As Asian-branded luxury sedans become rarer, Lexus remains one of the few automakers still committed to the now-niche segment. Its latest effort is the all-new ES series, now in its eighth generation, and we flew to San Diego, California, last month to drive the entire lineup.
Every variant is now electrified. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid model (ES 350h), starting at just over $60,000, will suit most buyers, while the ES 350e ($66,000 to $81,360) and range-topping ES 500e ($69,000 to $80,610) make up the fully electric options. All three models come in multiple trims, offering greater choice. Among the two all-electric models, however, the ES 350e is front-wheel drive only, while the ES 500e is AWD only.
ES 350e
Velvety smoothness
For those who prioritize the classic ES strengths of smoothness, serenity and comfort, all three qualities have been retained and further elevated.
Every model delivered an excellent driving experience. The ride was smooth and quiet thanks to additional soundproofing, while the suspension absorbed bumps with ease. Its stiffer architecture — a requirement to accommodate electric-vehicle components — also helped the vehicle feel more planted when cornering at higher speeds. Along with responsive, precise steering, the ES inspired confidence when negotiating the twists and turns of North San Diego’s picturesque roads.
The lighter ES 350h hybrid is equipped with a smooth 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and two electric motors. The hybrid drivetrain produces a maximum of 244 horsepower (hp) and requires 7.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h — not thrilling, but with enough grunt for highway merging and passing. The added benefit is impressive fuel efficiency in city driving, rated at just 5.0 L/100 km.
Should you opt for an all-electric model, the ES 350e offers up to 481 km of range and 221 hp, while the ES 500e delivers 444 km of range and 338 hp. Both EVs feature the same 74.7-kilowatt-hour (kWh) high-voltage battery. The difference is that the more powerful AWD 500e adds a rear-mounted electric motor, providing additional power and traction. Despite the significant power gap, the ES 350e still offers adequate acceleration, reaching 100 km/h from rest in 8.0 seconds compared with the ES 500e’s 5.5-second sprint.
Extroverted styling
Previous ES generations have been relatively conservative in design, but this new generation turns heads with a longer, wider body, a fastback silhouette and taller sheet metal. A conspicuous 3D-patterned accent along the sides, combined with flush door handles, contributes to the radical styling. Fortunately, the vehicle looks sharper in person than in photos, and its body has been sculpted for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
ES 350h
The front and rear styling are less polarizing. At the rear, an illuminated LEXUS script spans the centre of the tailgate, while low-mounted L-shaped turn signals add uniqueness and sophistication.
Artisanal interior
As the largest ES yet, the cabin is spacious and features a clean, minimalist design. A customizable 12.3-inch digital driver display can now show a full navigation map, while a perfectly sized 14-inch centre touchscreen houses Lexus’s latest infotainment system. The system is quicker to respond, offers customizable homepage widgets and includes a built-in drive recorder that eliminates the need for a separate dash camera.
Front-passenger radiant heaters mounted near the knees provide greater warmth while helping preserve energy. Generous rear legroom also makes the ES well suited for long journeys. In fact, the ES 350e Executive VIP trim includes power-reclining, heated, ventilated and massaging rear seats, along with upgraded rear headrests and a power ottoman for the rear-right passenger — ideal for those who prefer to be chauffeured. Aside from a small pass-through behind the rear armrest for carrying skis, the rear seatbacks do not fold down, limiting cargo versatility.
Other available premium interior features include semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system and distinctive door panels featuring a bamboo-layering design that illuminates at night in a visually pleasing, customizable striped motif.
Updated safety technology
The new ES also debuts Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which includes enhancements to a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies. For example, the adaptive high beams now feature more than 16,000 micro-LED pixels for brighter nighttime illumination, while the adaptive cruise control system can detect turn-signal activity from nearby vehicles and automatically adjust following distance for added safety.
With the departure of the full-size Lexus LS sedan last year, the ES series effectively becomes the flagship choice for buyers seeking a smooth, traditional, Japanese-built long-wheelbase luxury sedan. Setting its polarizing exterior styling aside, the ES fulfills its mission as a smooth, technologically advanced luxury cruiser that delivers exceptional comfort while remaining surprisingly agile when called upon.
