The Lexus ES enters its seventh generation this year, bringing with it a slew of updates for the styling and design, including an all-new interior spec that’s simply head and shoulders above the outgoing model.

Update 6-15-2018: The text of this article has been updated to reflect an inaccuracy in reference to the inclusion of Android Auto. As of now, Lexus is studying the inclusion of the software but doesn't have any specifics to provide at this time.

The 2019 Lexus ES - Interior Done Right

In updating the next-gen ES, Lexus turned to the extremely excellent LC Coupe for inspiration, and the result is an interior that simply looks superb. The layout includes a “driver-centric” orientation for the instruments, whereby all the various readouts and buttons are turned towards the hot seat.

Complementing the new design is a new steering wheel, a new dash, and a new control layout. The primary infotainment screen was moved to the top of the dash, mounted horizontally and well-integrated with the rest of the horizontal design elements. The top of the gauge hood also gets a duo of rotating knobs to choose between the drive modes and traction control.

Buyers get tons of customization options to choose from, with loads of colors, trims, and more. During our experience behind the wheel, we identified a few cheaper hard plastics here and there, but overall, you really have to search for them, and the vast majority of materials used are top-notch.

Beyond the aesthetics, the new ES offers a huge amount of passenger space, especially in the rear. From the moment I stepped inside, I never felt the least bit cramped. Chalk it up to the extended wheelbase and larger exterior dimensions, which seem to have to have paid dividends for passenger comfort.

The seating position was also lowered, enhancing available headroom, but thanks to a lower hood line, there’s still plenty of forward visibility as well.

The seats are phenomenal, offering 10-way power adjustability, plus optional heating and ventilation. The ventilation is a lifesaver in hot climates, keeping your backside nice and chilly, even when outside threaten temperatures to cook you alive.

It’s also surprisingly quiet inside, even when judged by the high standards Lexus is known for, as the automaker added loads of sound deadening material throughout the vehicle. Even the wheels get in on the action with a sound-dampening design for their construction.

The infotainment is much improved as well, and the main screen is clear and sharp with its graphics. Users navigate onscreen menus via a trackpad located in the center tunnel, which will jiggle your finger when mousing over icons - a cool feature in and of itself. Using the system on the fly can get a bit distracting, though, so we recommend getting all your settings just so prior to setting off.

Options include a large heads-up display, which adds some really cool tech vibes. Overall, Lexus is studying the inclusion of Android Auto, but that we don’t have any specifics to share at this time.

Providing the tunes is a standard 10-speaker audio system from Pioneer, while a 17-speaker system from Mark Levinson is optional. Both work well, coming in super clean and crisp, even at highway speeds.

As you might expect, there’s also onboard Wi-Fi and tons of connected features to round it out. A variety of safety systems are standard, including standouts like Pre-Collision, Lane Tracing Assist, All-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Road Sign Assist.

While the base model ES was quite lovely, we found the F Sport model to be even more excellent, throwing in an exclusive color scheme called Circuit Red, as well as unique trim called Hadori Aluminum, which gets a folded metal look similar to a samurai sword. It looks really slick, especially alongside the darker swaths of material on the dash and doors.

What’s more, the F Sport’s seats are a step above the usual sports sedan sitters, managing to find a perfect combination of comfort and lateral support. Indeed, there are few seats out there that let you do the long haul without breaking your bones, then hold you in place while carving the corners. Kudos on that front, Lexus.

Of course, nothing in this world is perfect, including the 2019 ES. For example, all the extra chassis bracing prevents the rear seats from folding down, which hurts the car’s practicality a bit. Luckily, there’s still a very decent 16.7 cubic feet of storage available in the trunk.

Another issue is rear visibility, which is lackluster at best, but in this case, the onboard tech comes to the rescue with a rear backup camera and integrated guidelines.

2019 Lexus ES Interior Dimensions

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.