Lexus

ES

The Lexus ES is a high-end, executive four-door saloon car that is big on style and performance. It makes a great alternative to the dominant German models in the segment.

Test Drive

Lexus ES F Sport Takumi Pack (2022)

There’s no denying the fact the German marques have quite a monopoly when it comes to sales in the executive saloon sector, but Lexus is hoping to change all that.

The model that the Japanese carmaker is hoping will see a shift in customer-buying trends is the rather splendid-looking Lexus ES.

It replaced the GS model in the company’s line-up and customers can choose from generously-equipped trim levels called ES Premium Edition, ES Premium Pack, F Sport, F Sport Takumi Pack, Takumi and Takumi with digital door mirrors, with prices starting from £39,310 and rising to £56,315.

There is only one powertrain option though which is a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol-hybrid engine matched to a CVT transmission. With 215bhp, it can sprint from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 112mph, while delivering a combined 50.4-53.2mpg with carbon emissions of 128g/km, under WLTP testing.

We opted for the Lexus ES F Sport Takumi Pack model costing £49,900 and the only option extra was Sonic Titanium metallic paint that added a further £900 to the final price-tag.

The Lexus ES is a great-looking, four-door executive saloon that would fit in nicely at any posh golf club. Design cues include beautifully streamlined curves, tinted rear windows, a rear spoiler, F Sport bumpers, LED daytime running lights, a sweeping indicator function with three, five or seven flashes, LED rear lamps, water-repellent side windows, a massive grille and black alloys.

Move inside and the interior is a classy affair with top quality leather upholstery, high-end trimmings and soft-touch surfaces throughout. Our car featured the Takumi Pack as standard and this added triple-eye LED headlights with adaptive beam, a heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch Lexus Navigation, a Mark Levinson sound system, a wireless charger, head-up display, powered sunshades, a powered boot and panoramic view monitor with pedestrian detection.

The many on-board systems can be navigated via a trackpad, which is okay, but a little clunky if I’m being honest. However, the screen also responds to touch for convenience and the system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too.

Powered seats with an electrically-adjustable steering wheel make finding a perfect driving position a simple process and comfort levels are sublime.

Although the Lexus ES prioritises comfort over performance, it’s certainly no slouch with sharp acceleration out the starting blocks. It’s nicely grounded when fizzing through the twisting B roads with no sign of body movement and it cruises effortlessly at 70mph on motorways with barely a sound filtering back into the cabin.

The CVT transmission is smooth enough too  and drive modes can be altered via a stalk protruding from the dashboard above the steering wheel. These are called EV, Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport+ and they alter the handling and dynamics of the car.

The Lexus ES also covers all practicality bases well with ample space in the back for a trio of adults to stretch out – even if the front seats are pushed well back. The boot can hold 454 litres of luggage, and although the rear seats are fixed, there is a ski hatch to help transport longer items.

In addition, there are plenty of handy storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin. These include door bins, a central cubby box with a wireless charging pad, a glovebox, two front cup holders (one with a height adjustment shelf), plus deep seat back pockets. The rear central armrest drops down to reveal another large storage box, a tray and two additional cup holders.

There are two USB-C ports and a 12v socket in the back of the Lexus and additional USB and aux-in ports up front to stay connected on the move.

And safety is another area where the Lexus ES impresses. In fact, when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating, it received one of the highest scores ever achieved.

Safety tech includes the likes of pre-collision system, intersection turn assist, emergency steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, lane keeping assist with sway warning, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, auto glide control, vehicle stability control, a full suite of airbags and plenty more besides.

All in all, the Lexus ES is a fabulous piece of kit that is certainly worth exploring if you fancy a change from BMW, Audi or Mercedes.