I don't know that there will be any comparable choices as of 2016. The closest thing is the Genesis G80 — unreliable, backed by a dealer network with a terrible reputation, costlier than the current ES, and relegating V6 power to a costly option. Unless you're content to lease, the era of executive sedans appears to be ending.

It's the new LEFTUS 💀

As much as I dislike the 8ES, both for its looks and for what it offers, I have to admit that it looks much better in videos. Still pictures make it look uglier than it really is.

And horrible depreciation

The black BSM is ugly and serves no purpose.

What does leasing have to do with it?

Back in '23, when I was comparing sedan options for buying or leasing, my comparable test-drive shortlist included:

• ES 350 (Buy: reliability, good looking exterior and comfort cruiser)
• TLX / TLX-S (Buy: similar reliability and body type but sportier) *Axed in 2025
• Honda Accord Touring (Buy: similar size sedan but more cabin noise)
• Camry (Buy: for it's top model price
• IS 350 / 500 (Buy: Too small)
• BMW M340i (Lease: for it's performance and body style, but pricier) **Not necessarily reliable, but best overall IMHO
• Audi A4/A5 (Lease: pricier, good looking, less reliable)
• Tesla Model 3 Perf. (Buy: good performance and reviews, not much fuel savings due to my power grid rate)

I excluded the following sedan brands from consideration based on concerns around perceived reliability, design appeal, and/or anticipated dealer service experience.
Volvo, Infiniti, Kia, Hyundai, Mercedes, Ford, and Cadillac.

From what my friends have shared, BMW's and Audi's offer a fantastic driving & owning experience while under warranty. But once that coverage ends, they can quickly turn into a money pit. That’s why a lease often makes more sense than buying long-term. Back in ’23, I wanted to buy first, but I was open to leasing a BMW or Audi.

Edit: Maybe Genesis could also qualify as a short-lease candidate.

The reliability and excellent reputation of Lexus, to me, is a big deal. Cadillac and GM in general make beautiful cars IMO. However their reputation for reliability is poor. Benz, OTOH, make great cars but too expensive (for me). I'd love to own an Audi but can't afford the repairs and maintenance ex warranty. KIA and Hyundai, if they're not stolen, have ongoing engine and reliability issues. Can't speak for Volvo, last in owner satisfaction, or Infinity made by Nissan that has one foot in the grave. I rode in the rear of an Escalade last year and the ride was terrible. Felt every bump and was also noisy. Not comparable to my 6 Y.O. Lexus Executive Sedan. So that being said, one is severely limited in selecting a sedan, luxury or not. :dunno:

The trunk looks completely swallowed up into a hatch-like design and the rear window is almost laying flat and really needs a windshield wiper.
The mandatory 19" rubber band tires are a show stopper for me.
Hopefully my '25 ES is my final retirement car but otherwise the Camry is now my only other choice.

A good walk-around (first look) video:

Why the new ES is more geared to the China market? 3X sales figures.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...028f5d9650.jpg
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_...and_production

The IS continues on in 26 with a refresh and V6 but I agree it's too small.

I guess that's the new MO for everything we buy. As more people in more populous countries can afford things, their tastes dictate what we get. We might get bespoke products just for us, like pickup trucks and BBQ grills. Everything else will be for everyone else.

AFAIK, IS production wraps up in November, with a major refresh coming for 2026. Looks like it’ll face the same fate as the ES; so I don't know about the V6 surviving 2026.
And the 500 V8? Pretty much guaranteed to be dropped.

Edit: Stand corrected, Lexus news room confirms V6 will survive 2026. It's small sedan, but still Lexus option to the V6 ES350.