine just so that it can be sold within what Lexus considers the upper limit of the model's pricing range. The 2nd-gen IS AWD being stuck with the 2.5L engine throughout its lifecycle and the 3rd-gen IS300 AWD with its embarrassingly detuned 3.5L engine come to mind. Lexus did finally give the 3rd-gen IS a proper 3.5L AWD after the facelift in 2017, though still refusing to upgrade its 6AT. I really hope Lexus won't hold back this time IF it is really to do an ES AWD some time down the road. These unnecessarily self-inflicted limits are what keep Lexus from reaching a top-tier premium brand status in many people's minds.
Last edited by ydooby; Jun 9, 2018 at 12:46 PM.
No they won't disappear, but I do view it as a teeter-totter, going back and forth.
Lexus Fanatic
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Honestly, you (we) really don't know if that is true. The LC500 is not really an F car, or at least its not "branded as one" it uses the 5.0 V8 engine. It would be very easy for Lexus to add the 5.0 V8 to the LS line up, a dirty move on early adopters, YES. Will it happen, really not sure. Could I envision a 500+ LS with a new V8, yes I could. Toyota has modified their engine offerings mid-cycle many times in the past. Toyota has also added complete new powertrains mid cycle as well, Rav4 Hybrid, IS200t, GS200t come to mind, these engine offerings were never offered at the start of production of the model so your assumption of "why not offer it" from the get go is just not true.
Back to this new ES, I have absolutely no expectation that the new 3.5 with direct injection will still be there at the end of the production run. I would fully expect some sort of new V6 at some point.
Back to this new ES, I have absolutely no expectation that the new 3.5 with direct injection will still be there at the end of the production run. I would fully expect some sort of new V6 at some point.
LS will get a V8 but only in the LS-F which won’t be my thing.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: AZ
I agree completely. I have driven the G90 with both the TT V-6 and the NA V-8 and I actually prefer the power delivery of the turbo engine. If Lexus is going to add a V-8 to the LS500, the only way it makes sense is a high performance turbo engine that competes with the AMG/ M engines. Just to add the LC500 V-8 really adds nothing to the car. Does a LS-F make economic sense for Lexus? I'm not sure.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: California
I have read and watched every review for this new ES and as a car and Lexus follower, I predict this will be one of the most successful sedans of all-time for the brand. Everything is coming together to create the perfect storm. I really applaud the company for taking the time to touch each area that needed addressing, and then touching some that no one asked about. Very nice to see something already successful about to prosper even higher. This doesn't happen too often.
Last edited by Fizzboy7; Jun 10, 2018 at 03:05 AM.