After Lexus in Japan decide to build 5th generation in left hand drive only, Lexus Australia has been lobbying hard to get the ES range back. After a seven year hiatus the all-new 6th generation Lexus ES, is back on Australian shores.
The sixth generation Lexus ES was first seen at the 2012 New York Motor Show, it is now lighter, lower, longer and more rigid than previous models. With headline grabbing hybrid pricing, luxurious and spacious interior the Lexus ES offers a great alternative to the German brands.
Lexus ES Overview
Lexus has delivered a first class car for buyers who have premium economy budget . Standard across the range is satellite navigation, eight-head parking sonar, blind spot monitor, eight-speaker audio with digital radio and 10 airbags. Sport Luxury variants adds 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio, tri-zone climate control air-conditioning and HID headlights.
The only option is on the entry level ES 300h Luxury is Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) with Adaptive Cruise Control, these two features are standard on all other models.
The full Lexus ES range is:
ES 300h Luxury $63,000
ES 300 h Sports Luxury $72,000
ES 350 Luxury $65,000
ES 350 Sports Luxury $74,000
Lexus ES Engine
Lexus have made the engine choice on the ES range simple, buyers can choose between a 2.5-litre petrol/Hybrid or a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine.
Leading the charge is the 2.5-litre petrol/hybrid engine, which is basically the same hybrid system found in the Lexus IS 300h and locally built Camry Hybrid.
The petrol engine delivers 118kW of power at 5700rpm and 213Nm of torque at 4500rpm on 91 RON fuel. Separately the hybrid system delivers a maximum 105kW of power and 270Nm of torque. When combined the engine can produce a maximum of 151kW. The engine is partnered with a six shift point CVT.
The Lexus ES 300h can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is 5.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 130 grams per kilometre.
The bigger and more powerful V6 3.5-litre engine produces 204kW of power and 346Nm on 95 octane fuel. The 6-speed automatic transmission is great gear box.
Accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds. It has a combined-cycle fuel economy of 9.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 224 grams per kilometre
Lexus ES Interior
Quiet, elegant and stylish, three simple words to sum up the interior of the all-new Lexus ES range.
From the drivers seat you are meet with a sweeping dashboard that houses the traditional instrument cluster consisting of two large round dials spilt by a 3' multi function trip computer, this clear and easy to read.
The luxurious hand stitched leather seats are some of the most comfortable seats we have ever sat in. The drivers seat is fully electric and is 10 way adjustable, like all luxury cars the memory setting is matched to the key that is used to unlock doors. This feature extends to the passenger seat on the sports luxury range.
Buyer have a choice of three interior colours - Black, Light Grey and Ivory leather-accented interiors.
The Lexus range has always been a in the upper end of the market for interior finishes and the Lexus ES is continues this tradition. From highway driving to secondary roads the tyre noise level in side the cabin are virtually non existent and their isn't any sign of wind noise from the mirrors.
Lexus claim that the rear legroom in the ES is larger than the current Mercedes Benz S-Class, perfect for limo drivers looking to update their fleet.
Luggage capacity is impressive at 490-litre for ES 350; 425-litre for hybrid ES 300h. Which on both models is still big enough to carry four sets of golf clubs.
Lexus ES Exterior & Styling
The Lexus ES range features the latest interpretation of the L-Finesse design language and has adopted the new spindle grille. With its wide track and pronounced wheel arches the Lexus ES has a strong stance on the road.
There are a three sets of 17' alloy wheels to choose from, all models come with Yokohamma dB tyres which help reduce road noise.
The oyster shaped rear doors, help with increasing the ease of entry and exit of the car.
The elegant rear lights really set the tone for the car, they offer a modern and stylish finish to the rear.
Lexus ES On the Road
The Lexus ES is a car that you could drive for hundreds and hundred of kilometres and never get tired of. OK, it doesn't offer the most dynamic of drives or the best feedback via the steering wheel. What it does offer is one of the quietest cabin's we have ever sat in, coupled with some of the most comfortable seats we have ever sat in.
Over secondary roads around Melbourne the Lexus ES didn't miss a beat. Having driven the road in question many times, the Lexus ES can hold its head high against the other 'luxury' Germans brands.
Over the high speed mountain loop the Lexus ES range offered a great ride and excellent body control. With drive mode selector left in 'normal' or 'eco' steering was too light for us. When the selector was placed in to 'Sport' the steering firmed up, but we think it could maybe a even firmer again. As well as changing the steering dynamics the drive mode selector also changes the acceleration feel and air conditioning systems to enhance performance or improve efficiency.
Lexus ES Challenges
Not getting the safety pack on the entry level ES 300h is a little disappointing. Carshowroom.com.au would also like a little more feedback from the steering at high speed.
Lexus ES Competition
What you have with the Lexus ES is a car that crosses a few boundaries in terms of size and value. When comparing to other luxury cars you need to decide if size or budget is your deciding factor.
The locally built Holden Caprice stacks up very well in both size and price but the luxury size of things might be a little lacking.
We think it's closest rival would be the Jaguar XF, whilst not offering hybrid the 2.2 Diesel Luxury starts $69,900 and the comparable petrols starts from $68,900
The Mercedes Benz E 200 kicks things off from $79,900 which is stretching the budget some way. You will need to consider a C-Class to keep the budget in check, however you will sacrifice a lot of space.
Similarly the BMW 5-Series has the space and levels of luxury but the price starts at $79,900 for 520i Sedan, meaning you are back to a 3-series to match price.
You may also like to consider the Audi A6/A5 or the Infiniti M.
Lexus ES Verdict
Buyers who are looking for luxury with out the price tag then the Lexus ES range might just be the one for you.
Some might call it the baby Lexus LS but buyers who are looking for a car that offers high levels of luxury, superior cabin quietness and a reasonable price then the Lexus ES might just be what you have been waiting for.
