Which one?
WHEN it comes to engines and transmissions, all Lexus ES derivatives are the same mechanically, so it’s just a question of picking which colour you want and the trim level.
Three specs were available at launch. The standard ES came with 17-inch alloy wheels, navigation, an eight-inch display, DAB, parking sensors front and rear, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, synthetic leather trim and a sunroof.
F Sport brought 19-inch wheels and sports seats along with adaptive sports suspension, while the range-topping Takumi had heated and reclining rear seats, surround view, three-zone climate control, adaptive LED headlights, a Mark Levinson premium audio system, a powered boot lid and a 12.3-inch multimedia display.
Alternatives
THE biggest threats to the ES are its three German arch rivals, in the forms of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. For years this trio has dominated the executive saloon market, and unlike the Lexus they are also available as estates. Not
REFINEMENT The big Lexus is particularly hushed at lower speeds, when it can run on battery power alone for short distances
only that, but German rivals offer broad model ranges, with an array of petrol and diesel engines and auto transmissions, plus they’re also all offered in hybrid guise. No wonder these three models account for most of the executive car market.
Another alternative is the Jaguar XF, which is great to drive but feels dated, while the Volvo S90 and V90 look sharp and they ooze quality, but they’re not as engaging to drive as most of the alternatives.
Verdict
YOU could be forgiven for overlooking the Lexus ES, because it has never sold in big numbers and it’s easily overshadowed by more obvious executive saloons. But this is a car that’s worth a closer look if you want a luxurious model that’s reasonable value for money and offers peerless reliability.
It’s not all good news, though, because when we pitted an ES 300h against a Mercedes E 200 and a Genesis G80 back in 2021, the Lexus came last because of www.autoexpress.co.uk