Overview
The 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport is a four-door sedan with a few new changes including a slightly lower and wider design with an improved suspension for better agility. This is the 7th generation of the ES going back three decades.
Inside
Inside the cabin, the ES 350 has a slightly lower seating in 2019 yet has the same amount of headroom. There is a bit of a cockpit feel like the RC lineup, yet this is more of a family sedan allowing for more space in the cabin than the other Lexus coupe models.
Once you turn on the vehicle, the seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel adjust to your prior setting (similar to other luxury cars), and all the dials, knobs and steering wheel are well within arms reach. Even the funky drive mode selector knob is within reach (it reminds us of a dirt bike handle) located on the dash next to the instrument panel.
The driver and passenger seats come with a full assortment of multi-way adjustments as well as heating and cooling. Our F Sport test model, for example, comes with 10-way adjustable seats plus 2-way lumbar.
Rear passengers will find a good amount of room as well with generous head and hip room for 2 adults. We took a road trip during our 7-day loan and both children had plenty of room for themselves and their numerous toys and kindles.
The 12.3 inch display featuring the Lexus Enform infotainment system, a $1920.00 option above the standard 8 inch display, fits well into the dash and provides a large viewing of the apps and map while allowing for a split screen operation. While the touchpad controller can take a little getting used to the system does react fairly well to inputs while the 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound system, included in the aforementioned package, jams away any frustrations you might encounter using the system.
There is a host of safety features and Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa which will now be standard in 2020.
Under the Hood
Powering the 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport is a 3.5L V6 producing 302 HP, 267 lb-ft of torque mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine can be tuned several ways through different drive modes and even can act a little like a sports car using the paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.
This powertrain returns 22/31/25 city/highway/combined fuel economy and we mostly saw those numbers during our time driving this model.
On the Road
Once on the open road, the Lexus ES 350 F Sport is a smooth with just enough fun from the F Sport tuned suspension to play around with. Around town, we enjoyed the acceleration off the line in sport mode and the job it did holding the corners. While on the highway, dialing back the fun, we found it returned a luxurious type of driving experience smoothing out the bumps and pleasantly getting up to speed.
The F Sport model comes with 19-inch 5-spoke Alloy wheels which at first had us cautious the larger tires could provide a sportier ride when we wanted and a smoother ride when we didn’t. We were pleasantly surprised at their performance and really liked the look on the vehicle.
The driving position is quite good and there is ample visibility through the windshield to see the road ahead.
Competition
The 2019 Lexus ES 350 comes in three varieties: Base, F Sport and Hybrid. There are two different trims above the base – a Luxury and Ultra Luxury. Each trim level above the base adds more standard features while the F Sport adds a sportier look and a tuned suspension. There is a ES 300h hybrid as well.
It is available in a rear-wheel drive with the one engine. Base pricing starts at $39,900. The F Sport package starts at $44,635. The Luxury starts at $42,755 and the Ultra Luxury will set you back $43,750.
Its primary competitors are the Audi TLX, Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Lincoln MKZ and the Toyota Avalon.
Strong Points
The Lexus ES 350 F Sport wins on style and dual purpose of comfortable driving mixed with a sporty side. It handles the road superbly and frankly, looks great doing so.
Weaknesses
The ES 350 F Sport could use an improved infotainment device and more room in the rear for larger items with rear seats that fold down.
Conclusions
After a week behind the wheel, the 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport is one of those sedans that just feels right. It ticks all the boxes and really is a comfortable to drive each and every time out. Much like the way a favorite glove always fits well, the ES 350 F Sport is that kind of vehicle – it also feels right for every driving need.
