AN ES-SENTIAL LEXUS (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

In eighth generation form, the ES could the most important full-Executive-class saloon the Lexus brand has yet brought us. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 82

The Lexus ES is a full-sized Executive saloon that might get forgotten in a segment dominated by cars like the BMW 5 Series, the Mercedes E-Class or the Audi A6. Yet it doesn't deserve to be. In this rejuvenated MK8 form, it offers (non-Plug-in) full-Hybrid power or a full-EV drivetrain and either way, delivers a better value proposition than its Teutonic competitors. If you want to spoil yourself in this class, but at sensible money, the ES could be an appealing package.

Backgroundword count: 163

Europe likes to think it's the world's most important automotive market but in truth, that honour now belongs to China. Increasingly then, we going to get global brands creating cars prioritising the Oriental customer. Here's a good example, the eighth generation Lexus ES. We've only had the ES in Europe since 2019, when it replaced four generations of the brand's GS model in the full-executive segment dominated by European players like the BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6 and the Mercedes E-Class. The first six generations of ES weren't sold on our continent - but we didn't miss much as they were broadly just rebranded versions of the Toyota Camry saloon which this model line has always been based. The MK7 ES was a bit less a Camry clone and this MK8 gets even more of its own identity. And, even more importantly, for the first time can be had not only as a Hybrid but also with the option of full-EV power.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 209

The big news with this MK8 ES is the availability of a full-EV drivetrain, but most versions of this model Iine will continue to be chosen with the full-Hybrid powerplant you'd expect a Lexus to have. It's not much different to the unit that was offered with the previous generation model, the mainstream ES 300h variant featuring a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated with an electric motor. What has changed though, is that this motor is now energised by a much bigger higher voltage battery, so efficiency should be considerably improved. Total output is either 200bhp or 245bhp and both front and four-wheel driven alternatives are available. Thanks to this eighth generation model's redesigned Lexus Global Architecture-K platform, a full-EV drivetrain can now be accommodated for ES customers. The base ES 350e is front-driven with a single motor offering 221bhp. The alternative ES 500e features DIRECT4 all-wheel drive via two electric motors which together put out a combined 338bhp. Whatever kind of drivetrain you decide upon, you won't be expecting pin-sharp handling, but Lexus says that's been improved by a new variable gear steering rack. Ride quality, previously an ES strongpoint, has been improved thanks to a new multi-link rear suspension layout. Expect refinement to be excellent with either drivetrain.

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