2019 Lexus ES 350 First Drive Review

[@mikeharty4536]

I have a 2016 es 350. You don't buy this to run around like a BMW; you buy it for serene, effortless safe cruising. This is a super-fine, comfy car. It's not a 5 series nor an e-class. German cars have a prestige that Lexus really can't approximate, but this is a car for a person who wants something classy, refined and quiet.

[@djxsquizit]

I test drove one yesterday. The most awesone Lexus I drove. Its roomie, smooth, quiet and VERY LUXURIOUS 😍😍

[@jamesfstump]

I work in Lexus on the ES line. we take great pride in this vehicle Georgetown Kentucky

[@mikeharty4536]

You should be very proud because you make one hell of a car. Best I have ever owned.

[@JerrlEvans]

James Stump I purchased a 2019 es f-sport a month ago. I noticed that the stitching on the seat was coming apart on the driver seat after about a week. I am waiting for a complete seat cover replacement. Additionally I feel some vibration on the steering wheel with the AC running. The dealer has tried to convince me that that’s just the way they are. Pretty disappointed.

[@buttonman1831]

who says Americans can't build cars

[@djxsquizit]

Youre a lucky man. This model is very exquisite

[@stephendibari5010]

I have a 2013 ES350 with only 36k miles, build quality, fit & finish is unparalleled... Lexus/Toyota are the best most reliable/dependable car company in the world ...

[@ravipeiris4388]

This iteration of the ES is absolutely gorgeous. Amazing 30 year evolution.

[@dionisiuskusuma1462]

The reason people choose Lexus ES over E-Class: RELIABILITY

[@hknng]

exactly, reliability instead of more room LMAO

[@salihkaya4739]

Lol.. I have an E class with 200k miles in UK not a single problem.. Comfort wise Mercedes is the nest known car for Comfort

[@arthurjones2427]

I agree

[@zihanwei9202]

Enrico Kaya German car these days are good enough. I don’t see any problems on German cars. Take a look at high end luxury vehicles, we can’t see a single Japanese cars.

[@brandonlin6126]

@@zihanwei9202 Um... Infiniti By Nissan Lexus By Toyota Acura By Honda

[@Liger._King]

Thank you Toyota-Lexus for adamantly keeping the V6 engine. This decision has definitely set the Toyota-Lexus brand apart from the competition who are all favoring the stupid 4-cylinder turbo engine and doing away with their V6 engines; Nissan has joined the stupid bandwagon and has lost all respect from me. No matter how fast the artificial force turbo makes your engines, one annoying thing you cannot get rid of is the irritating 4-cylinder noise of the 4-cylinder engine. Oh my God, that noise drives me insane! If you must go turbo, just make sure to keep your 6. I drove the 4-cylinder Camry. It has excellent fuel economy and packs up a lot of speed. However, the 4-cylinder initial lag and engine growl is a joy killer. For that reason, I will NEVER buy a 4-cylinder engine. I'd rather jump up to 8-cylinder than deal with the irritating engine sounds of 4-cylinder. Fuel economy my foot!! Don't get me wrong; there's nothing wrong with 4-cylinder engine as long as it doesn't replace the 6. You'd lose loyal customers like me the day you do away with the V6 engine and replace it with 4-cylinder turbo, Toyota-Lexus. Keep the V6 spirit on and you'll never lose loyal customers like me. Good job so far!!!

[@patriot8087]

Congratulation Lexus for not going with turbos and CVT transmissions Great review Alex good job.

[@nexushexus4365]

Joshua Jacob Are you kidding me Honda has one of the best CVT transmission Nissan has the worst Toyota is in the middle.

[@DiwaGalvez]

Honda's CVT is really good, better than Nissan, Subaru and Mitsubishi. Of course, traditional AT is better.

[@patriot8087]

All CVT suck. I don't like the way they drive and the engine noise that goes with them not to mention how well they will do long term. There is no rebuilding them, when there gone they are all done. So you better have a wallet full of money if you need to replace it ever, or should I say when. duh. My comment was not who made the the best one!!!!!! there is no best one. Honda spent 550 billion to push them on the public to meet Government mandates for gas millage. All this for 1/2 MPG We the public consumers have been sold a bill of goods Toyota know they suck they have them in there smaller cars but have held out for now on the ES Thank Lexus! Same story on the turbo's wait till you have to replace a couple of turbos better have about $3,000.00 dollars not how much did that 1/2 MPG really save you duh.

[@steveprinty5674]

Steve Crabtree Turbos, CVTs, and start/stop systems are all negatives to me. BTW, I was standing in line at Volvo repair shop waiting to see service writer. Guy in front was handed estimate for new turbo. He nearly fainted. 😖

[@1quickster]

You know why? Lexus quality goes out the window if they put turbo's on most of their cars. Turbo can only last around 60,000 miles the most.

[@golfbuddy1969]

I think Lexus has made a great job...and while handling may trail AWD or RWD, most shopping this brand wouldn’t care anyways. They want room, luxury, efficiency, and prestige, and this car has those in spades.

[@Tenacitae]

Alex on Autos = Best reviews on cars, period.

[@bestatdoingnothing3941]

Period

[@markwagner4909]

I live in snow belt FWD serves just fine AWD is not needed in the city unless you want to go Rick climbing or just want to jump onto the AWD bandwagon

[@CrazyForCooCooPuffs]

I got a 2021 ES 300H, 6k miles single owner fully loaded with everything but triple beams. No regrets.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

I'm four years late!! But I still buy this Alex.

[@GigginQuick]

No start-stop system on the ES? Sold.

[@MistaRudeBoy]

LMAOO

[@brandonlin6126]

Ikr I hate the start stop crap

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

good job Lexus, looks great, superior long term quality

[@limpunsing224]

It's elegant enough for me without the F Sport trim

[@johnnychaos3]

That's what I'm thinking. Kinda nice they pretty much keep things the same. I'm curious as to why the f sport gets less mpg

[@KirkKreifels]

I can't wait to drive and sell these when they come out this late summer. It's such an attractive option in the segment which should help me grow as a new Lexus sales consultant

[@-Munditimum-]

Great review Alex. Beautiful car. I would however make a note here and say that Buick places the Lacrosse as the main competitor of the ES and not the Regal. Cheers.

[@alanhumphrey4198]

I'm glad ES doesn't have start-stop on engine to get better gas mileage. If you have to worry about mileage, you don't need to own a Lexus...

[@10cpaul]

FWD is fine in the snow and less maintenance. Fewer tires replaced, diff fluid changes and better mpg. Have a FWD camry always make it where I’m going here in the NE.

[@googoo-gjoob]

Alex... i love your super smooth edits. i bet they go unnoticed by most. nicely done.

[@randyt700]

i want this car so bad. the luxuriously crafted interior with the exclusive mark levinson sound system and the reliability of the brand... just take my money!

[@pnoenstchiispianoschoolofmusic]

I have really been enjoying your comprehensive introductions and analysis on new vehicles, Alex! Keep it up! Thank you so much!!! Kent

[@jamesfstump]

Thanks

[@Joemun77]

Love your reviews Alex Toyota Lexus reliability’ 👍🏾🔥🔥

[@JPaul318]

Man. Your channel is by far the best!!!! You had me sold on the Lacrosse. Lol. Thanks for the info Bro💐👍🏾👍🏾✌🏾

[@jp_0118]

My only gripe with the ES is that it’s FF. Like Alex said, this would be better with AWD, and since this has practically taken the role the GS had, they have the opportunity to make it FR. But overall this is acres ahead of the previous ES, really like this new gen.

[@christians218]

Amazing job so informative and complete. New sub gained!

[@margaretm.7079]

Excellent comparison.

[@samsonokoro5036]

Top notch review from a top notch professional. This Lexus ES will break the records of the previous generation in sales for sure. Beautiful car and it has tech not found on so many rivals, it has the new voice command system like google now where you say the command word and then give it instructions to do virtually everything in the car.

[@jmasoncars4452]

Samson Okoro McDonald's breaks sales records every year but it doesn't mean their hamburgers are better than IN N OUT.

[@HodsBroo]

Gorgeous, best in mid size class

[@ZzzMajinzzZ]

Nice video. Thanks for making these videos.

[@Brararaf101]

11 es 350 handled better in snow then awd suv that thing was so sturdy i coulnt believe it . and i'm in the northeast it was a storm

[@nonwajanaponsan679]

Most informative review

[@omgitsme435]

Holy crap it's freaking huge now. They are definitely going to replace the GS, IS will probably stay to compete with the 3 and C class.

[@andybub45]

In person its not as big

[@vchanpe1]

My previous cars were c5 corvette, bmw330i, lexus ls400 lexusrx350 and I decided I wanted luxury over sportiness. Great review and a lexus es350 will be my next car. i am disappointed it does not have android carplay but i read you can buy a device to get this feature for $500.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, You were well within your rights to chide Lexus for failing to provide AWD on this new ES.

[@normt5463]

Right Lane Hog No heated rear seat either.

[@LoongAqua]

Announced today July 27, 2018: The 2019 ES 350 will start at US$40,525, an increase of $550 over the outgoing car. Price includes $1,025 destination fee.

[@CupidinColorado]

Seems like Lexus always takes one step forward then two steps back when they launch a new model. No fog lights...Distracting/attention demanding mouse track pad...No AWD option...No fold down rear seats..and icing on the cake- a very large round switch on top of the dash for...traction control? No wonder the competition is eating away at their market share. The only reason to buy is for their reliability, but you can get an Avalon for that and save yourself thousands.

[@limpunsing224]

Seemingly beautiful inside & out An AWD option would be nice

[@MrCarpediem6]

Why was this compared to the C and 3 series; is that the the Lexus IS competiton; I thought the ES was a E class and 5 series competitor, and LS the 7 series and S class :)

[@elai3147]

Carpediem06 price, where i'm from the c class/3 series/es have almost the exact same starting msrp

[@willrobinson4280]

The GS is the competitor to the E and 5. ES is kind of a tweener.

[@georgelkk]

waiting ES2019 for a long time! @Alex, do you think they will put LS500's engine (V6 3.5L turbo 416 hp) to this car as the successor of GS's sporty model?

[@doccyber]

Thanks. Great review

[@deejaybalance]

Excellent informative video. Thanks!

[@jldubz1]

Is this vehicle competition to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio (which is an SUV)as you mentioned 19:09, or the Giulia (which is a sport sedan)?

[@chamikakh]

excellent review

[@Selector21]

Why are you comparing the ES to BMW3 series? It's a different class (midsize) and should be compared to 5 series in terms of size etc. 3 series competes to Lexus IS

[@richardcasey7521]

Lexus, thanks for NEVER trying to sell us 4 cyl engines, turbos or CVT transmissions!

[@richardcasey7521]

I don’t care about all wheel drive or hybrid power trains either. And forget all that self-driving nonsense.

[@kristians2704]

Lexus does have 4 cyl engines and CVT transmissions. Also what's wrong with turbo engines?

[@tonysterbenc]

Don't blame Lexus when they ditch the V6. Emissions and mileage regulations have pressured all the automakers out of V6's.

[@shando3333]

Apple car play is a must!! Finally got apple car play :)

[@MarkEccleston]

Do these cars come with folding mirrors?

[@mrpmj00]

I test drove one today. Missing sunglass holder near the rearview mirror, whereas my 2014 Toyota Highlander has it.

[@olivercollins4836]

I know, kinda dumb they dont have it.

[@rodneylacey4570]

I see and read all the comments, although I'm hesitant to buy because it might not have the quality as the once Japan made Lexus, as I have a 2005 Lexus ES 330 with 277k mileage on the original powetrain. But being made in Kentucky USA I just don't know

[@JohnnyUtah9173]

Same parts, just assembled in US

[@ILC-eo6vk]

All wheel drive just means more problems. This car is excellent and economical for a luxury car.

[@samaanalkhaldi2364]

It's just missing the AWD system. Thanks.

[@nwezetx1]

AWD ES is coming! ES-F turbo is being studied, but NA V6 AWD first.

[@MrMustangrick]

Needs AWD or rear wheel drive for me to consider it

[@GAATL_Viet]

MrMustangrick Why would you need an AWD system if you don't live in an extreme winter weather? If yes, a FWD with good Winter Tires will get you to everywhere during that extreme winter weather, too. An AWD system also adds more weight on the car, which is bad for the MPG and braking and handling, and stress on the transmission. This car isn't a sport sedan, so it doesn't have to have the features that its brother, the GS 350, has.

[@normt5463]

And heated rear seat.

[@bohan9957]

Get a GS

[@Tenacitae]

winter tires ride rough... No point of buying a luxury car and throw on snow tires. That's an oxymoron.

[@DiwaGalvez]

Sounds like you need the Lexus GS. ;)

[@expsterm1]

I think the Buick LaCross is the competitor vs. the ES, not the Regal.

[@mfmf100]

It’s subjective, but I’m not crazy about the styling, especially the signature grill an I’m not sure there’s enough of an advantage over a loaded Camry or Avalon or a 6 signature.

[@MaceWindu7]

mfmf100 a loaded Avalon is 45K a loaded ES is 53K,I admit It’s worth it for the badge and the quality difference.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Alex you forgot to mention the Volvo S90 as a main competitor, it's very similar, also fwd chassis, about same size and same target group. If you mention Kia Cadenza and Buick Regal it should also be compared to the Nissan Maxima.

[@anooptiwari721]

Why is ES more popular than GS? Rear wheels are more fun to drive, all luxury sedans are mostly read wheel drive

[@luptonpittman6520]

Snow

[@Trades46]

The looks are great, but not so interesting is the Camry/Avalon powertrain transplant. After hearing that Lexus is axing the GS & moving the ES upmarket, I was hoping that AWD would at least be available. As for now, I still think the Acura TLX or RLX gets my nod for now.

[@johnreid4840]

19:12 the a r stelvio is an suv the guilia is the sedan

[@LifeISMagix]

AWD comes with GS. If ES would have AWD, the GS sedan would go extinct. And the GS is a 100% Japan made vehicle whereas the ES is American made. Big difference. ES needs to stay FWD

[@nwezetx1]

It will get AWD in a few months, GS 350 ends production next year and GS-F in 2020.

[@brianwinkler8183]

Recently, you mentioned regarding the Land Cruiser, you might as well get a LX570, and I agree. Regarding the ES with the 3.5L, you might as well get the Avalon and get Apple car play minus that ridiculous touch pad, and still have roughly the same performance and luxury.

[@ws1814]

Brian Winkler But there’s this thing called “brand identity “.

[@brianwinkler8183]

Wageesha Samaraweera and that’s why the ES exists

[@bluewave2536]

Why don't they make a v6 hybrid? I like to save gas, but doesn't mean I don't like speed.

[@KVW22]

I like the grill on the f sport trim better, what do you guys think?

[@silentrefusal9911]

It's raining Alex today. 😁

[@macoy321]

Hi Alex... can you tell Lexus engineers to add AWD system to this ES350, since they are phasing out the GS model, please. Thank you.

[@nwezetx1]

Why are you asking him that? They don't listen to such people and are already doing it. They will announce that soon.

[@johnnychaos3]

Since the F sport gets a tad less mpg than the non F sport, what's the difference for the lower mpg given they both are the same power?

[@MyLife-so1jl]

cars have no rear headroom these days because of sloping coupe-like rooflines.....no wonder why people are buying SUVs.

[@nwezetx1]

That's the idea. Sedans as the practical choice are no longer in, no that raised wagons have replaced them. The Accord and Camry redesigns targeted this. Instead "4-door coupe" niche model, they've incorporated these attributes into their mainstays.

[@rjfiyab]

Alex, great video as always. Question, at the end of the video you recommend waiting for the 2019 model. What was your thinking behind that please? Possible inclusion of AWD and/or Android Auto? Or did you have something else in mind?

[@olivercollins4836]

This is the 2019. The generation is 2019-2022. 2022 finally has a touchscreen.

[@joedoe7236]

Excellent review but when you came in to mention KIA as a competition you blew it. KIA and Lexus are two different worlds buddy. I drive a 2016 executive package and I know what Kia is in comparison. Crap...And for all those folks who drive 10 km a day around the mall you REALLY don't need AWD. Rather enjoy the Mark and Levinson sound and a perfect front drive.

[@aurorajones8481]

Finally the ES is back! It lost it after the second gen in my opinion. Dig the new one inside and out but personally id like more power but seeing as how it cant handle what it has it needs awd. *sigh*

[@mrczz6690]

Great vid. Returning 2017 v8 Silverado for 2017 es350

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

So they have Alexa but not Android​ Auto? Who the hell uses Alexa for their car?

[@ronshaw80]

Toyota is working on Android Auto. Its not yet ready, but will be in the not to distant future.

[@Tonezorz]

They won’t agree to the android auto data sharing requirements, so no AA.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Buy the hybrid and double your mpg.

[@user-rh2nn3tl9J]

Excuse me, but how can you compare the Lexus EC to Mercedes C class? Those are absolutely different platforms with different level of comfort.

[@tonysterbenc]

Lower-tier sedan from luxury nameplate, comparable in price.

[@user-rh2nn3tl9J]

@@tonysterbenc usually you don't compare apples to oranges... its a different class of the car. Different platform.

[@tonysterbenc]

@@user-rh2nn3tl9J True. Just trying to answer your question as you asked it. Irony or rhetorical questions tend to get lost in translation in this medium.

[@abcdLeeXY]

Na v6 are the best for any luxury cars...i4 just ruins the experience

[@abukhaled5315]

Nice place May I know where you are recorded this Video ?

[@ThatWasherNerd]

Yay!

[@user-cv7nl3ee7z]

i think the 2018 camry is just as handsome

[@kawaisit3086]

Why does Toyota have different style and model in other country and not sold in the us?

[@DavekayBSC]

A very important thing that Mat Watson pointed out in the Carwow review of this car - the lane keep system is terrible. It will warn you to put your hands back on the wheel if you aren't holding it, and if you don't respond, it will simply shut off and allow the car to crash if say you've fallen asleep. The EU cars will try several methods to wake you up, and then brake themselves to a stop within the lane to try and keep you safe if you don't respond.

[@andybub45]

Well if you fell asleep in a car without lane keep it would crash as well.

[@LoveYou-gf5qi]

I know es is not trying to compete with e class or 5 series, but how does it handle compared to those rwd/awd vehicles?

[@tonysterbenc]

Worse.

[@kenkozawa9810]

Alex, I think you meant Giulia @ 19:12 ;)

[@brianl6964]

60,000 mile spark plug changes now instead of 120,000 due to GDI

[@jamesfstump]

We do have a All wheel drive now

[@b.f.378]

I was thinking that this would replace the GS, but since this new ES doesn't have AWD & only has 302 hp, I think the GS might be getting an all new generation for 2019. Lexus prolly didn't put AWD on the ES because they were saving it for the new GS

[@MrMustangrick]

Hope so Baasil. Love my GS 350

[@-Munditimum-]

As far as I've heard, GS is selling in very small numbers so it may be discontinued for the next generation.

[@nwezetx1]

It is not being redesigned the GS. Canceled twice. Don't even expect anything until 2023 at earliest, as they are currently studying the market for the near future and regrouping.

[@ChristosDimou]

Is there an AISIN automatic under the hood of a BMW and not a ZF automatic?

[@tonysterbenc]

Depends on the BMW. I think some of the smallest BMW SUVs have the Aisin.

[@dustin9967]

What are the headroom specs for the front?

[@swanblake]

Love it. Lexus here's the customers wants of an AWD option but they know it would require them to actually make this car decent so no. Thanks for your concerns but we know you will buy this anyways because Toyota

[@MiguelRPD]

Why doesn't it have fog lamps?

[@HBK3344]

We need review for UX Lexus 2019 👍❤️

[@EngineerZX]

Alex bro, you're the best car reviewer, really appreciate your work Really like the detailed overview that you do on the cars, As I'm planning to buy a car by the end of this year, I would like to request from you to do a detailed comparison between the 2019 Lexus ES 350 and the 2019 Kia K900 as they will probably have similar prices or at least close to each other. (when you get them) Lexus will have better reliability, better resale value, and gas mileage over the Kia but I don't like the infotainment system as a whole from the touch-pad and their navigation...etc..... nor the lack of Andriod Auto, or the small buttons for the stereo. Kia has more tech stuff and should have a better price as well it is bigger size.... so I'm lost... the only thing that bothered me about the kia is the new look (the front is ugly but hope they will improve it a bit for the American market) so is there other things that can take me from one to the other?.....drivability and handling? noise? cool tech? many thanks

[@stevewise1656]

This is a compact Luxury sedan? I think you meant mid-sized. Is that only one cup holder. I also think you should have spent more time talking about that phone storage and power charging situation. Heck, even the 2019 Avalon has rear heated seats and the same engine. Also, it doesn’t have that ridiculous trackpad. I’m not recommending the Avalon, though highlighting the interior is more intuitive and actually has two cup holders. I can’t recall any other call with only one front seat cup holder.

[@robertbrandywine]

Yeah, since when is a 195.9 inch vehicle "compact"?

[@UToobNoob11]

I purchased the 2019 F Sport version and I would like to say it is one of the best cars I have driven Regarding your question about the cup holders, it definitely has two up front but they are not beside each other as you can see in the video

[@ZS-xi4xk]

Pretty sure he's comparing this to the 3 series and the C class because of the similarities in price, but this is much much bigger. He's not calling this a compact sedan, he's referring to the competition that it's priced against.

[@wannabedal-adx458]

So, what's the point of the Toyota Avalon now?

[@tonysterbenc]

None. it's cancelled after 2022.

[@stevewise1656]

You’re exactly right and the Lexus is a luxury car. I’ve been waiting for this new ES for a few years and disappointed they didn’t redesign the infotainment and offer all-wheel drive. They also don’t offer a USB port within the center storage bin. The Genesis G80 offers all-wheel drive, (six cylinder twin turbo with nearly 400hp) better styling, and much more intuitive infotainment. The G80 will get a total redesign in 2020, so I expect they will benchmark against Audi and BMW. In fact, not sure why he’s comparing the ES to a KIA, rather than the Genesis.

[@normt5463]

Steve Wise And no heated rear seat!

[@swanblake]

Steve Wise nope

[@stevewise1656]

Blake Swan nope what?

[@ws1814]

Steve Wise He actually shouldn’t compare it to Kia, Genesis, or even Lincoln.

[@nwezetx1]

Norm T I don't even like the ES nameplate, but that's not true. The ES offers a rear luxury package with armrest controls for climate and audio, so IDK where you got that idea from. Second, AWD will offered within the coming months. It is being staggered and also available for the Camry and Avalon next model year.

[@LacoteCohen]

If they kill the GS and replaces it with this toad I'll be pissed

[@samsonokoro5036]

They could give the ES an Aed version with even more features in tech and handling to compensate for the GS. You never know there could be an ES F in future with a new engine may be a twin turbo V8 that's rumoured to be in the works.

[@MrMustangrick]

Agree.....I love my GS 350 and will not give it up for this

[@GAATL_Viet]

Ikr. I love the GS 350. I like the ES too, but there is no way the ES can replace the GS unless they give the ES a new platform 😒.

[@LacoteCohen]

MrMustangrick GS is amazing!

[@LacoteCohen]

Giang Nguyen They should turn the GS into more of a CLS/6 Series Gran Coupe competitor

[@funnyking123]

Does anyone know if there is a sound when you redline like in the gas f?

[@ryananderson4326]

Lexus needs to step it up with the technology though.

[@Omnis2]

That touchpad bullshit is still a dealbreaker. I'd rather load out a Camry.

[@m.b8257]

Not a bad review but you keep harping on the lack of all wheel drive, they don’t offer it in the ES for a reason, if you want a dragster buy something else.

[@tonysterbenc]

True, they don't offer it with the V6 for a reason. But the reason is cost, not driving dynamics. It'd drive better with it, and not just when you're flooring it but every time you turn a corner.