The Lexus ES F Sport: a well-fitting sporty saloon
Moving the midsize saloon this deep into the sport space has taken seven generations, says Alisa Priddle in Motor Trend. The idea behind the 2019 Lexus ES (“executive saloon”) was to take the model – known for its luxury, quiet and comfort – and “pump up the driving dynamics”. And while previous Lexus F Sports have been “stiff and rigid”, combined with the comfort of the ES, Lexus has found the sweet spot in its new ES F Sport model.
The car remains faithful to the philosophy of the saloon – so much so that when driving it “calm is the first word that springs to mind”, says Pat Devereux in Top Gear. Indeed, the car was deemed “too quiet” during production, leading to concerns that passengers would experience car sickness from feeling too isolated. At 80mph, you can have a conversation with any one of your three passengers without going above regular volume.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Calm, however, does not mean boring. The Lexus team has taken to heart a directive that “boring designs would no longer be tolerated”, says Chris Paukert for Cnet’s Roadshow. Not only do the blacked-out mesh grille, lower fascias and rear spoiler add visual drama, they also nudge up the dynamic quotient.
It’s with this combination that Lexus hopes to attract younger buyers, adds Laura Burstein in the Robb Report. Driving it should give you the same feeling you get “when you put on your favourite shirt”, Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus International, tells Burstein. “The one that fits perfectly.”
Price: $39,000 in the US for the standard model. UK prices and availability to be confirmed. Engine: 3.5-litre V6. Torque: 267 lb ft.
This article was originally published in MoneyWeek
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Silversea cruise review: a Central and North American adventure
The Week Recommends An incredible journey featuring cultural exploration, cooking classes, comfort and more
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published