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You can be forgiven for ignoring Lexus ES, because it has never been sold in large numbers and it is easily overshadowed by more clearly operated salons. Still, it’s a car worth taking a closer look at if you want a luxury sedan that’s value for money and offers unrivaled reliability. Genesis G80 back in 2021, the Lexus comes in last because of its disappointing infotainment and performance, plus a cabin that can’t compete with its German and Korean rivals. We commented, “It’s high-quality, refined, and efficient, but not quite as comfortable or good for best-in-class driving.” So there’s a lot to recommend, but one of the ES’s rivals might be more appealing.
It was way back to 1989 that Toyota roll it out Lexus luxury sibling brand, largely for the North American market.
Within a year Lexus was also launched in the UK, and while it never really impressed the market with its modest annual sales, Lexus showed buyers that it’s complicated, full of features. luxury car can be extremely reliable and good value; you tend to get more equipment for your money than you would when buying the cleaner alternatives and with a higher standard of dealer service.
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One of the models introduced by Lexus when this brand was launched is ES Executive saloon, but it didn’t make it to UK showrooms until it was in its seventh generation. It has replaced GS which in the guise of Mk4, has been on sale since 2012.
History
Pre-orders for the Lexus ES Mk7 opened on October 1, 2018. The ES 300h is the only model offered and comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder non-turbocharged gasoline engine powered by a model. electric motor and battery pack. Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the only gearbox option. While the engine is rated at 215bhp, the electric motor has added 118bhp for snappy performance while retaining the potential for 50mpg economy.
The original three-level trim structure (standard, F Sport and Takumi) is enhanced by the high-value Premium version in September 2020; Sitting above the base model, it gets 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and navigation. Also, a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the range.
An October 2021 facelift brings design tweaks, a recalibrated suspension, updated multimedia with all vehicles featuring a 12.3-inch display, improved LED headlights and Additional high-tech safety features.
Which one should I buy?
When it comes to the engine and transmission, all versions of the Lexus ES are mechanically the same, so it’s just a matter of choosing the color you want and the trim level.
Three specifications were available at launch. The standard ES comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, navigation, 8-inch display, DAB, front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, synthetic leather trim and doors sunroof.
The F Sport brings 19-inch wheels and sport seats along with an adaptive sport suspension, while the top-of-the-range Takumi gets heated and reclining rear seats, surround view, three-zone climate control, Adaptive LED headlights, Mark Levinson premium sound system, powered boot lid and 12.3-inch multimedia display.
Alternatives to the Lexus ES
The biggest threats to the ES are Germany’s three arch-rivals, in the form of Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. For years, this trio has dominated the premium pickup market, and unlike Lexus, they’re also available as an estate. Not only that, German rivals offer a wide range of models, with a wide range of petrol, diesel and automatic transmission engines, all of which are offered in mixture trick. It’s no surprise that these three models make up the majority of the car market.
Another alternative is Jaguar XFthis is great to drive but feels outdated, while Volvo S90 and V90 They look sharp and they’re good quality, but they’re not as appealing to drive as most alternatives.
What are you looking for
Camera
The Takumi is offered with the optional Digital Side View Monitor package, which replaces the door mirror with a camera.
Mixture
While GS is RWD, ES is FWD. The ES 300h is a self-charging hybrid with a small battery pack for minimal power driving.
Sensor
Some car owners have reported that the parking sensor is not working properly, usually when it rains. A warning will be displayed on the control panel.
Economy
The official fuel consumption figures of the ES 300h are between 48 and 54mpg. Owners easily achieve this or more.
Common Mistakes
Although the ES has been recalled three times, Lexus has a reputation for reliability. In our 2022 Driver Power Brand survey, it placed 12th overall with a high score for reliability. About 14.79% of owners are at fault.
inland
The ES is packed full of equipment so the dashboard can get pretty busy, but it’s designed to be intuitive so you’ll get used to it soon enough. Interior quality is generally good, if not enough to beat its German rivals, but with extremely comfortable seats you can’t pass up on the weird plastic trim.
Rear legroom is excellent, but headroom is tight for tall adults due to the steep roofline. However, the trunk is not very large, at 454 liters and the rear seats cannot be folded down to increase this.
The Lexus infotainment system can be a bit clunky, but later ESs come with Apple CarPlay and Android Automakes life so much easier.
Operating costs
The ES 300h needs servicing every 12 months or 10,000 miles, with Lexus main dealer services alternating between sub and major. They cost £290 and £550 respectively, with the latter including new brake fluid each year.
There is no schedule for engine coolant, but it is checked at each service and replenished as needed; This cost is included in the service. Replacement coolant is usually only needed if the system has been drained for some reason, such as if the water pump has to be replaced.
The ES’ 2.5-litre petrol engine is chain-driven so there’s no tether to replace. The standard warranty on the ES is three years or 60,000 miles, but every time an official dealer performs service, this warranty is extended by one year, up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, which is impressive. Service packages are also available, to help spread maintenance costs as work is done at the dealership.
Recall
Lexus has recalled the ES three times. The first was in May 2019, as 1,201 cars manufactured between October 2018 and March 2019 left the factory with faulty e-call software. The issue has been fixed with a software update and also affects UX SUV car.
The second recall was issued in November 2019. This time around, the campaign affected 228 cars, including examples of UX and LS. Some of these built in May 2019 were equipped with a faulty brake servo; The remedy is to replace it with a new unit.
The most recent recall occurred in October 2020 and affects most Lexus models. In total, 6,787 cars manufactured between October 2017 and December 2018 were fitted with a faulty fuel pump, which resulted in the engine stalling or not starting – a new pump has been fixed. .
Driver Power Owner Satisfaction
It should come as no surprise that the ES sells in too small quantities for it to make its way through Driver source New car surveys, but while the ES never showed up, several other cars from the same brand did show up, often higher in the table. For example, the only Lexus that made it to the 2021 survey (no one in 2022) is the NX in 13th place.
Go to ours sister site Buyacar for great deals on a used Lexus ES…
