New Lexus ES: luxury grows and goes electric

The new Lexus ES wants the best seat not necessarily to be the driver’s. Its eighth generation grows, expands rear-seat comfort possibilities and approaches the concept of an executive saloon. The transformation is not limited to incorporating screens or changing the bodywork: it also opens the door to the first fully electric variants of the model, without giving up hybrid powertrains. Two different paths for one same priority: travelling in comfort.

Bigger, with a different image

At 5.14 metres long, the new ES grows no less than 16.5 centimetres over its predecessor. Width reaches 1.92 metres and the wheelbase increases by eight centimetres, to 2.95 metres. These dimensions explain much of its new ambition, but they are also worth keeping in mind when thinking about parking.

The design accompanies that change with a front end of sharp shapes, headlights with a double-L light signature and a descending roofline. At the rear, a light bar and the illuminated Lexus name reinforce its visual width. The flush door handles and the faired underbody favour aerodynamic work.

Cutting-edge technology

The new dashboard adopts a cleaner layout, although the screens still take centre stage: 14 inches for the multimedia system and 12.3 for the instrument cluster. The new multimedia unit quadruples processing speed and allows the navigation map to fill the entire instrument cluster.

One of the most original novelties is Lexus Invisible Tech. The controls for functions such as temperature, defrosting or cameras remain hidden when the car is switched off and light up when it is started. A solution that seeks to visually clean up the interior without concentrating all the controls on the screen.

But the biggest statement of intent lies further back. The gap between front and rear seats increases by 77 millimetres and, with the Omotenashi+ trim, reclining seats, heating, ventilation and massage appear. The rear right seat adds an extendable footrest, while the front passenger seat can be folded electrically to free up space. The boot offers 517 litres in the electric versions and 493 in the hybrids, including the space under the floor.

Two electrics and a hybrid

The main mechanical novelty is the ES 350e, with front-wheel drive, 224 CV and a 72 kWh usable battery. It is rated at between 493 and 581 kilometres of WLTP range, depending on configuration, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in eight seconds. It is the option that combines the greatest approved range with entry into the electric range. The ES 500e features a second motor, DIRECT4 all-wheel drive and 343 CV. With 71 kWh usable, it claims between 465 and 529 kilometres and cuts acceleration to 5.5 seconds.

For recharging, Lexus promises 28 minutes from 10 to 80% on DC at 150 kW. On AC, at 22 kW, going from 10 to 100% takes four hours. The battery preconditioning can be activated manually, scheduled or coordinated with navigation.

The hybrid alternative remains the ES 300h, now with the sixth generation of the Lexus system. It combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric propulsion to deliver 196 CV. For the first time it allows a choice between front-wheel drive or E-Four all-wheel drive, with approved combined consumption from 4.8 and 4.9 l/100 km, respectively.

Good handling

We had the opportunity to drive the front-wheel-drive electric version for longer around Copenhagen, Denmark, where the flat terrain is very favourable for electric models. We really liked this version, as it has enough power to move the ES 350e (224 CV) with ease, with huge torque and a 77 kWh gross battery (72 kWh net). With this configuration, the ES promises a maximum range of between 493 and 581 km.

The work done on range is clearly noticeable, since, taking into account its dimensions, weight and battery capacity (larger in this version than in the more powerful one), the ES 350e offers a very reasonable level of performance and consumption.

The noise level also deserves a special mention, as it is extraordinarily low; only the noise from the tyres reaches the cabin; there is barely any wind or engine noise. Steering, brakes and suspension work exceptionally well, with great precision and efficiency. The controls and accessories are also very comfortable and within easy reach for the driver.

The hybrid ES 300h is a little less pleasant than the electric, not in terms of handling, but in noise level and refinement. Its petrol engine is smooth, but not as much as the electric one, which, combined with the electric unit, reaches a combined output of 196 CV, somewhat insufficient for a model of such dimensions, weight and class.

Equipment and prices

The GA-K platform receives a thorough revision, with structural reinforcements and specific measures against noise and vibration. The suspension combines a MacPherson front layout with a multi-link rear, while Omotenashi+ adds adaptive damping. On paper, the work aims both at insulation and at controlling body movements.

Safety includes as standard the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, blind spot detection, safe exit assist and front and rear cross-traffic alerts, as well as other driving aids and safety systems.

The brand forecasts sales of around 500 units a year for the model. As for prices, the ES 300h Signature and the ES 350e Signature Efficiency start at 61,500 euros, which, with brand financing and promotions, drops to 56,900 euros. Deferred payment is also available, with a no-deposit monthly instalment of 860 euros. The all-wheel-drive hybrid starts at 64,500 euros; the ES 350e Signature costs 63,100 euros and the ES 500e Signature, 66,100 euros. The top of the range is set by the Omotenashi+ trim on the ES 500e, with a final price of 78,500 euros.

The warranty offered on the model is 15 years or 250,000 km, and 10 years and 1,000,000 km for the electric system and battery.

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