The Lexus ES has a long tradition. In 1989 it came on the market as ES 250, a kind of entry-level model for the LS 400. As usual with Lexus, the number still indicates displacement. Also, there remained a V6, since the fifth generation as a ES 350. Because of its proximity to the Toyota Camry, never came to European market.

The original entry-level model now has become a representative of the middle class and is in the new seventh generation also in Europe available from 2019. The manufacturer wants to increase thereby with Lexus the annual sales from last 75,000 to 100,000. It remains an ES 350, but is said to have gained 35 horses, probably SAE-PS, which is now 222 kW (302 hp).

It will be interesting to see where the ES models for Europe come from. New trade barriers could make importing from USA more difficult. It is again 45 mm wider and 65 mm longer compared to its predecessor, of which 50 mm at the wheelbase. The new global platform GA-K allegedly allows less height with the same volume, but here it is only 5 mm.

There is no need for an additional coupé version soon and coupés with shortened wheelbase are rare anyway. And now the sedans also look like coupés. The ES is a good example of this. Added to this is the Diabolo radiator grill, here by more vertical struts, partly styled a little stricter than the other models.

In the newly added model F-Sport (pictures above) it is black and the air intakes in the lower bumper underline 'an emphatically dynamic appearance'. While the remaining models must be satisfied with 17- or 18-inch wheels, the F-Sport basically rolls on 19-inch wheels. Also, there is only the color 'flame blue' here.

The term coined by Lexus 'provocative design' would probably refer to the front rather than the interior. Apparently, however, daring color combinations are meant here that do not really stand out on the pictures. After all, it differs beneficially from some misconstructions, e.g. regarding the elaborate dashboard.

Although front-wheel drive with transverse engine, this Lexus is not a lightweight, always a little heavier than the corresponding Toyota model, if available. Comfort, e.g. in the field of sounds, not only has its price. Nevertheless, the new is to shine according to the manufacturer not only by suspension comfort, but also by 'first-class handling'.

Announced, as in the sixth generation is a hybrid version, probably again with four-cylinder engine. By this Lexus gets problems with the capacity-dependent designations. So the new one has the designation ES 300 h, although its four-cylinder does not have 3 liters, but 'only' 2.5 liters capacity (see video below). 05/18