What is it?
A relatively big change in what is traditionally a conservative sector. Lexus has decided the time is right to change tack in Europe and focus on delivering volume, and the new ES plays a core role in that.
ES is a nameplate that will be instantly familiar to those in the US and Asian markets, given Lexus has shifted 2.3 million of the things since the first generation went on sale way back in 1989. It’s not a known quantity in Britain, despite now being lined up to replace the Lexus GS here.
The reasoning is sound, however. The GS survived four generations in the UK without ever really capturing the market. But where Lexus always seemed content carving its own path with a modest 0.5% market share, now targets have been set to double that in the next year or so.
The ES has greater potential to increase sales and profitability once supply issues have been ironed out (Lexus’ biggest markets can’t get enough of them), because unlike the rear-wheel drive GS it can compete financially with the fleet-heavy lower rungs of the executive sector: mainly the four-cylinder offerings from Mercedes, Audi and BMW. The front-wheel drive platform is adapted from that of the hugely popular Toyota Camry, allowing Lexus to benefit from greater economies of scale and lower build costs.
It means the ES is cheaper than the car it succeeds - a rare thing in this sector - but features more standard kit. The platform also brings more space, while Lexus claims better refinement and a more polished driving experience despite the loss of the ‘enthusiasts choice’ of chassis layout.
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I know about the typo's in my former post
I am aware of the typo's in my former post, read past them please.
I love how people comment where most have never tried
People comment about a car based on reviews but seemingly know more about cars without having driven one. I have a 3.5 year old IS300H in F sport trim. The CVT is different but never felt it needed more power, I have put close to 100,000 miles on my car and will be due to change this year I guess. I have driven/owned all the major German brands and in all honesty, while they are generally quicker they are in my opinion no where near as good as Lexus. I'm not talking about how quickly it can get from A to B, or whether I can feel the understeer building in a corner etc. this is all meanigless drivel in todays road conditions. Yes the CVT can feel a little elastic on occasions but it never gets caught not knowing which gear to select like my wifes current and former Evoque 9 speed auto's.
What i'm talking about is sitting in stop start traffice in near silence, travelling at a steady 75-80 on an mtorway and returning 50mpg, one of the best put together interiors on any current car but mor ethan any of that, the ability to travel close to 100,000 miles with nothing ever having gone wrong, not so much as a blown buld or fuse, not having had to replace brake pads yet let alone discs, being loaded with standard equipment form the get go!!!
In todays traffic laden roads, these are the things that really matter. Safe in the nowledge you are driving pound for pound one of the best built cars that is clean as it can be (please dont get me started on the plug in hybrids) and it isnt one of the so called clean German Diesels who have been proved to test on animals and it was nearly humans ..... want proof, watch 'Dirty Money' on Netflix.
ES base price is £35k!!
ES base price is £35k!!
The brain dead on here harping on in utter disbelief about the £45k price might want to acknowledge that the model tested is in the top specification trim, hence the price, and being a Lexus the specification will be extremely comprehensive but you already know that. It's the same old repetitive s***e when anything non-German is reviewed. Zzzzzz
I agree with others regarding the use of a CVT gearbox when other manufacturers including Kia/Hyundai are able to make a dual clutch transmission work with similar hybrid drivlines. I also don't understand why Lexus didn't adapt the 2.0T for Hybrid as the additional torque would be a much better fit not only with what has been a diesel focused segment but it might also dampen the hysteria of the CVT.