2019 Lexus ES caught testing for the first time

The current generation Lexus ES has been around for quite some time now. Introduced in 2013, the Japanese sedan received a facelift in 2015. Now the all-new version for the 2019 model year ES has been spotted testing for the first time. The two test mules were caught testing in the remote deserts of Arizona, alongside its direct rivals – the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.

The heavily cladded prototype failed to hide the new trademark ‘spindle grille’. Meanwhile, the other test mule was spotted sporting a conventional grille which was similar to the ES on sale right now. The headlamps seem to be cued from the new generation LS flagship sedan. The new gen ES is expected to be based on the new TNGA (Toyota’s New Global Architecture) platform. It will share its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry.

The new ES will reportedly serve as a replacement for the executive GS sedan. This means, the ES will shrink in dimension, which is evident in the test mules. In fact, the new LS looks dwarfed amongst the two rivals in the images. It will continue with the three-box body style but will adopt a sloping roofline. The athletic stance is similar to the sportier IS sedan. 

The midsize sedan will continue to use the V6 and a hybrid powertrain. The front-wheel drive will come as a standard. However, with the 3.5-litre V6 mated to electric motors, an all-wheel-drive ES is also on the cards.

The all-new Lexus ES is expected to break cover at next year’s New York Auto Show.