8th generation ES!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 917
Likes: 616
From: GA
Other than when it first came out perhaps, as Honda’s response to Lexus, I don’t see Acura as a luxury brand. Sporty yes, but not luxe.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 450
From: oh
It’s too early to tell, as various factors will come into play. First, will be there or will there not be tariffs in place (and how high), as the next gen will be made in Japan. Secondly, is this redesign too much for the traditional ES buyers? I’m sure the car will still be comfortable enough to drive/ride in, but will (1) the exterior be too polarizing to deter buyers? (2) will the interior be too minimalistic for a generally more traditional, conservative buyer market? (I don’t think “young people” will flock to this a some suggest - “it’s my granddad’d car”) So far it looks too cold and bland to me and not what I would call luxurious, certainly not more so than a Toyota (so why not just get a Camry or a Crown?). Sitting in the car will be a big test for potential buyers. (3) will the added length make it even more difficult for older drivers to maneuver and park than the current model? (4) How many buyers will the demise of the V6 deter? Certainly some, but to be honest people across brand lines people are accepting 4-cylinders whether they really like them or not, as many people just couldn’t care less what’s under the hood. How it drives will matter, is it quiet enough, smooth enough, etc., especially in comparison to the competition. (5) Will this new gen move the traditional ES buyers to the RX/NX to stay in brand or will they just move to Genesis or MB, for instance?
In short, a lot of questions. I do think there will be at least some drop, perhaps substantial - but again, it’s still too early to tell. It will have to be seen in person.
In short, a lot of questions. I do think there will be at least some drop, perhaps substantial - but again, it’s still too early to tell. It will have to be seen in person.
For my own personal consideration, I don't see anything about the 8ES that would attract me. Nothing.
As you can see from my signature, I've owned 3 ESs over the last 28 years. It's a mid-size luxury sedan. The 8ES is a full-size luxury sedan. I want a mid-size. And I don't want a CUV or SUV.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 443
Likes: 205
From: DFW TX
Man, that is UGLY. I don’t get why manufacturers feel the need to make their hybrid and electric cars so ugly. And why would Lexus take styling cues from the Camry, a cheaper, less premium car? And what’s the point of those ugly black door accents?
When the older LS was shown, it was a reminder of how Lexus went from elegant aesthetics to this ugly futuristic stuff. I think the 7th gen ES will go down as the best looking ES ever.
When the older LS was shown, it was a reminder of how Lexus went from elegant aesthetics to this ugly futuristic stuff. I think the 7th gen ES will go down as the best looking ES ever.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 450
From: oh
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,602
Likes: 3,414
From: NJ
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 36
Likes: 9
From: Florida
Pole Position
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 1,362
From: IL
Pole Position
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 1,362
From: IL
Great points and agree. I still think in a category sedans that sales are plummeting anyway (Lexus 20% sales from sedans ES sales down 40% over the last ten years) it is a marketing nightmare to do a redesign on a vehicle whose target market is upper middle to older buyers and you come up with this exterior and interior. It reminds me of Bud Light targets an audience with Mulvaney who doesn't buy beer and insult your buying demographic.
Calling this a "flagship" is just an acknowledgment by Toyota that they're not going to bother developing another LS sedan, either (and yes, I saw the denials). The last ES replaced the ES and GS. This enlarged one will replace the LS, too.
It's not a bad car. I'm just no longer within 6,000 miles of being its intended customer.