Overview
The Lexus ES represents one of the cornerstone models in Toyota’s luxury division lineup, serving as a midsize executive sedan that embodies the brand’s commitment to refinement, comfort, and reliability. Positioned as a core offering within the Lexus sedan portfolio, the ES bridges the gap between the compact IS sport sedan and the flagship LS luxury sedan. Throughout its evolution spanning multiple generations, the ES has established itself as a benchmark for composed luxury transportation that prioritizes passenger comfort above all else.
The ES features elegant, understated styling that aligns with Lexus’s design language while maintaining a distinct identity. The bold spindle grille dominates the front fascia, flanked by sophisticated LED lighting elements and flowing character lines that extend along the vehicle’s profile. These design elements reflect Lexus’s approach to luxury—expressing refinement through clean, purposeful styling rather than ostentation. The overall aesthetic communicates a sense of established luxury that appeals to discerning buyers seeking sophistication without excessive visual drama.
In the competitive landscape of midsize luxury sedans, the ES competes directly with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6, though with a value proposition that often delivers comparable luxury at a more accessible price point. What distinguishes the ES in this segment is its exceptional ride comfort, impeccable build quality, reputation for reliability, and focus on delivering a serene driving experience rather than aggressive performance. This philosophy has earned the ES a loyal following among luxury buyers who prioritize comfort and refinement over sporting pretensions.
Driving
The driving experience of the Lexus ES is defined by its commitment to comfort and refinement. The vehicle is available with multiple powertrain options, including a conventional 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower in the ES 350, and a hybrid system in the ES 300h that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total system output of 215 horsepower. These powerplants deliver smooth, linear acceleration with an emphasis on seamless operation rather than outright performance.
The ES 350’s V6 provides sufficient power for confident highway passing and merging, with 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 6.6 seconds. Power delivery is managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission that prioritizes smooth shifts over aggressive response. The ES 300h hybrid delivers a more efficiency-focused experience with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that maximizes fuel economy while providing adequate acceleration for everyday driving scenarios.
Ride quality stands as the ES’s most impressive attribute, with a suspension system meticulously tuned to absorb road imperfections while maintaining composed handling. The standard adaptive variable suspension continuously adjusts damping rates according to road conditions and driving inputs, delivering exceptional isolation from road disturbances. The F Sport trim introduces a more dynamically focused suspension calibration with enhanced body control, though even this performance-oriented variant prioritizes refinement over aggressive handling characteristics.
Steering is appropriately weighted and precise, offering good directional stability with moderate feedback. While not delivering the communication or sharpness found in more sport-oriented competitors, the ES’s steering provides a sense of confidence appropriate to the vehicle’s luxury mission. The available all-wheel drive system, introduced in recent generations, enhances all-weather capability while maintaining the vehicle’s composed character.
Sound isolation deserves special mention, with the ES cabin exhibiting exceptional quietness at highway speeds. Extensive sound deadening materials, acoustic glass, and active noise cancellation technology create an environment largely isolated from wind, road, and engine noise. This hushed atmosphere contributes significantly to the premium experience and passenger comfort during extended journeys.
Fuel efficiency varies by powertrain, with the ES 300h hybrid delivering impressive EPA estimates of approximately 44 mpg combined. The conventional ES 350 manages respectable efficiency for a V6-powered luxury sedan, with EPA ratings of approximately 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, benefiting from advanced fuel management technologies.
Interior
The interior of the Lexus ES exemplifies the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and material quality. The cabin design presents a horizontal orientation that emphasizes width, with thoughtfully integrated technology that complements rather than dominates the aesthetic. Materials include genuine leather or NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, precisely fitted wood or aluminum trim, and soft-touch surfaces throughout high-contact areas.
The infotainment system features a centrally positioned display ranging from 8 to 12.3 inches depending on configuration, operated through the Lexus Remote Touch Interface or, in more recent generations, a touchscreen with redundant physical controls. The system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, along with available navigation and premium audio options. The 12.3-inch display, when equipped, provides a spacious canvas for split-screen functionality that allows simultaneous viewing of navigation and audio information.
Seating comfort stands as a particular strength, with front seats offering extensive adjustment ranges, available heating and ventilation, and excellent support for extended journeys. The driver’s position provides good visibility and an ergonomically sound relationship to primary controls. Rear seat accommodations are especially generous, with abundant legroom that exceeds many competitors in the segment. This rear cabin spaciousness has made the ES particularly popular in markets where owners are frequently chauffeured.
Practical considerations include a spacious trunk offering approximately 16.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the conventional ES 350, though hybrid models sacrifice some space to accommodate battery components. Interior storage is well-considered, with reasonably sized door pockets, center console storage, and thoughtfully positioned smaller bins for personal items.
Climate control operates with exceptional efficiency and quietness, maintaining consistent cabin temperatures through multi-zone systems that allow individual adjustment for different occupants. Available climate concierge systems integrate seat heating and ventilation with cabin temperature control for optimized comfort.
The available Mark Levinson premium audio system deserves special mention, delivering exceptional sound quality through meticulously placed speakers and sophisticated digital signal processing. This system takes full advantage of the ES’s quiet cabin to create an immersive listening experience that satisfies discerning audiophiles.
Buying
Purchasing a Lexus ES represents a significant investment within the luxury segment, with a starting price of approximately $41,000 for base models and extending to $53,000 for fully-equipped variants before options. This pricing positions the ES as offering substantial value relative to European competitors that typically command higher prices for comparable equipment levels.
The ES is available in multiple trim configurations, including base, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport variants. The base model comes well-equipped with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. The Luxury trim adds genuine leather upholstery, wood trim, and additional comfort features, while the Ultra Luxury introduces semi-aniline leather, upgraded interior appointments, and advanced climate control systems. The F Sport package adds visual distinctions, more supportive seats, and performance-oriented suspension tuning for buyers seeking a more dynamic character.
The comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 comes standard across all trim levels, incorporating adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and automatic high beams. This impressive array of standard safety features represents exceptional value at this price point and reflects Lexus’s commitment to safety across its model range.
Lexus provides a warranty package that includes 4-year/50,000-mile basic coverage and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain protection. Hybrid components in the ES 300h carry an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, providing valuable assurance regarding the sophisticated hybrid system. Lexus’s legendary reliability further enhances ownership confidence, with the ES consistently ranking among the most dependable vehicles in industry studies.
Maintenance costs tend to be lower than those of European competitors, contributing to favorable total cost of ownership calculations. Complimentary maintenance is included for the first two years or 20,000 miles, covering scheduled service at recommended intervals. Lexus dealership experience is frequently rated among the best in the luxury segment, with exceptional attention to customer satisfaction throughout the ownership process.
Resale value stands as another ES strength, with depreciation rates generally lower than many competitors. This resilient value retention positively impacts leasing rates and contributes to attractive overall ownership costs, partially offsetting the initial price premium relative to mainstream midsize sedans.
Specs & Prices
Technical Specifications
- ES 350 Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- ES 350 Power: 302 horsepower at 6,600 rpm
- ES 350 Torque: 267 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm
- ES 350 Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- ES 300h Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder with hybrid system
- ES 300h Total System Power: 215 horsepower
- ES 300h Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive (ES 350)
- ES 350 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
- ES 300h 0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds
- ES 350 Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined
- ES 300h Fuel Economy: 43 mpg city / 44 mpg highway / 44 mpg combined
- Fuel Tank: 15.9 gallons (ES 350), 13.2 gallons (ES 300h)
Dimensions
- Length: 195.9 inches
- Width: 73.4 inches (without mirrors)
- Height: 57.1 inches
- Wheelbase: 113.0 inches
- Curb Weight: 3,649 pounds (ES 350), 3,704 pounds (ES 300h)
- Ground Clearance: 5.8 inches
- Cargo Volume: 16.7 cubic feet (ES 350), 13.9 cubic feet (ES 300h)
Price Information (Current Model Year)
- ES 350: $41,090
- ES 350 Luxury: $46,640
- ES 350 Ultra Luxury: $50,320
- ES 350 F Sport: $46,525
- ES 300h: $42,950
- ES 300h Luxury: $48,500
- ES 300h Ultra Luxury: $52,180
- Destination Charge: $1,075
Key Packages and Options
- Navigation Package: $2,900
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display
- Navigation system with dynamic voice command
- Lexus Enform destination assist (3-year trial)
- Premium Package: $1,375
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Memory system for driver’s seat
- Luxury Package: $4,125
- Perforated leather-trimmed interior
- 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Wood trim with ambient lighting
- Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package: $1,820
- 17-speaker, 1,800-watt surround sound audio system
- Quantum Logic Surround technology
- F Sport Package: $4,600
- F Sport exterior styling
- F Sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension
- F Sport seats with enhanced bolsters
- F Sport instrument cluster
- Panoramic Glass Roof: $1,150
- Triple Beam LED Headlights: $1,215
- Hands-Free Power Trunk: $550
Conclusion
The Lexus ES presents a compelling proposition for buyers seeking a refined, comfortable luxury sedan that prioritizes passenger comfort and long-term reliability. While not delivering the dynamic engagement of some European competitors, its balanced approach to luxury, efficiency, and value makes it particularly well-suited to consumers who prioritize a serene driving experience and exceptional build quality. The ES’s comprehensive feature set, impressive warranty coverage, and Lexus’s reputation for customer service create an ownership proposition that continues to resonate with a substantial segment of luxury sedan buyers worldwide.
References: This review is based on industry knowledge and compiled from multiple automotive publications. Sources include Lexus official specifications, automotive industry reviews, and consumer reports.
