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2019 Lexus ES 350 starts at just $550 more than outgoing model

Lexus wants you to pay attention to the 2019 ES. The all-new, seventh-generation midsize sedan that Lexus benchmarked against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 gets a base price that just a few hundred over the old car. The entry-level ES 350 starts at $39,500; after $1,025 for destination and handling, that's $40,525 out the door and $550 more Washingtons than the 2018 model required. The mid-level ES 300h starts at $43,310, or $44,335 out the door. That saves $510 compared to the 2018 version, and it gets better fuel economy. The all-new ES 350 F Sport starts at $44,035, for $45,060 out the door. Every model rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture, known as GA-K here. The lighter, stiffer body hides improved mechanicals like rack-mounted electric power steering, and a new multilink rear suspension that encouraged fun driving during our recent review. The updated Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 comes standard on all models, and incorporates new features like daytime bicyclist detection and low light pedestrian detection. The ES 350 and ES 350 F Sport get a 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, 34 hp and 19 lb-ft over the former sedan, working through a new eight-speed transmission. The F trim makes itself known with 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler, and retuned suspension. EPA ratings for the ES 350 come in at 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined, an increase of two more miles per gallon on the combined cycle. The ES 350 F Sport is rated at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. The ES 350h uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with fourth-generation Hybrid Drive. The 215 total horsepower from the ICE and electric motor returns 43 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined. Lexus says this makes it the most frugal luxury car out there that doesn't have a plug. The ES is also the first Lexus to offer Apple CarPlay, on top of being able to use Amazon Alexa to communicate between the sedan and the home. The 2019 Lexus ES goes on sale in September. Related Video:

Lexus celebrates 10 years of F performance

RC F and GS F are getting special editions. To celebrate 10 years of f performance. Only 240 of the RC F will be produced, a number chosen because there are 240 Lexus dealers in the U.S. Transcript: RC F and GS F are getting special editions to celebrate 10 years of f performance. Both cars are finished in a matte paint called nebula gray. The wheels are painted in a gloss black and the brake calipers are painted a bright blue to match the f brand's colors. They each get bright blue leather seats with gray accents and blue suede shift knobs. Sadly, they don't get any performance upgrades over the normal models, but they are visually striking. These 10th-anniversary edition cars are extremely limited production. Only 240 of the RC F will be produced, a number chosen because there are 240 Lexus dealers in the U.S. Only 100 of the GS F will be sold. They'll be available for purchase this summer, but Lexus hasn't finalized pricing for the cars. Lexus Performance Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video

The 2016 Lexus RX is more of everything [w/video]

Both literally and symbolically, the RX is Lexus. The crossover accounts for more than a third of the brand's overall sales. Last year Lexus moved 107,490 RX 350s, almost as much as every BMW SUV combined. The first-generation RX 300 was such a hit it forced other luxury automakers to follow suit. And the outgoing third-gen model epitomizes the current challenge Lexus faces: it's comfortable, but boring – exactly like the reputation the brand wants to shed. The new 2016 Lexus RX, then, is the Lexus weathervane. In short: more style, space, and technology while retaining the plushness that keeps current owners happy. As is current Lexus tradition, the RX gets a massive spindle grille. And while there are more creases and character lines than before, the overall styling is softer than the angular NX. The conservative approach shows that Lexus took a cautious approach to its cash cow, while using lower-volume models like the RC coupe to push boundaries. Still, Lexus has made an honest attempt at sporting up the RX. The RX 350 retains the 3.5-liter V6 but gets a 30-horsepower boost to 300 hp, and the RX 450h now makes 300 ponies as well. In all-wheel-drive guise, both models can be had in F Sport trim, which brings exterior tweaks like 20-inch wheels and a unique instrument cluster. F Sport models also include an active stabilizer system to minimize roll in corners. All RX models also come with dampers and steering that automatically adjust to the driving situation. Inside, the new RX is loaded up with features, like a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen and an optional color head-up display. A list of electronic safety features is too long to mention, but includes collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. See the press release below for the full rundown, or just trust us when we say you can get the RX with almost every driving aid out there. The rear seats now feature a power-fold feature, and when the seats are up second row passengers are treated to more leg- and knee-room. That extra interior space comes from an overall stretching of the RX. Wheelbase grows 1.9 inches, while length is up almost five inches. What the new RX doesn't yet have, but we're told is on the way, is a third row of seats. The added versatility of a seven-passenger version should broaden the appeal of the RX to a wider audience. Expect to see the RX 350 and RX 450h in showrooms by the end of the year, with the three-row version coming sometime in 2016.