2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport First Drive | Review | Edmunds

Associate Staff Writer Will Kaufman traveled to Nashville to get his hands on the newest generation of America's best-selling midsize luxury sedan, the 2019 Lexus ES. In this preliminary review, he'll talk about what sets the 2019 ES 350, the ES 300h hybrid and, of course, the ES 350 F Sport apart from the previous model. Lexus' extensive redesign has improved the ES in just about every way, and the new F Sport trim is meant to up the nameplate's sporting appeal. Has Lexus made the old standby into something worth getting excited about?

Q: When will the 2019 Lexus ES be available?
A: The new ES will go on sale later this year.

Q: How much will the 2019 Lexus ES cost?
A: Official pricing has not yet been announced but shouldn't differ greatly from the current generation. Lexus expects pricing to start at around $39,000.

Q: What engine does the 2019 Lexus ES use?
A: The ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 that has been bumped up to 302 horsepower, while the hybrid drivetrain in the ES 300h now makes 215 hp and returns an impressive 44 mpg combined.

Q: How does the 2019 Lexus ES compare to the Lexus GS?
A: The GS is a rear-wheel-drive car that competes more directly with traditional luxury sport sedans. Especially in GS F guise, it's a roaring good time. However, it's also a little smaller and offers less interior room than the front-wheel-drive ES.

Q: Does the 2019 Lexus ES have all-wheel drive?
A: While Lexus has said it is "investigating" all-wheel drive, the ES is only available as a front-wheel-drive car.

Q: Where is the 2019 Lexus ES made?
A: The Lexus is made in Lexus' Kentucky plant and in Kyushu, Japan. ES 350 models are made in both plants, while the ES 300h is assembled exclusively in Japan.

*Correction: Lexus is looking into the inclusion of Android Auto, but no decision has been made about if it will come to Lexus vehicles and, if it does, how it will be added or what that addition would require in terms of software or hardware updates.

Read our First Drive of the 2019 Lexus ES here: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/firs...

Read our review here: https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/es-350/

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