Lexus ES 300h | Finally a Mercedes, BMW, Audi or Volvo beater?

The new Lexus ES is here in Ireland and seems to be really competing with all of the big German brands on price and luxury. Let's find out if it really can beat the old favourites!
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Bob Flavin
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[@BobFlavinVideo]

Finally, people in Australia will be able to watch this review, we'll be the right way up next time!

[@nkgudih]

And South Africa! When are u coming, I would love to game drive with u in Hilux bakkie(Van, andAussies call them UTE)

[@garryhopkins]

I can confirm from “The Land Down Under” that you are indeed the right way up (most of the time!).

[@urbanitecrusher5709]

2014 Lexus IS300h driver. Lexus really does give one a sense of superiority, especially over the multitudes of plebs and refugees driving their 316d Ultimate Driving Machine with halogen headlights, non-metallic paint and dakota sandpaper, uh, I mean leather.

[@TsLeng]

Wait till you meet a smug 114i driver!

[@asianskywalker]

A european luxury car is usually in a scrap yard after 10 years. This will still be on the road after 20 years.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I did see a post from someone yesterday who has their GS at over 500,000 miles!

[@niallmchugh1277]

Check out Matt Farahs @thesmokingtire 1 million mile lexus ls, happened this week

[@drone_tours]

Volvo would last 50 years and still go strong

[@brendangallagher1730]

It's amazing how quickly the German car's fall apart nowadays and the cost to fix them would make your eyes water. Also let's face it diesel engine are a thing of the past they have a long way to go to catch up to the Japanese on this technology.

[@asianskywalker]

Just can't beat japanese reliability @@BobFlavinVideo

[@UrbanMouse]

Good review Bob, you never mention residuals, this is worth mentioning, the Lexus has a much lower total cost of ownership vs the Germans that end up being scrapped after 10/12 years, this will last 50+% longer, has smaller repair bills and is more reliable. The German may have a sportier edge, this is more luxurious though.

[@joefattal7592]

I walked past one yesterday, it looked very sleek and unique and not in a bad way. Looks far more expensive than it is too Quite impressive.

[@aleksbabe]

way better looking than the a6 and the 5 series

[@BobFlavinVideo]

It's something different on the road

[@Elliot_Vulpe]

I’ll still take the 5 series (530e plug in hybrid) over this any day and time.

[@peterdolan617]

Liking the pricing graphics in the video. Can't say I would be gone about the car interior though. Great vid!

[@markflanagan4656]

That instrument cluster looks so good

[@CharllesC78]

Great review and video Bob! I had this car for month last year meanwhile my previous car was in the garage to fix. I love this car and the build quality. The most annoying thing was to drive it in the winter here. I got stuck many times because of the rear RWD , apart from It had proper winter tyres for Finland.

[@r0ut366]

Eh, it's FWD. Next time get your friends to sit on the bonnet, not the boot ;-)

[@CharllesC78]

@@r0ut366 No, the one used was a RWD, 2016 model.

[@r0ut366]

@@CharllesC78 If this was a 2016 model, then it was a 6th Generation ES, built between 2012 and 2018. This uses the Toyota/Lexus K platform which is primarily a FWD platform; it has an AWD option but is not available in RWD. More info on the 6th Gen ES here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_ES#Sixth_generation_(XV60) and the K platform here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_K_platform

[@techyd8411]

I had an Uber ride a few weeks back in a new e-class, the quality of plastics in the rear was not good, so I disagree with the comment on the plastics here, and, in reality, the lower down plastics will always be hard wearing ones, they have to be. I think this ES is far more interesting inside than its rivals and doesn’t have the garish bling the EClass now promotes

[@abjork3]

Mine, ES 300h Limited Edition, is arriving in the middle of March according to Lexus Sweden ! Looking forward to this event !

[@paulmetdebbie447]

What a fine review. You have obviously heard all the bs, are not impressed and are certainly not going to repeat it. Just plain facts and honest impressions with a bit of humor. Great, thank you mr. Flavin. And of course the Irish, most musical accent in the western world. 😀 And oh yes, almost forgot: great camera work!

[@jjrdias]

15:37 Australian mode activated

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Watch on your TV for added power mode!

[@JC130676]

Didn't know the ES had that much downforce...

[@davids9549]

I'd be tempted, if I didn't still have my current 2010 Lexus GS450h which I've done an entirely comfortable 100K miles in without a single thing going wrong.

[@JC130676]

Another GS driver here. I don't think this is a real GS 450h replacement. Lexus reduced weight by 10% but also reduced power by a whopping 37% meaning that effectively, the ES has just 68% of the power of the GS. You're definitely going to feel that difference when overtaking on the motorway. If Lexus would make an ES 450h, now THAT would be a beast! I'd buy it in a heartbeat - or at least as soon as I could find a buyer for my left kidney...

[@Art-is-craft]

@@JC130676 But what is the torque like. That will be one of the deciding factors when over taking. Now in my opinion all luxury cars should be V8.

[@JC130676]

@@Art-is-craft The ES isn't scoring very highly there either: ~250 Nm vs 368 Nm for the GS 450h. The ES 300h is probably more fuel-efficient and maybe roomier but performance-wise it's not even in the same class as the GS 450h.

[@JP5isalive]

Great review Bob! I like the thought of owning a Lexus. They're something a bit different. Why be a sheep? I agree with you on the non-folding seats though, huge oversight. Keep up the good work.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Cheers JP!

[@shanecolton3500]

I actually just passed a black one of these on the way to Heuston station tonight (probably a press car nonetheless); I am not a Lexus lover but by god this is a gorgeous car that properly caught my attention. More nicer in black

[@MrPaulinbelper]

Loving the upside down shots Bob.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Did I miss flipping one of them? Sunroof's are great for cameras

[@niallmchugh1277]

@@BobFlavinVideo Theres 2 shots towards the end of the video where your talking about the interface not being up to scratch, i thought it was my phone, so i kept turning it around :-D

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Whoops, missed them. Ah well, at least it'll give your arms a workout when people watch on the telly :D

[@trimester1]

Bob Flavin Some great shots for potential Australian and New Zealand customers! 🤣

[@3204clivesinclair]

On paper it should compete with the cars you mention. But for me Lexi owners are a slightly different breed. I don’t own a Lexus (would like to), but I wouldn’t even consider a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi - their drivers/owners often have very specific reputations.

[@adrianwhitehead1950]

Clive Sinclair stupid drivers sit behind the wheel of many different cars.

[@3204clivesinclair]

Adrian Whitehead Correct... but Lexus fit indicators

[@BobFlavinVideo]

You're name has quite a legacy in transport solutions! You are right, Lexus drivers are a breed apart.

[@roboHare73]

Great review style Bob. Touch of carwow with your personality.. winning formula

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Cheers Rob, I love Matt's stuff!

[@LifeISMagix]

There is a 2019 GS in USA. It’s not gone - yet. But if this ES gets AWD, game over. Problem with this car always will be FWD.

[@chrisvldz]

@An An what source? As of January Lexus confirmed they were still making the GS carbuzz.com/news/lexus-tells-us-it-will-keep-the-gs-and-gs-f

[@Art-is-craft]

@@chrisvldz Not for the UK market.

[@nkgudih]

This time around u were not that convinced as u did on the GS450H F-sport That many me buy it. Luv u reviews, and have a prosperous 2021

[@ericrochford3134]

I know it’s not going to take on a 5 series but it’s a nice slightly quirky alternative. Showing the Irish prices is a good idea as there can be no confusion then.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

All starting prices quoted so there's no options on those prices either.

[@ericrochford3134]

Bob Flavin Yeah, pretty basic spec for those prices alright

[@stin11111]

It's not meant to compete with the 5 series, the old GS maybe tried to, but the ES is front wheel drive, Lexus clearly gave up on direct competition. They took on a different route, this is more of a comfort car than a fun to drive lux car.

[@Getting-On]

Great video, ive just bought a 2019 Premium,, and agree with a lot of what you said, i had a GS459 before, it was a lot faster. Android and Apple CarPlay should be in the car, the newer versions have it. As a tech guy i love it

[@kyrkbymannen]

I was thinking of trading my E-Klass E400 for one of these, but when I drove a Lexus ES300 I didn’t feel it has the same class. I really liked the Lexus, I might get one someday cause of the higher quality reliability wise, but I backed out this time.

[@Julianvanderheijden]

It beats all those german and swedish cars by miles!! Literally.. beautiful car that won’t break down..

[@anthonylowry1629]

Beautiful

[@lahiruthotagamuwa4998]

4.50 that’s not a transmission noise. It’s auto parking brake actuator operation noise when shifting gear from P to D or R.

[@dazsid100]

Great car. Lexus leading the way

[@kotfast]

The only thing that Toyota/Lexus is a no go for me is that they don't offer back seats that drop down or an mid-sized estate

[@v88dicky32]

Good review Bob 😀👍🏻We'll be looking for a new family car this year, and the wifey seems to like saloons. Do you think this would be a good substitute for our current Jag XF that we've ran for six years and 60k miles, it's been no bother. Problem is, I'm not keen on the current XF, so we're looking elsewhere. But, we kinda like the performance that the Jag gives us (5.0 V8, 385 bhp). Any ideas?

[@Wanted54321]

Would not recomend es series, gs450h is a good choice.

[@coopersays]

Once a cvt gearbox is fitted because its the only type of gearbox that'll work well for a hybrid all it does is whine across the rev range.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

It's not noticeable in the ES, they've done a really good job with this one

[@adrianwhitehead1950]

It’s not a belt driven CVT gearbox but a power split device that behaves like a traditional CVT. It does whine when revved but keeps the engine in the optimum rev range.

[@CharllesC78]

All the new Lexus have the new e-CVT boxes. They are more reliable than the older CVT which has a short life span. A friend of my has been working remaking gearboxes for the past 20 years. He said that , the CVT's aren't that reliable.

[@adrianwhitehead1950]

Charlles Costa it’s more reliable as it’s nothing like a normal CVT. It merely delivers the power in a similar way combining power from the motors and the ICE; quite a technological marvel really.

[@garryhopkins]

The rear seats don’t fold down to preserve structural integrity and rigidity, or so they say.

[@garryhopkins]

Better way to navigate to an address, than using the Touch Pad, is to push to Talking Icon on the steering wheel and say “navigate to an address” then just follow the instructions to verbally enter the address.

[@oqa444]

The sound is from the automatic handbrakes

[@ram64man]

Lexus really need to update there interior dash area it may work ok in the states but retro elements and layout are to polarising

[@Sweepdog700]

You like this car I think. But you really liked the GS. Do you think the GS is better?

[@computerbob06]

15:37 for Anzac watchers!

[@nutjob555]

I would've considered this car, but a towing weight of 0 kg, it rules it out immediately I'm afraid. Seems to be to do with the gearbox/cvt system. Last model was the same. Pity.

[@th3m3du54]

Not being able to drop the back seats is most probably due to the batteries.

[@blitzchaserjzx100]

Fantastic car.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

I love it too, I made a video on the top spec ES if you would like to see it :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3TLlKSKad1qidE

[@enriqueali]

Reliability and ease of maintenance: 10/10. Exterior and interior design, compared to European competitors: 6/10. Safety, comfort and ergonomics: 9/10. Performance/ driveability (compared to European competitors): 7/10. Quality, fit and finish: 8/10

Luxury car for EXport to the US

[@BryanChance]

The luxuriousness of European design is unmatched in my opinion. On the other hand, if you plan to keep your car for 4+ years and a trouble-free ownership experience after the warranty period, the Lexus is the better choice.

[@4DModding]

Divan many Audis and BMs. Would I buy them. Nope. Drove an IS300h. Yep. Only thing I dont like about the is is the cruise control handle thing. Honda accord had the cruise right on the steering. Only place to have it. Also petrol engines sound boring.

[@garryhopkins]

I note your comment that the front seat moves back automatically to help fat Americans get in and out more easily. Frankly, I had the same thought when I first took a Lexus for a test drive 😂 but with advancing age and a bad back I have discovered that it’s a very useful feature for people with physical limitations. I like it!

[@fmsantoscar]

those two little knobs above the speedometer look ridiculous imo.

[@ianpurcell7266]

I have always loved the bigger lexus.Like an arse everyone has an Audi or BMW there common.A better class seem to buy the Lexus.

[@AronBell1]

That CVT is still too odd, I'm sure a full Auto would make it a better drive

[@daveyboiyeah]

It's crazy to think these can't actually do 200kph on an autobahn. Limted to 180kph.

[@richardlionheart3965]

Too similar to a top spec Camry/Avalon. I prefer the IS300h although that is smaller.

[@Wolfox360]

Track pads have been on Laptops for ages, easy to use, nobody complains, but when they put it on a Lexus other brand Fan boys complain....ALWAYS!! HAHAHA The Option of the seat and steering wheel moving, you can disable it if it makes you feel a fat american ;-) @ 4:44 DRIVE TRAIN??? That is the noise of the Parking Brake!! Seriously? Do you know that compared to the GS, the ES is Front wheel drive and GS rear wheel drive? Plus a Man that doesn't open the Hood but goes only for the luggage compartment ...... No words. But after all, nice review

[@arsyadidris2919]

In the states, the luxurious germans kinda lost the battle to lexus somewhere in the 90s, if im not mistaken. Lexus just trumps everything the germans have. Cheaper to buy? Lexus. cheaper to maintain? Lexus. Tech? On par. Reliability? Lexus. Styling? Subjective, but audis look like edgy boxes nowadays n beemers are overdoing it with their grill. Some lexus look good, some look downright shocking. N if ur talking about outright firepower, not really important if ur aiming to shift numbers. For the sake of prestige, branding and the excess money to get a proper luxury WMD, get a german AMG or M car. For luxury that includes long-term ownership, reliability and peace of mind, get a Lexus.

[@trimester1]

Lexus has “nearly been there” in the luxury car market for a very long time now. I don’t think they will ever get there in my opinion. Exterior looks great but the interior just does not cut it, when you compare it to the German cars. What are the residual values like for the Lexus?

[@asianskywalker]

residual values are much better than german cars especially the hybrid models. I know because my Lexus is 300h cost me much more than an equivalent 3 series or audi a4.

[@TsLeng]

In the UK, hybrid Lexus retain their values better than equivalent German cars. Still crap i.e. you will lose half the value in 4 years but better.

[@CharllesC78]

American car market and taste are very different than the European. In Europe we look for practically and fuel economy. Also we tend to but smaller cars . Most people who has kids buys station wagons.

[@CharllesC78]

@@S-u-p-a Yeah, I like Lexus too and a lot. I had tested the IS300h extensively, but they don't have models big enough for my needs. I need a 7 seats car and the Toyota Prius sucks!

[@CharllesC78]

@@S-u-p-a I already own a BMW Grand Tourer xdrive. It suits my needs .

[@BryanChance]

Finally? I think Lexus has been doing that. LOL

[@absr.vandepol1936]

This car is so much better build than a Mercedes, Volvo and even Audi. This car will last 20/30 years. Paint job is superior to that of the German brands. I drove ES last week and also the Volvo S90. The Lexus is from another planet compared, comfort is superb, best in class. No engine noise at all, no road noise. Best of all the fit and finish of the Lexus, unbelievable accurate and build to last.

[@Ilikepie18855]

We have a 2016 lexus RX350 and 2016 Volvo XC90! Lexus drive is way better and more quiet, nicer to drive and sit in. But the Volvo has way better tech and looks better. Apple CarPlay and android auto. I wish Volvo and lexus could partner

[@davidmeier8860]

Sold my ES because the back seats didn't go down. Why can't Lexus make a car that the average car guy wants. What a shame.

[@Thebowzer221]

But you wouldn't be driving a Lexus. Like me.

[@FrederickGFX]

The new ES is a great looking car, but to me it just doesn’t have that same presence you get from a RWD based car. That front overhang screams economy.

[@bdeithrick]

Is she diesel?

[@MrConor159]

Lexus discontinued diesel in Europe in 2011 thankfully.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

petrol hybrid :) I made a video on the Scottish version if you want to check it out Bryon :)

[@r0ut366]

No, but she's chaeep tax

[@bdeithrick]

CarsofGlasgow no use so

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@bdeithrick why do you want a diesel?

[@spruceguitar]

A review with a steering wheel on the wrong side : (

[@hugglescake]

What's the plural of Lexus?

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Lexi, true story

[@nkgudih]

@@BobFlavinVideo happy 2019 Bob, Luv u shows, especially one where you tested the GS450H performance.. As the saying goes: "German cars age like Milk, with early expiry date, and Japanese cars age like wine". I am presently torn between this ES300H & 2.8 Hilux bakkie? Eishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

[@gwapster13]

Plural of Lexus should still be Lexus. Keep it simple.

[@jd2890]

2.5 NA engine + cvt+front wheel drive no kidding?

[@Ilikepie18855]

Cvt and front wheel isn’t a problem for me.... but the 2.5NA is...... at least put in the 2.0T from NX? or the 3.5L V6 Twin turbo from LS? Come on lexus!

[@kellypaws]

It's different inside, but too 'busy' looking for me. Typical Japanese styling - more lines = more style. Well, it doesn't really.

[@kevinmccarthy6091]

Surely the CVT gearbox let's this car down. Why don't lexus go for a twin clutch set-up? It would be alot more engaging to drive!

[@TsLeng]

Because the Toyota hybrid system is engineered for reliability and efficiency. It really is a good system if you understand how it works. Proof is all the user drivers using Prius/corolla/auris hybrids. Same system smaller engine. The one true lexus performance hybrid (gs450h) has been canned in the European market unless you want to sell a kidney for the LC

[@kevinmccarthy6091]

If I'm paying Lexus money I don't want to be using a gearbox that is used in a corolla, I've driven Toyota hybrids and I hated how dull the CVT gearbox was, and the engine note is horrible. The ZF gearbox used by the Germans is an incredible piece of engineering and a joy to drive. Seems to be reliable also...

[@TsLeng]

@@kevinmccarthy6091 Lexus are for those who appreciate a different set of requirements. Now they include a bit of emotion to the design and interior so will appeal more widely. Small Toyota hybrids are meant to be dull and reliable anyway . Personally if I have to drive a small efficient car, I'd take a Toyota hybrid than anything because at least it's reliable and efficient. The alternatives aren't much more fun day to day anyway.

[@adrianwhitehead1950]

kevin mccarthy technically it’s not a belt driven CVT but a “power split transaxle” which feels like a CVT and why it’s called and eCVT. Similar driving feel except there isn’t a clutch.

[@adrianwhitehead1950]

I’ve an Audi s fornicate twin clutch and it’s a poor implementation. Always hunting for the right gear and unrefined in stop start traffic. The Lexus drivetrain is much smoother but, as you say, less engaging.

[@A12Diary]

Nice Camry 😒

[@adriank2959]

No offense.....I own porsche 911 gts ,audi A7and bmw 4 coupe....now I only buy Lexus...

[@Kamadev888]

Lexus beat Merc and BMW back in 1990 with its first release. The LS430 in 2001 beat Rolls Royce, Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar (top series) in several hundred tests. All the Germans are pretty much pieces of junk after about 10 years, either with bad rust issues, or loads of niggles, or serious breakdowns. The Lexus will never do that. None of them. It irks me to no end to hear Europeans speaking of 'German superiority' and 'having to catch up to Merc and BMW. The Lexus has nothing to catch up to, and the Germans are nothing but bling and a marque. The LS430 had things the S-class introduced only years later (most cars have none of the luxury amenities the LS430 has), and the S-Class is NOTHING compared to Lexus's quality.

[@torqueofthedevil8145]

Lol 215bhp lol

[@jstevens74]

Bob, correct me if I'm wrong but I think that twelve-year-old Mercedes S-Class had more features than that Lexus. That Lexus doesn't look even close to a Mercedes or BMW in terms of competition.

[@bassicuk1986]

Drive one and you'll have a different opinion

[@dosko9980]

It sadly still isn't a beater. It is absolutely no fun to drive. Even worse...its absolutely stale.

[@stin11111]

oh man, you got so many things wrong in this review. at least learn about the car before try to review it...

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Says useless knowledge 😂😂😂 do go somewhere else, you are boring me

[@Erikootje]

another title that implies that Lexus hasnt got what it takes to beat the 'established euro premium brands' + Volvo = LOL. If you aren't convinced after their relative short history, you never will be... What a joke.

[@dosko9980]

It doesn't. That's fact.

[@Erikootje]

​@@dosko9980 in the end it all depends on personal preferences, so it cannot be 'fact' in that matter. But when image, snobisme and premium money for poor reliability are what floats your boat, than BMW/Audi & Merc is what you must chose. In retrospect, the reviewer was actually kinda kind for Lexus vs the so called established premium euro brands. And to prove Lexus got what it takes, I name one model, their recent LC500. Nobody will look at a topspec Merc/Audi or BMW when an LC is parked next to it, that too is fact. LFA not even mentioned.

[@martincleary5876]

Can you say “fat Americans”?

[@matthewlemon]

Lots of scratchy plastics, an infotainment system from 15 years ago, a horrible engine with CVT and don't even start on the self charging hybrid marketing rubbish like Toyota.

[@Erikootje]

do you whine about germans cars piss poor reliability records as well?

[@emeraldviking3637]

Cant beat the Germans

[@adrianwhitehead1950]

Not better, just different. Audi/BMW go for acceleration, handling and features ie tech. The Lexus gos for comfort and high quality interior. I’ve a 2017 Audi A4 at the moment which replaced a Lexus IS300h. In terms of quality, the Lexus, whilst not as contemporary, was a class above my current Audi and 2 classes above my old 2013 BMW 320i. Also, the hybrid setup which behaves like a CVT (it’s not) is super smooth and massively better than my current Audi S Tronic which I’ve grown to hate; its jerky in traffic and can’t make its mind up which gear around 50mph and is constantly switching between 6th and 7th.

[@jimv1983]

If your goal is to win at low reliability and super high maintenance and repair cost then I agree. German cars win at those things. I considered an Audi briefly until I looked into reliability and repair/maintenance costs and I lost interest.

[@jimv1983]

@@adrianwhitehead1950 Lexus hybrids do use CVTs. At least the ES does.

[@adrianwhitehead1950]

jimv1983 it doesn’t use a belt driven CVT and there’s no clutch. Lexus use a “power split device” which splits power between two electric motors and a 2.5l petrol. It’s a very neat setup but has the feel of a CVT, which is actually the best type of gearbox for efficiency. Lexus call it an eCVT but it’s not one in the traditional sense.

[@emeraldviking3637]

Id prefer that mercedes S class