Agree can most likely get used to the latch. But when you get a loaner from the service dept and they have to tell you how to get in and out of the car that should have been a red flag especially for a new designed car. This is the way it is headed now anyway so eventually will be the norm.

 

I was surprised when I saw the new version last night - first thought was that it reminded me of a Kia Stinger or aimed at that audience. I showed it to my wife (who drives our current and previous ES) and she loves it and said "I want one of those". I personally don't. I was put off by the styling, and then when I read that it has a CVT transmission, it becomes a hard no, not interested. I read recently where Nissan/Infiniti is moving back to regular transmissions from CVTs due to how many customers dislike them.

 

Lexus newsroom is the place to read about this. Split screen is back and says native navigation which tells me map data should be within the system and not cloud based but sure there is a subscription there somewhere. Length 6.5 in and wheelbase 3 in more. Very few pictures.

 

These are the normal trims, I reckon there are 550e and 500h will come later, exclusively as "F SPORT PERFORMANCE"

 

The Lexus eCVT is NOT a Nissan CVT. Drive one and you'll be amazed.

 

I always get a chuckle from those that complain about the CVT especially not being as smooth and as quiet as a regular transmisssion. So shifting through 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 gears is smoother than no shifting at all. I would never go back to a non CVT transmission.

 

Yeah Fred, me too... LMAO

 

Explanation from a good Japanese channel

 

My expectations were low to begin with. The reveal actually falls a bit short of my expectations.

Mechanically, it's what I expected. EVs and HEVs. No PHEV or ICE.

Aesthetically, it's a disappointment. I like the silhouette, but that zig-zag gash in the door panels is not for me. Why do some car companies think that an EV has to scream "look I'm an EV" in their body design. I think a more modest and subtle EV style would have said "elegance," whereas that lightening bolt on each door look crass. And the interior looks like a major step down.

Some of the AI fakes were way better looking than what Lexus came up with, IMO.

I'll withhold my final judgement until I drive one.

Looks like I'll be waiting for the 9ES.

 

And all the best-sellers in North America will be using batteries produced in North Carolina which really helps on the tariff fronts.

Well played Toyota, well played.

 

There will be lots of PHEVs in the N. America lineup going forward.

The new PHEV battery has 100 mile range. I see that as a game-changer.

 

This is first ES that I would not buy.

 

I have to say I'll probably never go back to a conventional trans after driving the RXh for the last year.

 

This video has some better views including the interior.

 

Absolutely hate these AI voiced derivative videos. All this footage was stolen from other content creators.

Anyways, Toyota CVT is good. Their hybrid platform is good. Their BEVs are far behind the competition in terms of acceleration and range. The Tesla/BYD like infotainment will be something way different for their demographic, but they need/want to target a younger market.
The dimensions are odd. It's tall like the Crown, and long like the LS. I believe this brings it from mid-sized to full-sized sedan, or psuedo crossover?