Lexus ES - TopCarNews

Lexus ES (2019 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Lexus ES is a large executive saloon, which was launched in the UK in 2019 to replace the discontinued GS model. The ES has not previously been sold in Europe, although has been offered for many years in the USA.

In the UK, the ES is only available with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. No conventional petrol or diesel models are offered.

The Lexus ES has received generally good to very good reviews from UK media sources. Consumer titles have rated it highly for its build quality, comfort and refinement, while performance-oriented titles have criticised its driving dynamics.

As of October 2021, the Lexus ES holds an Expert Rating of 65%, based on 20 reviews collected from UK media sources.

Key specifications

Body style: Large executive saloonEngines: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £35,155 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018/19Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

“Hybrid cars remain a niche choice, but the Lexus ES will be a serious executive contender when the majority of car buyers plug into the electric revolution.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Lexus ES is a very comfortable and refined executive saloon with impressively low running costs.”
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Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol hybrid automatic TakumiScore: 7 / 10“Lexus’s digital wing mirrors add expense to its top-spec ES Takumi model, yet the tech is flawed for a few reasons. Otherwise, it’s business as usual for the Lexus ES, which means it’s high quality, refined and efficient, but not quite as comfortable or as good to drive as the best in the class.”
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Score: 8 / 10“The Lexus ES is a very comfortable and refined executive saloon to rival the BMW 5 Series and Volvo S90 with impressively low running costs.”
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Score: 7 / 10“The new Lexus ES may leave a BMW 5 Series with little to worry about when it comes to fun, but it offers a lot more for those wanting to transition into a hybrid executive car. “
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Auto Trader

Score: 8 / 10“It’s not the most enthralling car you’ll ever drive, and it could be a shade more practical, but it’s a very credible alternative to the established elite.”
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Autocar

Score: 7 / 10“The Lexus ES makes a sharp-looking, well-equipped and appealingly priced contender in what is a highly competitive European executive saloon segment.”
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Car

Model reviewed: F SportScore: 8 / 10“If you’ve always been keen to do the opposite of what everyone else does, this new Lexus ES could be right up your street.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“With its hybrid engine and focus on comfort, the Lexus ES saloon is likely to attract cost-savvy drivers looking for a relaxed drive in classy surroundings.”
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Carwow

Score: 6 / 10“The Lexus ES comes to the UK for the first time as a stunning alternative to the traditional German mainstream, but its roomy cabin is let down by a confusing infotainment system.”
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Eurekar

Model reviewed: ES 300h Premium“With impressive refinement and imposing styling, the Lexus ES offers big car drivers an opportunity to transition into electric power with a minimum of hassle …ie it’s a petrol hybrid which is self-charging, so no worries about range and no need to plug in.”
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Evo

Score: 6 / 10“It’s unlikely to tempt people from their BMW 5 Series, but the Lexus ES does have merits.”
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Honest John

Score: 8 / 10“If you want something that’s going to turn heads, will no doubt last forever and be very comfortable in the process, the Lexus ES could be a very sensible purchase.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7.8 / 10“Luxurious, refined and well-equipped executive saloon”
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The Sun

“Lexus should be commended for keeping things simple with just one engine, while the exterior styling is head-turning.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: ES 300h F SportScore: 8 / 10“An executive saloon that stands out from the crowd.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: ES 300hScore: 6 / 10“While this new front-drive hybrid performs and drives better than we have a right to expect, its dynamics still fall far short of rivals’ which is to do with weight and the peculiarities of the Toyota system. Like most attempts to take on the Germans in their home territory, the ES is likely to remain a rare sight.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Lexus ES is a big, quiet, interesting-looking saloon with attractive pricing. But it’s nowhere near as satisfying to drive as the cars it competes against.”
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What Car?

Score: 6 / 10“There’s certainly an awful lot to recommend the ES. For the most part, it’s comfortable, quiet and spacious. Then there are running costs that are far below similarly-priced diesel rivals.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.7 / 10“The Lexus ES covers all the main executive car bases. It’s comfortable, fairly refined and packed with the latest technology and equipment. It’s also extremely well made, with high-quality materials throughout. It’s a deserved Which? Best Buy.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2018

91%

ADULT OCCUPANT

87%

CHILD OCCUPANT

90%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

77%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

More safety recognition

Euro NCAP rated the new Lexus ES as Best Large Family Car and Best Hybrid & Electric Car in 2018
Thatcham Research rated the Lexus ES one of the ten safest new cars for 2019

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Lexus ES has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Lexus ES has received

2018

Euro NCAP Best Cars of 2018 – Best Large Family Car + Best Hybrid & Electric Car

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