Lexus ES 2020 in-depth review - Carbuyer

Lexus ES review: carbyr.uk/2rPBsSv
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The Lexus ES is an executive saloon aimed squarely at the luxury car market. It’s been designed to attract buyers away from the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Mercedes E-Class. Unlike its rivals, the ES is only available as a hybrid with a petrol engine and automatic gearbox. Can it steal sales away from its rivals? Batch delivers the Carbuyer verdict.
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BMW 5 Series review: carbyr.uk/2SYPx87
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Jaguar XF review: carbyr.uk/2sGyLm0
Mercedes E-Class review: carbyr.uk/2TOeq6u
Kia Stinger review: carbyr.uk/2XCQnxU
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[@whatevernevermind5960]

Pure comfort, not sporty, thank goodness.

[@aalwynjacquesdariusopperma6046]

Just nice. :-)

[@tomhorst7614]

That will work for me. Reliability > speed.

[@glenndejong6817]

Soothing but ultra reliable, unlike German cars which are a money pit after five years .

[@armink9686]

*endless money pits as they age ;)

[@duncanidaho7494]

False.

[@johnbradshaw5900]

I must admit, I am really not that impressed with the quality of my A6, despite quality supposedly being the Audi USP I have been rather disappointed.

[@maxmorris4562]

Then just lease a Mercedes every 3 years

[@ajreyes1262]

So German cars are reliable for at least 5 years?

[@tommymician121]

I love how James is now considered a great reviewer, not like it was when he replaced Mat at carbuyer. Personally, I think he's an unbiased, informative, yet entertaining presenter who isn't afraid to point out the negatives of some cars that deserve it. None of his videos sound like advertising at all, which is rather rare in the world of modern automotive journalism.

[@incyphe]

Yep I still remember he used to get 50& downvote despite his fantastic presentation and review from day 1. But his critics backed off pretty quickly after a dozen or so reviews.

[@tealckree1240]

Tommy Mician except this entire video looked like a complete copy cat of the typical car review videos from Carwow. Everything from the composition to the shots to the scenery and even his attempt at humour. Pretty lame.

[@tommymician121]

@@tealckree1240 I do see your point, the scenery is likely identical because they film in the same place (I think), but being similar to mat is no bad thing, since his format and presentation are excellent. James, I find, usually spends more time behind the wheel, which I like, and everything else is good too (he doesn't mind stating that a car is bad in a certain area)- though I agree that his sense of humour isn't quite up to carwow's level

[@tealckree1240]

@@tommymician121 its just funny how Mat's previous employer is now copying his format lol

[@tanjimbashar]

@@tealckree1240 Actually, CarBuyer has been using this reviewing format for years even before Carwow existed. Granted CarBuyer was featuring Mat Watson back then, but we do not know who really invented this review format (Mat or CarBuyer). They do shoot in the same place as Tommy Mician said. The B-roll is same as Carwow and also as original CarBuyer ;-). I do not find this video to be funny or an atempt to be funny at all (rewatch it if you won't believe). Mat is a bit hyper and crazy. James is just doing his own chill type review thing exactly like he did from the beginning (check back if you won't believe). Its not lame, it is classic CarBuyer. I actually feel that it is more correct to say Carwow copied the review format of CarBuyer, with Mat adding some personal touches.

[@GameGod4ever]

3:46 "it's a bit of a narrow entry but it is very deep indeed" *just the way I like it*

[@thomastalks3841]

oh my

[@m4rs12]

Should we send search party for you? 😂

[@TalismanPHX]

Pure rolling smoothness and comfort. Plus Lexus resale value and high reliability. Meant for an older, more mature buyer. Thus the higher seat hip point. Doesn't the front seats have height adjustment? The touchpad for the infotainment system is universally panned, yet Lexus keeps it. BTW, the ES is based on the Avalon chassis, which itself is a stretched wheelbase version of the Camry. A shame that V6 engine isn't on offer in the UK....

[@1enigma248]

Nice review. Forgot to mention that the quality, not the perceived quality, is in a different universe when compared to the German 3. It will not break down all the time and total cost of ownership is tempting when you buy a car with your own money.

[@duncanidaho7494]

1 Enigma its a toyota underneath it with no soul. No wonder its reliable

[@bonzobanana1]

I agree but its a shame that Lexus only offer a 3 year warranty here in the UK but Toyota is 5 years. I think Lexus should really provide a 7 year warranty to push the point home about greater engineering reliability. I personally feel its a shame that Lexus is purely CVT automatics nowadays. The only Lexus models that interest me are past models with a manual stick so nowadays I look away from Lexus more towards Mazda who don't offer a particularly great automatic option but have fantastic manual stick cars that deliver a better driving experience and still far higher engineering standards than the German brands and can probably match Lexus for reliability. Their Skyactive X engines are pretty amazing too.

[@dulsaf2630]

Its just a camry underneath

[@yansue819]

It’s not rival to 5 or merc. Cuz it was GS. ES is more likely to beat passat

[@duncanidaho7494]

Boski no car modern car break after 2 years. Times have changed.

[@nickregnier1]

Personally, the ES is ok, but I would say this: bring back Lexus GS (rear-wheel drive and with the options of all variant engines 250, 300h, 450h GSF (in the UK) and with the option of 350 would be great. A new GS shape to make it exciting to look at and the model would be a serious contender to all German cars...

[@yansue819]

Nick Regnier I agree. Bring the v6 AWD . But I think it is not going to beat the diesel Germans. Self charging hybrid is not that popular cuz you have to pay conjestion charge

[@t8polestarcyan22]

Either I have a Lexus GS OR a fully kitted Toyota Camry V6 which is a platform and base of the Lexus ES. In short the Lexus ES is a "glorified" Toyota Camry.

[@kdillon5358]

Exactly why they have the es to replace the gs. Beautiful car.

[@YananoBere]

Your reviews are excellent, thorough and unbiased James. So glad people are finally appreciating it 👌🏾

[@comments7335]

I owned this ES but the 2.5L non hybrid. The pad for the info sensitivity and force feedback can be changed to your liking just like a PC mouse pad. It took me only a day to get used to it.

[@doncheng4979]

He said indeed too many times indeed

[@SilverfoxThe]

Indeed!

[@amiah137]

Whyyyyy, I literally couldn’t finish the rest on the video without anticipating the word “indeed”!

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

indeed is a brits favourite word

[@racear8]

He said too many times indeed, indeed.

[@fb190]

Drink every time he says it.

[@dimekoza]

Funny, me being 6'5'' tall and about 120Kg, I didn't find any problems with seating in the ES, front or rear. It was perfect for me.

[@Snowpeak74]

Another excellent review. Thank you.

[@rubenito84]

Take a tequila shot every time he says "indeed".

[@whynot547]

I liked the video, simple and clear thanks for u r kind review.

[@larry2436]

Enjoyed your review. I have a 2016 IS 300h and am looking at the ES to upgrade but I am waiting for a touch screen. Do you know if Lexus are getting rid of that horrible touch pad in next years model?

[@rafftime9831]

I believe it’s shares the Avalon platform not And the Toyota Camry

[@t8polestarcyan22]

But the Avalon also started out as Camry just like the last gen Aurion with last gen Camry in Australia.

[@Ambienfinity]

Good review, James. I like it, but then again, I drive Japanese and like the reliaibility. I suspect like other Toyotas I've driven it won't be better to drive than BMW or Audi, but will be better to OWN.

[@panzer_TZ]

The GS 350 is more of an E Class or 5 series competitor. The ES is like if Mercedes made an “ELA 300”. A cheaper FWD-based luxury midsized car like how the CLA 250 is a cheaper FWD-based luxury compact car. The charm of the ES is that you get the space of a larger midsized luxury car, but it costs $10,000-$15,000 less than a comparable GS, E Class, A6, or 5 series. Especially if you’re just using the car as a luxurious commuter and don’t care about the extra dynamics.

[@sssssneaker]

CLA is the A class sedan, ELA doesn't make any sense since E class is already a sedan

[@t8polestarcyan22]

The Lexus ES isn't a proper competitor to BMW 5 series, Merc E class, Audi A6 or even Volkswagen Passat. The GS IS! The ES is basically a upmarket version of Toyota Camry. In other words, if you want a Lexus ES, you might as well buy a Toyota Camry!!

[@g00dfeeling]

Like it. Somehow I see it as replacement for SAAB 9-5

[@alisadiq7595]

The new lexus full of quality and dependability but the new Hyundai Azera has the best dash design and beautiful classic exterior with a low price .

[@whatevernevermind5960]

I think the ES looks phenomenal inside and out.

[@leeren_]

I enjoyed this very much indeed!

[@rickiek]

Enjoyed watching the review way more than you liked the car!

[@productboy9658]

I was just at a Lexus dealer this morning, they had 11 or 12 new ES350's and only one had the Mark Levinson sound system. Not sure why Lexus does not include the ML surround sound in more cars.

[@aadi8568]

I think it is a better buy than it’s rivals, and looks amazing. I also like the lack of bias towards german cars that many reviewers have.

[@kristians2704]

It’s FWD and has a terrible infotainment system so not for me!

[@teovm]

Nice review. You really pointed out the good, the bad and the ugly. The thing about Lexus is that it is more or less a Toyota. Like VW Passat and Audi A6. Same thing here with one exception - you do not get the bigger engines, not in all markets at least. As this for me is the only reason you should upgrade to the posher class car - the 6 cylinders. Otherwise I do not see any reason for this over the Camry. Same engine, same chassis /a stretched Camry, or an Avalon/. It is posher inside that is for sure, but it costs. Well if you want to be different than the German 3 - you got it, also if it's just an executive car, taking you to meetings, driving with business guests, etc. it is quite good . If you want to be sensible - take the Camry. But if you are youngster and revving, smashing the throttle, always getting apexes or if you need a wagon/kombi/ then you just go with the Germans, the Volvo for me is just not worth it.

[@jamiep61]

Great Video Review. I don't like the touchpad and the Infotainment system. I do like the leather though

[@mvcsr7]

Hold up. I'm 6 4 and it fits me perfect indeed

[@sunnymohem]

I’d have to disagree with the size, I’m in Canada and I’ve had the chance to drive a ES350 and I’m 6’3 i had no issues with the head room and my knees did not hit the steering column. Maybe the North American ES might be bigger than the European model

[@abt4702]

Outstanding car!

[@t5jerry]

your a brave man wearing them trousers AGAIN!

[@clownworld-honk410]

Those trousers! 😎/ Any car with a rear sloped roofline where the head is touching the roof is a safety issue in an accident. I'm amazed it's legal with current safety regulations.

[@sadmantahmidchowdhury2012]

Lexus beats german anyday

[@sssssneaker]

except in sales day

[@duncanidaho7494]

Lexus is behind Audi Bmw and Mercedes in terms of sale. Your should reconsider what you just said 👋

[@t8polestarcyan22]

In terms of reliability, yes! After all Lexus is Toyota but with luxurious finishes. However in terms of drivability, NO! Lexus IS, GS and any rear drive models are the closest to German rivals in terms of drivability. The ES is nowhere near being a BMW 5 series or Merc E Class competitor. Only the GS rear drive. The ES is a Toyota Camry with finer luxurious touches. Heck you can just buy a Camry fully kitted with leather seats and nice sets of trims. Want a Lexus ES? Buy a Toyota Camry!

[@gingerale7729]

@@t8polestarcyan22 I moved to a Lexus ES from a Camry and I can say that there is a world of difference between them. And they were the same Model year

[@tongkachu]

especially in reliability

[@paulgregroy1986]

Perfect luxury refinement and ride ability economical probably last forever

[@silversurfergw]

It is the car to get if want to keep it minimum 10 years and trouble free.

[@mayhsalaam9321]

l only heard 5 times indeed not sure had to stop get back to work has ever good review

[@will8677]

Wow a lot of reviewers mistakenly compare this car to the smaller Camry. It's the Avalon this car is a prettier sister to. Maybe the Avalon isn't a thing in the UK?

[@THESMA1]

the lexus ES now became the second sedan in lexus cars after LS ..

[@ive12]

Have driven 5 series and Mercedes e class - this is simply a cut above - pure elegance.

[@Lebbz]

Do Carbuyer and Carwow utilise the same grounds for their reviews?

[@nigel.w]

They used to. It was a private closed road that used to feature in many British reviews.

[@douglasdonatien7044]

But you’re not reviewing a German car sir and also forgetting to mention the reliability that the Germans don’t hold a candle to against this car! .... puh this guy 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@kristians2704]

Reliability shouldn’t be mentioned because 95% of people that buy new cars will get rid of them after 4-7 years and move on.

[@douglasdonatien7044]

@@kristians2704 But within those 4-7 years with a bmw has been unreliable...my mom owned a brand new X5 and returned it within a year of having it....Sir, reliability has to be mentioned 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@kristians2704]

@@douglasdonatien7044 it’s not that bad. Maybe your’s was a special example.

[@Jay-yb6ve]

I will buy a German car at any time. I have had many German cars and never had any problems. Lexus has never been a popular car in Europe brand perhaps because it is too boring like Toyota

[@douglasdonatien7044]

@@Jay-yb6ve Good for you! But I was specifically mentioning Bmw because they are crap in the states! But I love Mercedes!

[@tazwarhossain5283]

I really enjoy Batch's in depth review, his voice is very soothing to hear

[@cosmicreddevil]

Soothing just like the lexus ES300h 🤣🤣

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, despite the negativity, I kinda like it.

[@primacasacostruzionicampom1085]

La Lexus ES 300 mi piace molto! Davvero STUPENDA!

[@cesarcastillo2405]

It's surprising to hear that Lexus replaced the GS with the ES

[@t8polestarcyan22]

Yeah the ES is a glorified Toyota Camry. That's why I rather have a GS.

[@timmyotoole1]

Diesel clatter doesn’t make a din?

[@hoderharris]

I own the v6 version of this with the non cvt transmission. It is a completely different experience to drive than the hybrid. The hybrid is a bit a let down imo.

[@jaydee5004]

If Lexus sorted out their names infotainment system this would seriously dent the BMW / Mercedes market and I for one would definitely buy it. It literally has everything except a good infotainment system.

[@raftonpounder6696]

No BMW driver would consider buying such a boring car to drive as this.

[@thantnaingtun1181]

Underneath is Toyota Avalon , not Camry.

[@WillMoon]

Indeed....

[@lucasmartin6335]

Unfortunate the v6 Es350 isnt available for him to test and review. I feel like it would change the actual driving portion of the review

[@DrPhyoAungKyaw]

MPG in this car?

[@baileyyoung]

Indeed

[@davidviner5783]

A very thorough and professional review.

[@Dan.Maxim1]

Since I bought my first Lexus IS I’m never going back to other brands and my next car will be another special Lexus again.

[@omgitsme435]

If you're sitting where your knees are touching the steering wheel bottom in it's highest position, it means they aren't reaching the pedals either..

[@petitflocon647]

you can set the sensibility of the pad dude.

[@koaunglay1944]

Can u pls let me know what trim or model is this es..? Cuz it has controls on rear seat armrest And i’m looking for the es with this kind of options...

[@nigel.w]

This is the top model called the Takumi.

[@somsordachanh9686]

In a perfect world everyone is over 6ft tall, every car is a rearwheel drive German performance sedan ready to be taken on the tract anytime.

[@v-gun9735]

Yes, you do buy these cars for the space, I’ve had a 5 series, an Audi A6 and an E class in the past as a family car. I currently own an S90. If I didn’t need the space I’d buy a 4 series coupe. What a silly comment James. I would love to buy one of these, but the lack of folding seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto means It’s a non starter

[@cameronmcalister5310]

It's now available with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto

[@klx100]

Lexus is definitely not a sports car brand but rather a Luxury/Posh brand so I think in all fairness we have to state that this car is actually the posh model of the basic entry Toyota Camry. Lexus is a respectable brand which is definitely even much more reliable than Toyota and love them or hate them they will never really break down.. it is just you have to accept that they might not be as entertaining as a Merc/BMW to drive..

[@yellowhammer3]

It's based on the Toyota Avalon now, not the Camry

[@rivorianest]

Says legs hit the steering wheel column - sits like never used pedals. Says Camry is dull - what is it with Brits enjoying the looks of Škoda Superb and Passats that the rest of the world find dull...

[@lde2100]

BINGO my friend! That is spot on. They must have some brainwash treatments or something...

[@santana9537]

5 series is the daddy for me

[@tharinduprasanna]

All the way Lexus

[@bpsorrel]

Sorry James but the ES is based on the larger US Avalon model.. not the Camry. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_ES#XZ10

[@lewis72]

Are these your Santa trousers ?

[@user-ip6im2sf6x]

It is not true, try to measure 60-100 and 80-120 km/h acceleration and it is by far faster than in BMW 2,0 D and Audi A6 . It is because the electric engine helps to combustible engine!

[@tooki4955]

Good car

[@mohamedhelmy9167]

Indeed guy 😭

[@thomastalks3841]

Love the ES, its stunning

[@MegaGecas]

And it’s gay.

[@angrymuffinsb]

Vytautas Gečas what makes a car ‘gay’? Or is that a delinquent trying to be funny?

[@DC-wp6oj]

The dashboard looks like something off battlestar galactica

[@RealMaGicXz]

Random collection of letters hmmm es executive sport?

[@stephenwise3614]

Not a bad review except for typically comparing this petrol hybrid with German standard normal diesel engined cars. If reviewers could be more original it would make a much better review

[@yellowhammer3]

This generation ES is actually based on the Toyota Avalon, not the Camry

[@m.x970]

The funny thing is, carwow used same car with reg of (GU68 HYG) 😂😂😂😂

[@franciscobejaneves4286]

I guess I have to come back to carbuyer for the most recente car reviews since carwow only cares about useless drag races...

[@klx100]

Yep just my thought buddy...

[@v-gun9735]

Definitely, the wally from Walsall just does videos for his own fun.

[@NickLiang]

Mercedes agility control system is basically the same concept as the Lexus valve system in the damper.... it's also standard. Not really unique is it.

[@googoo-gjoob]

hmmmm, wondering if i should trust the opinion of a guy with brown boots, pink pants, black jacket & blue and white shirt.

[@hwleitner2009]

I think the ES350 would be an entirely different animal.

[@robans]

Oh indeed?

[@toms_garage]

Stunning car

[@Chad.D]

im 6' tall.... the seat goes down all the way. so that complaint is your own fault for not knowing how. the only flaw the car has is the infotainment. its otherwise perfect for something much cheaper than any german car that will fall apart after 100k miles.

[@blackjack2150]

Having to operate a trackpad for the Entertainment/Navi system is incredibly dangerous and should be straight up illegal. How does something like that make it into production?

[@j3xk72r9]

I have yet to drive a Japanese designed car where the seats go low enough. There is often clear space underneath, but they are restricted. Why is this?

[@xjsteve]

Where’s Jinny?

[@ckfu8287]

ES450h

[@RibasFilms]

Am I watching this in 2019? The screen of the infotainment looks like something of 20 years ago! Come on guys! 2020 this kind of graphics are not acceptable anymore!

[@tharinduprasanna]

The main reason your channel doesn't get many views cos of your biased opinions towards German cars.If you ask 100 people what to choose, majority will go for Lexus that's because they make the most luxurious and reliable cars in the world

[@kristians2704]

Lexus is ONLY good at reliability, everything else about them is average.They def can’t mach Mercedes, BMW for features, tech, performance, driving dynamics etc. And also reliability doesn’t matter to 95% of people who are buying NEW cars (not used) because they won’t keep them long term.

[@MyAlexWest]

buddy change the pants!!!!!

[@tectorama]

Obviously a lover of German cars.

[@MrDimigof]

Indeed 😂

[@ranjanthomas5982]

Driving sensibly at the speed limit = what auto journos call "pootling around".

[@yusofjohan3456]

that's a nice looking camry

[@osamakheireddine9493]

Who let Murr from Impractical Jokers review cars?

[@timd1971]

Drink every time James says 'as well' or 'indeed'

[@planbparadise2046]

Water or tea?

[@garylawrence3873]

Leather -so 2010’s

[@PwnageJ]

the rear space in the ES puts the S class, A8, 7series to shame.

[@dushanyasiru2209]

Lexus is way better than germans

[@kristians2704]

only in reliability. In every other category the Germans are way better than Lexus

[@TrigonAZR]

It's a really nice car INDEED 😁

[@SuperMan-uj7dh]

The interior needs a refresh!