Lexus has updated its midsize luxury sedan with a new chassis and underpinnings, blessing the four-door ES with the latest GA-K platform and a good deal more refinement. Read on for all the details on what’s found under the skin.

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The Full Story

Unlike its RWD rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the Lexus ES utilizes a FWD design to put its power to the pavement. Such is the case with the new 2019 model year as well, which comes underpinned by the Japanese automaker’s latest TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. Offering modular unibody construction across multiple nameplates, GA-K is the same structure used in the new Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry, and Toyota RAV4.

However, there’s a slew of updates for the ES that keep the Lexus feeling like a premium luxury sedan should feel. Intrinsic to that cushy driving experience upgrade is extra chassis rigidity, a characteristic that assists in keeping the ride both comfortable when cruising and sharp when driving spiritedly.

The extra twist resist arrives thanks to structural components like a new strut tower brace in front, as well as new reinforcement panels for the strut towers and new radiator support braces as well.

The chassis construction itself also utilizes more structural adhesives and new laser screw welds, both of which help to enhance rigidity without hurting the overall weight rating. In total, Lexus says the 2019 ES uses 785 inches of adhesives, which is more than double what the last model got, while 120 individual locations use laser screw welds. There’s also plenty of material consideration in the construction, such as the widespread application of high-strength steel, while the exterior gets aluminum for the hood and fenders.

The new platform also changes up the exterior dimensions, with the new model adding inches to the overall length, wheelbase, track, and width, while also lowering the roofline.

All of these updates were designed to help significantly in terms of ease of operation, comfort, and driving dynamics.

So then - how does the upgraded chassis play out on the road?

I recently got a chance to try it out on the curving backroads around Nashville, Tennessee, and overall, the 2019 Lexus ES felt nimble and engaging. The large sedan definitely felt smaller than it really was, tackling the curves with aplomb, urging me to go quicker and quicker without breaking a sweat.

What’s more, when slowing down a bit, the ride was compliant and cushy, providing just the right amount of connection and ease of operation - exactly what you’d want in this segment.

Looking for more info and driving impressions? Make sure to read our full Driven review of the 2019 Lexus ES

Further Reading

Looking for more info and our complete driving impressions? Make sure to read our full Driven review of the 2019 Lexus ES.

Read our full review on the 2018 Lexus ES.

Read our full review on the 2018 Lexus LC.