Where does the Lexus EX fit in?
The ES is a mid-size premium sedan (larger than the newly-launched IS), now in its seventh generation. It competes with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Volvo S90. It has been around since 1989 and is Lexus’s most popular sedan model across the globe. More than 2.3 million ES models have found their forever homes over the years, due in part to the Japanese carmaker’s willingness to listen to their customers and to give them exactly what they need, and more.
What’s new?
Exterior
If you look very carefully, you will notice the lower bonnet line, fastback roofline, and fewer vertical bars (with added horizontal lines) in the ES hybrid’s spindle grille (pictured above), along with new L-shaped elements. The headlamps have been tweaked ever-so-slightly to appear slimmer, while wraparound LED rear lights underscore the ES’s sculpted behind.
Customers have a choice between two redesigned 17- and 18-inch wheel designs with V-shaped twin spokes. There are also new exterior colours for the range, namely Sonic Iridium, Sonic Chrome and Graphite Black.
Inside the updated EX
Lexus strives to exceed expectations, and their tenacious work ethic is reflected in their cars' sumptuous cabins. With a team of master craftsmen to take care of the finer details, Lexus buyers can be assured of fit-and-finish perfection and high tactile quality throughout the driver-focused cockpit. Wooden inlays add that old-money, secret-society ambience.
The new 12.3-inch hi-res widescreen display has been brought closer to the driver’s field of vision and now features a touch-sensitive display if you struggle with the square trackpad, which requires next-level hand-eye co-ordination. The steering wheel buttons facilitate other ways to access the system, of course. (My front passenger was thrilled to finally use a touchscreen in a Lexus ES model.)
Lexus has also adjusted the driving position, pedal positions, and changed the steering wheel angle for a more natural and comfortable posture while driving. The SE hybrid model now features a 10-way electrically adjustable seat as well (plus heated front seats), and I can vouch for how cossetting the driver’s seat is. It hugs and supports you in all the right places and your arms, neck, hips and shoulders feel relaxed while you drive. With two USB and two USB-C ports in front, both my co-pilot and I could charge our devices simultaneously; mine was also used to implement Apple CarPlay for access to my playlists on Spotify and a variety of other hands-free functions such as Waze or WhatsApp. The hybrid models are also equipped as standard with Lexus Navigation EMV. The ES range has keyless entry and start, a moonroof, DAB+digital radion, a 10-speaker audio system in EX grades, and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker system in the SE model.
Safety features include a rear-view camera with park distance control and all-speed active (aka adaptive) cruise control. The EX-grade now also comes standard with a blind-spot monitor. The SE grade is equipped with the Lexus Safety System that includes Lane Departure Alert, Pre-crash System, Lane Keep Assist and LED-Adaptive High-beam System (AHS). All varieties of the ES have 10 airbags on board.
On the back seat, space is ample and headroom is sufficient, as the seats are placed slightly lower than before. A new Mauve trim insert option has been introduced for the new hybrid SE grade, but do not fear, there is no real purple tinge to speak of. EX grades can now be selected with Hazel or Rich Cream trims (the latter is my personal favourite). If you’re going to spend most of your time being chauffeured, the second row certainly is deserving of your well-heeled, executive behind.
Engines
Our first drive of the day was behind the wheel of the Lexus ES 250 EX, above (R719 900), with its 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated engine. Creamy and composed, quiet and refined, this 1680 kg ES, with 152 kW and 243 Nm, is a cruiser, not a bruiser, yet still manages a sub-10-second sprint (9.1, to be exact) from 0 - 100 km/h. It’s surprisingly economical too, using only around 7.5 litres per 100 km. This is the kind of consumption you can expect from a 4WD diesel Renault Duster!
The 2.5-litre 300h hybrid, in EX and SE guise, is a smidge quicker to the 100 km/h finish line, reaching it in 8.9 seconds. The 4th-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system gives the ES a satisfying power boost but you won’t be sobbing into your sleeve at the Total garage; our combined consumption came to no more than 5.4 litres and your estimated range (based on Lexus’s figure of 4.6 litres per 100 km) is 1087 km. Should you do most of your driving in town and in EV mode, your petrol may last even longer.
Pricing and verdict
The ES is not a sporty drive and not meant to be piloted with too much fervour. She’s a sophisticated grande dame and she should be treated with respectful restraint. She is my kind of lady!
The ES, sporting an almost imperceptible facelift, looks gorgeous as ever and still packs a mammoth visual punch. It’s a car with so much presence and if you consider its warranty, service plan and the number of features included in its price, it’s a no-brainer in the segment.
