2019 Lexus ES
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2018
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From: California
All the non F-Sport grilles are ugly.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: ON/NY
Its likely they won't even do an AWD, in my opinion. The Lexus ES will be a hot seller regardless of AWD. Toyota will have to see a net profitable reason for them to AWD the Camry/Avalon and the ES. (They wouldn't AWD just the ES alone.)
All the non F-Sport grilles are ugly.
All the non F-Sport grilles are ugly.
In Canada market, the Nissan Altima will be awd only. So Camry will indeed follow.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 52
From: AZ
My guess is that the ES350 will get AWD as an option in the near future. Toyota already has the tech for the transverse V-6 AWD and another $2000 option looks like a money maker. For the ES300h, we might see an electric AWD system like the RX450h. Even less of a technical or manufacturing challenge.
It won't make much difference here in Arizona - even AWD RX350s tend to require special order.
It won't make much difference here in Arizona - even AWD RX350s tend to require special order.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
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My guess is that the ES350 will get AWD as an option in the near future. Toyota already has the tech for the transverse V-6 AWD and another $2000 option looks like a money maker. For the ES300h, we might see an electric AWD system like the RX450h. Even less of a technical or manufacturing challenge.
It won't make much difference here in Arizona - even AWD RX350s tend to require special order.
It won't make much difference here in Arizona - even AWD RX350s tend to require special order.
I would guess that in the case of ES350 AWD, it would be a performance upgrade. I know that for Camry, they are going to treat it as performance upgrade so might be available as F-Sport or something like that. For $2k, it is a no brainer.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 311
From: ON/NY
It will be out in few months... at least full info on it, I think production in Japan starts December.
I would guess that in the case of ES350 AWD, it would be a performance upgrade. I know that for Camry, they are going to treat it as performance upgrade so might be available as F-Sport or something like that. For $2k, it is a no brainer.
I would guess that in the case of ES350 AWD, it would be a performance upgrade. I know that for Camry, they are going to treat it as performance upgrade so might be available as F-Sport or something like that. For $2k, it is a no brainer.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Alberta
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,419
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From: California
Well - just because the competition has it doesn't mean they'll do it. I'll believe it when I see it.
It will be out in few months... at least full info on it, I think production in Japan starts December.
I would guess that in the case of ES350 AWD, it would be a performance upgrade. I know that for Camry, they are going to treat it as performance upgrade so might be available as F-Sport or something like that. For $2k, it is a no brainer.
I would guess that in the case of ES350 AWD, it would be a performance upgrade. I know that for Camry, they are going to treat it as performance upgrade so might be available as F-Sport or something like that. For $2k, it is a no brainer.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: ON/NY
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: WA
I work at a Lexus dealership and we have a few of the new ES350's in stock. I think it's a better looking car than the past few ES' but the interior felt cheap in some areas such as the upper door panels. It feels sportier and the F-Sport model looks great.
We had a white on red F-Sport model and it was very cool looking. I do feel like the GS is a better vehicle and hope it doesn't get killed off.
According to an article I read, only models produced after October can use Apple Carplay. I get asked about Carplay but nobody has tested it yet at our dealership.
We had a white on red F-Sport model and it was very cool looking. I do feel like the GS is a better vehicle and hope it doesn't get killed off.
According to an article I read, only models produced after October can use Apple Carplay. I get asked about Carplay but nobody has tested it yet at our dealership.
There are caveats regarding both Apple CarPlay and the new Amazon Alexa connectivity when the ES launches. Lexus says that Apple CarPlay will be included initially on ES models equipped with optional navigation but not those without it until models built starting in October. With the car's launch scheduled for September, that means there will be some models that come without it. A representative said the vast majority of cars will be equipped with navigation, and those without it will number in the single-digit percentages of the 50,000 or so ES sedans Lexus expects to sell in the first year (a little journalist math tells us that's around 4,500 vehicles). Cars that come without Apple CarPlay cannot add it later. You'll be stuck without it, so if you find yourself at a dealership and aren't certain, test the system with your phone or look for the date of manufacture on a sticker on the driver's doorjamb.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2018
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From: California
I just don't believe much stuff that is said on a forum in general. At the end of the day - no one really knows whats going to happen besides Toyota.
That and also the AWD rumors started blowing up because of the rumors of the GS being cancelled. I promise you, if rumors of the GS being cancelled never existed, AWD ES rumors wouldn't exist. I think a lot of people want to see a AWD ES out of the fear of losing the GS or wanting the AWD ES to beat out the GS to make sure it stays cancelled.
That and also the AWD rumors started blowing up because of the rumors of the GS being cancelled. I promise you, if rumors of the GS being cancelled never existed, AWD ES rumors wouldn't exist. I think a lot of people want to see a AWD ES out of the fear of losing the GS or wanting the AWD ES to beat out the GS to make sure it stays cancelled.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 311
From: ON/NY
I just don't believe much stuff that is said on a forum in general. At the end of the day - no one really knows whats going to happen besides Toyota.
That and also the AWD rumors started blowing up because of the rumors of the GS being cancelled. I promise you, if rumors of the GS being cancelled never existed, AWD ES rumors wouldn't exist. I think a lot of people want to see a AWD ES out of the fear of losing the GS or wanting the AWD ES to beat out the GS to make sure it stays cancelled.
That and also the AWD rumors started blowing up because of the rumors of the GS being cancelled. I promise you, if rumors of the GS being cancelled never existed, AWD ES rumors wouldn't exist. I think a lot of people want to see a AWD ES out of the fear of losing the GS or wanting the AWD ES to beat out the GS to make sure it stays cancelled.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,419
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From: California
Besides - a lot of stuff gets said at these launches that just makes me question things sometimes. I mean - at the Lexus ES launch - they claimed the Lexus ES competes with the C-Class and 3 Series. (Which doesn't make any sense at all because the C-Class and 3 Series are sport luxury sedans that are small and RWD.)