For those who may be interested, The GS line is being replaced by the ES in the UK for launch in March 2019.

I sat in one a few weeks ago at Lexus Palm Beach and more recently a UK version and think it is stunning. The UK versions will be 2.5 liter petrol and petrol hybrid. Pricing will be a little more than the dollar equivalent and compare with a 5-series or an E-Class.

Our UK version is built in Japan rather than the Kentucky factory. The interior, paint colours and options choices will be similar to the US but the emissions and suspension setup will differ.

 

Alas, 2019 was the last year for the GS here in the US as well. As a former GS driver, I was surprised by how much roomier was the interior of the ES. I went to the dealership planning to get another GS and was totally seduced by the ES. Although I do love the curvier body of the GS.

 

Anthony,

Thanks for your response. I also have a GS, in fact two. A '98 Series 2 which I have owned for 20 years and a current F-Sport model.

The interior of the ES is just great however one thing struck me - almost literally! The ES roofline is much lower than the GS and if a GS owner is not careful he/she will hit their head on the door surround.

The ES will be totally new to the UK and I have no doubt it will be a success here. Mainly in hybrid form as our gas costs are twice those in the US - although for motorway (freeway) driving only the petrol engine is utilised.

 

GS is a super car. I kept my 2001 GS until trading it for this car. 195,000+ miles. Got a whopping $500.

 

That's near to the mileage my '98 has covered and would have a similar value. Still drive like a Rolls Royce.

I bet it was an emotional wrench to part with it.

If I was in the market for a new car I would go straight for the ES.

 

Not so much emotional. It needed about $1800 in repairs. Figured it was time to put her out of her misery...

 

Following my starter post of some 5 months ago I decided to place an ES on order in February with delivery scheduled for July.

Another owner has posted on the UK Lexus Forum that he was shocked to find that the seats on his new F-Sport are plastic although the online brochure clearly states that they should be leather. I spoke with Lexus UK who acknowledge the misdescription.

Here in the UK the ES is an expensive car due to exchange tariffs, value added tax and the need to prop-up a failing government and the rest of Europe.

Before I cancel my order and buy a Mazda, do any of you guys have any comments?

 

The F-Sports have Nulux, which some consider better than leather. If that's your only concern, I would not worry about it.

 

Not trying to change your mind if a Mazda is what you really love. Each to his own. But, in the US, it depends on what you are willing to pay. Perforated leather is an option. I have the UL package which came with perforated leather seats. But yes, the base models are Nuluxe which you will be hard pressed to tell from leather. In nearly all cars, including high-end Benz, BMW, etc., the leather is urethane-coated so they are essentially "plastic" too if that's the word you like.

 

I agree. I wanted an FSport but was concerned that it came only with Nuluxe. Now I can compare my Nuluxe interior to my wifes RX leather and to me Nuluxe wins by a wide margin.

 

Completely agree. I love the red F Sport seats, the way they look and feel is exceptional. My last car had fancy shmancy leather seats, steering wheel and door panels. The Lexus wears better and is much easier to maintain.