Selecting the quintessential luxury midsize saloon can often feel like navigating a particularly perplexing labyrinth, with a veritable smorgasbord of choices seemingly designed to befuddle and bemuse.
We’re all too familiar with this automotive problem – it’s something many of us face when seeking out that perfect blend of luxury and performance on four wheels. Since its inception in 1989, however, the Lexus ES has consistently emerged as a paragon of sophistication and serenity within its category.
Our exhaustive review is poised to guide you through every sumptuous detail of its interior to each graceful nuance of its drive, ensuring that you are thoroughly enlightened. Immerse yourself in our discerning insights – your passport to unlocking motoring magnificence is just within reach!
Table of Contents
Overview of the Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is a luxury midsize saloon with a rich history and a range of current models, including hybrid options and available engine choices. With its sleek design and impressive features, the Lexus ES continues to set the standard for executive saloons in the automotive industry.
History
Since its debut in 1989, the Lexus ES has evolved steadily, cementing its status as a refined luxury saloon. It balances elegance and practicality, attracting those who crave comfort without compromising on performance.
Year after year, this midsize car introduced new features, integrating advanced technology with meticulous craftsmanship to meet our exacting standards.
It’s not just about premium materials or cutting-edge safety systems; the Lexus ES redefined what it means to drive in luxury. With each iteration, from the original model to today’s hybrids, there’s been a consistent focus on creating a smooth ride that makes long journeys feel effortless.
Innovations such as Adaptive Variable Suspension have contributed to its reputation—anticipating and adapting to road conditions for an unrivalled driving experience.
Current models
The current models of the Lexus ES are a testament to the brand’s commitment to luxury and innovation.
- The Lexus ES 250 AWD is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which delivers a balanced mix of power and efficiency for all-wheel drive capability.
- The Lexus ES 350 boasts a refined 3.5-liter V6 engine with ample acceleration and smooth road performance.
- The Lexus ES 300h Hybrid combines a gas engine with an electric motor for exceptional fuel efficiency without sacrificing power and driving dynamics.
- The F Sport trim level adds sport-tuned suspension, unique styling elements, and enhanced handling for enthusiasts seeking a more dynamic driving experience.
Available engine options
The Lexus ES offers a range of engine options to suit different preferences and driving styles. Here are the available powertrains:
- The Lexus ES 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that balances performance and fuel efficiency.
- The ES 350 has a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, offering ample power for an engaging driving experience.
- For those seeking exceptional fuel economy, the ES 300h features a hybrid powertrain combining a petrol engine with an electric motor, achieving impressive running costs.
Features and Benefits
The Lexus ES offers exceptional comfort and refinement, making it an ideal luxury midsize saloon for long drives. Its improved driving performance and impressive fuel efficiency make it a practical and stylish choice for those seeking power and economy in a car.
Comfort and refinement
The Lexus ES offers a luxurious and refined driving experience with its plush interior, five-person seating, and ample legroom in the back. High-quality materials and attention to detail accompany the smooth ride quality throughout the cabin.
With noise-reducing glass and excellent insulation, the Lexus ES provides a quiet and serene environment for city commutes and long motorway journeys. The 2024 Lexus ES review also highlights its impressive comfort levels and refinements that create a genuinely upscale driving experience.
Furthermore, the executive saloon’s superior craftsmanship ensures that every drive feels indulgent while offering impressively low running costs – making it an attractive choice for those seeking a luxury midsize saloon with a perfect balance of comfort, style, and performance.
Improved driving performance
The Lexus ES offers improved driving performance, delivering a smooth and responsive ride thanks to its adaptive variable suspension. This feature allows the vehicle to adjust the damping force in real-time, ensuring optimal handling and comfort across varying road conditions.
The all-wheel drive capabilities of the Lexus ES further enhance its performance, providing excellent traction and stability for a confident driving experience.
With advanced safety features like lane departure assist and adaptive cruise control, the Lexus ES ensures a secure driving environment without sacrificing performance. The hybrid saloon model also provides impressive fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for those seeking power and economy in their luxury car.
These factors combined make the Lexus ES a top choice for car enthusiasts looking for a refined yet powerful driving experience.
Impressive fuel efficiency
The Lexus ES offers impressive fuel efficiency, particularly in the ES 300h model. With its hybrid powertrain combining a gas engine and an electric motor, this luxury sedan delivers exceptional mileage, making it a standout choice for those looking to save money at the pump without compromising performance.
This level of frugality is rare in the executive saloon segment and sets the Lexus ES apart from its competitors.
In addition to offering an eco-friendly driving experience, the 2024 Lexus ES showcases a refined design, advanced safety features, and luxurious interior comfort. The combination of remarkable fuel economy with upscale amenities makes the Lexus ES an appealing option for car enthusiasts seeking both value and sophistication in their vehicle choice.
Advanced safety features
Transitioning from impressive fuel efficiency to advanced safety features, the Lexus ES doesn’t compromise on protection. Here’s how it excels in keeping you safe:
- The Lexus ES has a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning and mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
- The vehicle has been awarded a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety due to its exceptional crash test performance.
- The Lexus ES has a pre-collision system that can detect pedestrians and cyclists during the day and at night, enhancing safety for all road users.
- Alongside standard airbags and traction control, the Lexus ES also offers blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems to provide additional protection and awareness on the road.
- The all-wheel drive feature enhances traction and stability in adverse weather conditions, ensuring peace of mind in various driving environments.
Performance and Handling
The Lexus ES offers a smooth, refined driving experience with precise handling and responsive steering. Its adaptive variable suspension ensures a comfortable ride in various road conditions, making it an ideal choice for executive saloon enthusiasts who value performance and handling.
Driving in different environments
The Lexus ES is capable of handling various driving conditions with ease. It offers a smooth and controlled ride, whether cruising on the motorway or navigating city traffic. The car’s responsive steering and precise handling suit urban commuting and long highway drives.
- The Lexus ES delivers a comfortable and composed drive across different road surfaces, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system.
- The all-wheel drive option ensures enhanced traction and stability, making it suitable for tackling varying weather conditions such as rain or light snow.
- The adaptive suspension system adapts to different driving environments, offering optimal comfort and performance on smooth highways or bumpy urban streets.
- With its impressive driving refinement, the Lexus ES provides a quiet and luxurious experience regardless of the road conditions, ensuring a serene cabin environment for occupants.
- Performance assessment confirms that the Lexus ES delivers consistent and predictable handling across varying driving scenarios, providing drivers with confidence behind the wheel.
- When driving in different environments, the Lexus ES offers an efficient yet powerful engine lineup, ensuring a responsive acceleration while maintaining excellent fuel economy.
Adaptive Variable Suspension
The Lexus ES’s Adaptive Variable Suspension ensures a smooth and comfortable ride by continuously adjusting the shock absorber settings based on road conditions. This technology allows for better handling, reduced body roll, and improved stability, providing an enhanced driving experience.
With this feature, the Lexus ES maintains optimal performance in various environments, ensuring a balanced and controlled ride on city streets or winding country roads.
Not only does the Adaptive Variable Suspension contribute to the incredible comfort of the Lexus ES, but it also enhances its overall driving dynamics. The system responds swiftly to changes in speed and road surfaces, delivering superior responsiveness without compromising on luxury.
Interior and Technology
The Lexus ES offers a luxurious and well-crafted interior with high-quality materials and impeccable attention to detail. The advanced infotainment system and the available accessories ensure a seamless driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
Design and aesthetics
The Lexus ES boasts a sleek and sophisticated design with its bold grille, sculpted lines, and striking LED headlights. The attention to detail in the exterior design reflects the luxury and elegance associated with the Lexus brand.
The cabin exudes luxury with high-quality materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and a user-friendly layout. The spacious interior provides ample legroom for front and rear passengers while maintaining a refined ambience that enhances the overall driving experience.
Lexus has incorporated thoughtful touches throughout the ES’s interior, such as ambient lighting, genuine wood trim options, and available premium leather upholstery. The intuitive infotainment system is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard design, providing easy access to advanced technology features without compromising aesthetics or functionality.
Infotainment system
The infotainment system in the Lexus ES offers a user-friendly interface and an 8-inch display screen as standard, with the option to upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch display. It includes smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing easy access to music, navigation, and messaging apps on the go.
The system also has standard Amazon Alexa compatibility for voice-activated commands, keeping drivers connected and focused on the road.
Lexus ES models offer a Mark Levinson® premium surround sound audio system that delivers crystal-clear audio quality throughout the cabin. Up to 17 speakers are strategically placed for optimal acoustics, so passengers can enjoy a truly immersive listening experience, whether embarking on a long road trip or running errands around town.
Available accessories
The technology and entertainment options in the Lexus ES are complemented by a range of available accessories that enhance comfort, convenience, and customisation. Here’s a detailed look at some of the accessories you can opt for:
- Premium Floor Mats: These high-quality floor mats protect your car’s interior and add a touch of luxury to the cabin.
- Cargo Net: This customisable cargo net keeps your belongings secure and organised in the trunk.
- Wood-Trimmed Steering Wheel: Elevate the interior aesthetics with a beautifully crafted wood-trimmed steering wheel for a sophisticated finish.
- Illuminated Door Sills: For an added touch of elegance, enhance the entrance of your Lexus ES with illuminated door sills.
- Glass Breakage Sensor: Add a glass breakage sensor to safeguard your vehicle against theft, providing an extra layer of security.
- All-Weather Floor Liners: These durable and custom-fitted floor liners protect against spills, dirt, and debris, making them perfect for all seasons.
- Rear Bumper Appliqué: Protect your rear bumper from scratches and scuffs with a transparent appliqué that seamlessly blends with the car’s exterior design.
- Alloy Wheel Locks: Safeguard your alloy wheels from theft with these lightweight yet robust wheel locks that offer peace of mind.
- Trunk Mat: To protect against stains and damage, keep the trunk area clean and well-maintained with a custom-fit trunk mat.
- Paint Protection Film: Preserve the pristine condition of your vehicle’s paintwork with a transparent protective film that helps defend against chips and stains.
- Roof Rack Cross Bars: For those who enjoy outdoor activities, roof rack cross bars provide additional versatility for carrying sports equipment or luggage on road trips.
Comparison and Awards
The Lexus ES stands out for its unparalleled comfort, impressive fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features compared to other executive saloons. It has also received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional design and performance.
Comparison with other executive saloons
In our experience, comparing the Lexus ES to its rivals gives a clear perspective on why it stands out in the luxury midsize saloon market. Let’s delve into how the ES measures up against other executive saloons.
| Car Model | Lexus ES | BMW 5 Series | Mercedes E-Class | Audi A6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L V6, 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L V8, 3.0L 6-cyl Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl Hybrid, AMG models | 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl Hybrid |
| Fuel Efficiency (mpg) | 44 city / 52 motorway (ES 300h) | 25 city / 33 motorway (530i) | 23 city / 32 motorway (E350) | 23 city / 31 motorway (A6 45 TFSI) |
| Safety Features | Standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 | Standard Active Guard with Active Driving Assistant | Standard Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist | Standard Audi Pre Sense Basic and Front |
| Interior Comfort | Plush, spacious seating for five with ample legroom | Refined, high-tech with gesture-controlled infotainment | Luxuriously appointed with high-end materials | Elegant, minimalist design with a focus on tech |
| Starting Price (approx.) | £35,000 | £37,000 | £39,000 | £38,000 |
As you can see, the Lexus ES offers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency and standard safety features at a competitive price point. Its plush interior is designed to ensure maximum comfort, a cornerstone of the Lexus brand.
Moving on, the accolades received by the Lexus ES further cement its status in the luxury segment.
Awards and accolades
The Lexus ES has received numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier luxury midsize saloon. The following are some of the notable awards and accolades that the Lexus ES has achieved:
- It was named a Consumer Guide Best Buy for several consecutive years, reflecting its outstanding value and quality.
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designated it the Top Safety Pick+, highlighting its exceptional safety features and performance in crash tests.
- Recognised by J.D. Power for its high initial quality, demonstrating the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in its design and production.
- It is awarded as a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy in the luxury car segment, showcasing its overall excellence in performance, comfort, and ownership costs.
- Regarded as an Edmunds Top Rated Luxury Saloon for its combination of opulent amenities, advanced technology, and sophisticated driving experience.
- Autotrader acknowledges it as one of the best certified pre-owned vehicles, underscoring its enduring appeal and quality even in the used car market.
- It was honoured with multiple Residual Value Awards from ALG, affirming its substantial resale value and long-term ownership benefits.
Conclusion
In summary, the Lexus ES has a rich history dating back to 1989 and continues to impress with its luxurious features and smooth driving experience. This midsize saloon offers impressive fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and a spacious interior for up to five passengers.
With its comfort, style, and performance combination, the Lexus ES stands out as a top choice in the executive saloon segment. The 2024 model further enhances its appeal with impressive performance capabilities and various options to suit different preferences.
For car enthusiasts seeking an all-around premium saloon experience, the Lexus ES is a compelling option.
FAQs
1. What makes the Lexus ES stand out in the luxury midsize saloon category?
The Lexus ES stands out with its all-wheel drive capability, offering the balance of comfort and control expected from a luxury midsize saloon.
2. Can you tell me more about the all-wheel drive feature on the Lexus ES?
Indeed, this automobile includes an all-wheel drive system, which enhances the vehicle’s stability and traction in various driving conditions, ensuring a secure ride.
3. Is there anything special about the interior of the Lexus ES?
Yes indeed! The interior of this luxurious saloon boasts top-notch materials, advanced technology features, and ample space for passengers to travel in refined comfort.
4. Does Lexus offer modern safety features with their ES model?
Absolutely—the latest models are equipped with safety technologies to keep both driver and passengers safe while they enjoy every journey in this sophisticated automobile.