Everyone is presuming the 2025 will be new gen - I haven't seen concrete evidence of that either. Which is great because our 2019s continue to be the latest and greatest

 

Well generation 6 cars started in 2013 and gen 7 in 2019... That's 6 years so if that holds true, gen 8 would be 2025. However I don't think that major engine/tranny changes are planned. Speaking for myself, I would hold onto my V6 as long as I could. What a sweet, smooth, powerful engine that is perfectly suited to the car... We got a good deal on our 2019's Mike as it's virtually the same car in 2024... Bob C.

 

I have not read any definite statement from Toyota on it yet, but the trend is as about an open as it can be. Look at the RX for the closest comparison. At a minimum, it is probable that the ES will have a turbo-4 as the basic engine. Upper trims may get a large turn-4 or a hybrid system, just like the RX. The new TX also has the same engine plan, no 6's at all, but turbo-4's and hybrids. The new Crown variants are also six-less. It has become the way of the automotive world, including for the Germans. Toyota isn't going to make an exception for the ES.

It's just a sad reality, due to emissions regulations globally. At least they haven't sunk to the level of Buick which is using a 3-cylinder in some models - dreadful garbage. I just wish Toyota, with all of the technical skill would do a better job on what they are putting in Lexus models. Quite a number of reviewers have complained about the coarseness of the 4's they are putting in these expensive cars. Fine while cursing, but step on the gas and it's rattle and buzz time, not acceptable in their premium models.

 

I agree that it's a sad reality facing car buyers globally. I can remember buying Sunoco 280 gas that wasn't readily available but could be had if you knew the gas station owner. And Hess 101 octane... Put those into your V8 1970 Chevvy Chevelle 454 and off you go. Now my thrills come from driving my '98 Corvette during the summer with the top down... And GM produces a car with 3 cylinders and 137 HP that can't get out of it's own way... I'm not looking forward to a turbo 4 in a lux car with the vibrations and lack of power... I'm keeping my 2019 and OP, I'd buy the 2024.

 

I recently decided not to wait. I traded in my '15 RC for a 24 ES UL, because I wanted the newer safety and comfort features and wanted to keep the six rather than have a 4 of any ilk, which is where the trend is heading. It's hard to find an 8 these days, other than in very big cars, and many sixes are being replaced by 4s, even in the Lexus lineup.
My RC was a new model for 2015, and I bought the first one in town on the day they went on sale, and had no problems, but I do recognize the general admonition to avoid a new model for the first year. That risk is less, I think, with a premium line like Lexus. (With Chev, you are taking your chances.)
The current ES has extremely favorable reviews, and the fit, finish and features of the UL are wonderful.
There are only 4 factory options for a UL model: ML audio ($1,080), pano roof, ($500), Tripple LED headlights ($1,215) and a rear spoiler ($200). I think most ULs are fitted with all four, like mine, so you will probably not find a UL without them. The dealer will add a few dealer options, like mats and wheel locks, etc ($300 to $700). The don't miss option is the "Smart Access Key Card" ($100); it's the fob without buttons, and it's about the size, thickness and weight of a credit card.
My suggestion: dump that '07 and move up to a '24 350 UL, which will surely last you another 15 years. You won't regret it.

 

Thanks everyone for your replies.
I'm leaning quite heavily towards the ES-350 2024.
I will consider the UL, but apart from the quiet wheels, I don't see any other feature that appeals to me.

One thing that surprised me when I was looking at the car's features was the default sound system.
I was expecting the latest and greatest USB stick technology. Lo and behold it's sporting the same
CD system that I have in my 2007 ES-350!
I'm not complaining, I'm just surprised.

It isn't clear from the info at the Lexus site if an entertainment/guidance screen is included by default or is an option?

 

Yep - I'm close to 70K miles now but still runs pretty much like brand new. Tires, brakes, oil changes and I just replaced the battery.

 

This is what pushed this life-long Acura customer over to Lexus. I was so excited for the redesign of the TLX, found an A-Spec model, was 100% sure I was going to buy it...until I stepped on the gas. My goodness, the clatter was jarring! I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My disappointment was immeasurable, but, well, Hello Lexus!

I'll be holding on to this V6 for a long long time

 

[QUOTE=NoiseFree;11614049]Thanks everyone for your replies.


One thing that surprised me when I was looking at the car's features was the default sound system.
I was expecting the latest and greatest USB stick technology. Lo and behold it's sporting the same
CD system that I have in my 2007 ES-350!



I though they got rid of the CD with the 23 models. Is that not correct or did I mis-interpret your comment regarding the "same CD system"?

 

[QUOTE=MAMOSKO;11614142]OK I found it.

Scroll down to Options and click on arrow
Scroll down to Entertainment Features
CD player - Standard

 

You'd do well with any '24 ES 350. I'm biased as a UL owner, but there's no need to persuade you in any particular direction (with one exception: Your stated preference for a soft ride should dissuade you from the F Sport Handling). All ES's also have a touchscreen in one of two sizes. But I can tell you the Luxury and Ultra Luxury do have some advantages that aren't immediately obvious, including sound-absorbing front door glass that seems to block wind noise around the mirrors at highway speed — a complaint from some owners of this otherwise very quiet car.

 

Thanks Lex.
I definitely won't go near an 'F Sport' vehicle.
So you get to choose the size of the screen? Any advantage to one over the other?
As I mentioned noise is my primary concern, but I don't see how sound-absorbing door glass will make a $10,000 price difference worthwhile, especially when I've been fine with my 2007 ES-350 for 16 years now (without it).

 

BMW still doing 6s and even 8s at least in the X models.

 

[QUOTE=NoiseFree;11614210]Correct, they did get rid of the CD player in 2023.

 

I would never suggest for a moment that those windows are worth $10,000. In fact, if you wanted those windows, you could retrofit them far more cheaply onto any ES. And the L/UL is certainly not the value sweet spot for the ES; that would be the base model with the Premium Package and navigation/Mark Levinson options.

The size as such of the smaller 8" screen is just fine. The most noteworthy aspect of the 12.3" screen is that the Mark Levinson audio upgrade, which is valuable, includes it.