Tell me about the ES range…
Lexus sells purely petrol models in other markets (there are no diesels), but only the ES 300h hybrid is offered in the UK. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces just 176bhp, but it’s supplemented by an electric motor for another 118bhp (and a good boost in torque, which helps make up for the lack of a turbocharger on this petrol engine). Lexus claims an average of 48.5-53.6mpg, which is comparable to the smaller, lighter BMW 320d turbodiesel. No mean feat.
There are three trim levels: ES, F Sport and Takumi. All are well equipped, with even ES models getting front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry and start, heated seats, sat-nav and a Pioneer 10-speaker stereo as standard.
Our F Sport is marketed as the most dynamic version. At £38,150 it’s directly comparable to a BMW 320d M Sport.
How spacious is the Lexus ES?
It’s huge. The rear seats offer so much space it feels more like sitting in a limo than a family saloon, and the 454-litre boot – with extra space liberated by the compact front-wheel drive layout – looks more like a black hole than luggage compartment.
Up front, 8-way sports seats unique to the F Sport strike an excellent balance between comfort and support, and the material quality is deeply satisfying, from the squish of soft leather to the slick sheen of shadow-chrome finishes and Hadori aluminium trim inserts said to be inspired by shogun warriors’ katana swords.
Our car also gets the optional £4k Takumi pack, with a 17-speaker Mark Levison stereo upgrade and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen controlled by an improved version of Lexus’s often criticised touchpad system. Yes, the infotainment interface is better, but it still requires too much eyes-off-the-road time.
Overall, though, this feels an expensive, beautifully crafted cabin that relaxes its occupants as soon as they sit down.
What’s the Lexus ES like to drive?
Sadly this is where the ES lets itself down, particularly given our F Sport’s ‘dynamic’ billing. Drive enthusiastically and the engine howls in protest, the CVT gearbox shifts sluggishly and the steering feels artificial and lacking in feedback. On roads where a 320d would rise to the occasion, the ES 300h feels leaden and unwilling.
This might be acceptable if the ES was particularly relaxing to drive at a gentler pace, but sadly the peace of pure electric mode is broken frequently by the combustion engine kicking back in, the suspension jiggles constantly, and there’s quite pronounced road noise on poorer surfaces.
The fractured ride quality and the road noise might be because the F Sport rides on standard 19-inch alloys (17s and 18s are available elsewhere) and gets a different suspension set-up (Adaptive Variable Suspension, not the Dynamic Control Shocks fitted to other ES variants), so if you’re really set on a Lexus ES, see if you can try the other specifications too. On this basis, though, we’re out.
In a nutshell
The combination of more than generous space, impressive quality and keen running costs all play in favour of the Lexus ES. But in F Sport trim at least, the ES disappoints in terms of both driving dynamics and refinement. You can view used Lexus ES cars for sale on finance as well as the whole range of used Lexus cars.
Similar Car Reviews
If you’re unfamiliar with a Lexus and are looking for a more well known similar car, then we’ve reviewed the stylish Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce. A powerful twin-turbocharged V6 Saloon, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce successfully translates the excitement of the excellent Quadrifoglio but to a significantly lower price bracket.
If you’re looking for a saloon car with a more sporty feel, then the Audi S7 is a rapid, but equally smooth ride, and can claim up to 620-mile range on a full tank.
Few cars quite define their class quite like the BMW 3-series, it truly defines the mid-sized engine executive car range. BMW really maintains this with their BMW 330i model.
The humble Ford Focus, on the other hand, is quietly and consistently been in the top 10 selling cars in the UK market, with its blend of practicality, versatility and slick gearboxes, it’s always been a popular choice with consumers.
Finally, we cannot discount the Renault Megane R.S Trophy, the feisty, sport version of the Megan, it’s a real bundle of energy.
Specs
| Price | £38,150 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | 2487cc four-cylinder 16v hybrid, CVT gearbox, front-wheel drive |
| Performance | 176bhp @ 5700rpm, 163lb ft @ 3600-5200rpm, plus 118bhp/149lb ft electric motor |
| Efficiency | 48.5-53.6mpg, 106g/km CO2 |
| Weight | 1680-1742kg |
| Length/width/height | 4975/1865/1445mm |
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