Lexus Philippines officially launched the seventh-generation 2019 Lexus ES luxury sedan last Tuesday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City.

The new ES brings with it redefined comfort, refinement and luxury.

This ES is built on a brand -new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design with sharper performance and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this segment.

Designed under the all-new Global Architecture-K platform, the all-new ES is longer and wider, but lower compared to its predecessor. It also sports a longer wheelbase and wider tracks that increase its appeal and also handling.

The face of the new ES is dominated by slim headlamps with the distinctive “L” shaped marker lights. In between is the iconic spindle grille which is also found in the LC coupe and LS flagship sedan. The lowered height allows for sleeker lines that flow from the A- to the C-pillar, while at the rear is a three-dimensional L-shaped LED taillights that add depth. The ES stands on 18-inch alloy wheels.

The new ES is exceptionally rigid, made of several grades of high-strength steel, comes with a front strut tower brace and multiple reinforcements for the struts themselves and radiator support braces for increased stiffness. Sound deadening now covers 93 percent of the floor pan while underbody covers are used to reduce road noise. The ES also uses a front MacPheron Strut suspension and a Multi-link setup at the back.

The 2019 Lexus ES is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers easy acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency. The engine packs 302 horsepower and 362 Nm of torque.

Controlling this engine is an all-new 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission that uses an ultra-thin torque converter and multi-plate lock up clutch to maintain a direct connection in almost all driving situations. The transmission can now be changed using the Drive Mode Select system, but it has an AI Shift Control that predicts the intentions of the driver and aligns with them.

Inside, the 2019 Lexus ES has a driver-centric cockpit plus a spacious and comfortable cabin. The all-new ES has the “Seat in Control” design concept that ensures all controls are within easy reach and all information is in plain view. This is seen on a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster with analog tachometer. The new Lexus Multimedia System now sits high on the dashboard in a position that minimizes distraction. Apple CarPlay functionally comes standard as well.

The ES sports a carefully crafted interior with seats that are made to contour better to the driver and the 10-way power adjust fits just about any body type. The steering wheel is borrowed directly from the LS sedan and features an ergonomically-shaped rim. Ventilated/heated seats are standard.

Price for the 2019 Lexus ES 350 is at P 4,308,000.