Hybrid Lexus goes the extra mile

The Lexus ES300H is a proper posh executive saloon, hence the abbreviation, ES, that provides an alternative to the likes of the BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6 and the Mercedes E-Class. This new facelifted version replaces the old GS with a bundle of tekkie extras and some seriously good looks. You definitely won’t mistake the Lexus ES for a German saloon out on the road or in the golf club car park, the latter of whichis where you will probably find this car. It looks much meaner and far more aggressive from every angle - especially in F Sport guise, the one we tested, with its bigger alloys and air intakes. Inside, and the ES’ fully digital dashboard and brushed-metal trims look great and feel just as solid as anything you’ll find in a BMW, Audi or Mercedes.
The infotainment screen is nice and sharp, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. There’s also the option to swap the ES’s door mirrors for cameras, for an extra £996, which display an image on small screens either side, inside. The Lexus ES’ superbly comfy front seats are superbly comfortable. You get eight-way electric adjustment as standard and top-spec or kitchen sink level cars, as I like to call them, even come with 10-way adjustment and heating and cooling features. There’s ample space for tall drivers to stretch out too, and you get a good view out through the ES’ large windscreen and tall side windows. These large windows also help make the back seats feel impressively roomy. Passengers get much more leg room than in the 5 Series, A6 and E-Class and the seats themselves are soft and supportive in all the right places. Very tall adults will struggle slightly for headroom, but at least the Lexus ES’ wide cabin comes with enough shoulder room and foot space to carry three adults side-by-side with ease.
Things aren’t quite as good when it comes to packing the boot, though. The ES’ luggage area is noticeably smaller than you get in a BMW, Audi or Mercedes, but at least it comes with a lockable ski hatch for carrying long, thin items.
There’s only one engine choice, a 2.5-litre petrol paired with a hybrid system. This means the Lexus ES can cruise about using just electric power for short bursts, making it very quiet as well as pretty economical with the electric motors helping the petrol engine deliver diesel-like economy at around 48mpg. The ES300H comes with loads of kit as standard that costs extra in German alternatives, with automatic emergency braking that can even stop the car autonomously in reverse.
The Lexus ES300H is really well priced. It’s a tad more expensive in its entry level than the basic Audi A6 and only slightly cheaper than the most affordable BMW 5 Series, but you’ve got to remember that the Lexus is only available as a hybrid, and when you start comparing the ES to plug-in hybrid versions of the BMW and Audi, suddenly you’re looking at a £10K difference in favour of the Lexus. It might not have the all-electric range or tax savings of a plug-in hybrid, but it should be more efficient on a long journey, plus, the ES is seriously well-equipped.
Lexus makes impressively solid and reliable cars, all the way back to the original 1990 Lexus GS, hence why Lexus offers a standard three-year, unlimited mileage warranty however if you keep your ES serviced every year at a main dealer, Lexus will keep extending that warranty for up to ten years, or for 100,000-miles which is really impressive.
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[@thesimpsoid]

I’ve had my IS300h since 2015. It had to go in for its one and only recall earlier this year and I had an ES300h for a loan car for the day. I loved it. Amazing car. Only 2 things really prevented me ordering my own when I got back to the dealer the same day: 1. The rear seats do not fold down at all and, as you pointed out, I have no need for a ski hatch! 2. The turning circle is quite a bit wider than my IS300h meaning it was a bit tricky to turn into my garage even though the lane it’s on is fairly wide. That was it. There was literally nothing else I could fault it for. I’m still tempted to forgive those two issues and buy one anyway every time I see another one on the road as they’re absolutely gorgeous.

[@carrington2158]

I have the Lexus CT200h comfortable and incredibly reliable, but I have had Toyota cars over forty years. The Lexus ES300h looks fantastic a very good demonstration thank you.

[@dukesim6088]

It's eCVT, there are no bands and pulleys but a planetary gear set and two motors and one engine.

[@harmdegraaf5579]

It is a 10 year warranty on the drive train in the EU....

[@guy3555]

Thanks for your honest review for Everyday drivers, I have an IS300h which has been fantastic to own and drive. Will be looking to upgrade to the ES model as they have discontinued the IS in the UK.

[@kirwanjohn101]

A lot of very detailed information given in this review, thank you, as it was missing by other reviewers.

[@conradmilson6654]

If you are gonna do a review then get your facts right. ;) It does not have any rubber bands. It's all electronic. eCVT uses electric motor/ generators to control the speeds of planetary gearset components. It's a great car. If used in ECO mode you will get 55+ mpg. I love mine.

[@emmanueligbinoba8968]

Do a review then if you think its easy. Learn to be appreciative

[@HIOP0]

You should try to understand...when a reviewer puts up a video on YT, they are inviting comments by default. That you do not agree with said sentiments, takes NOTHING away from the right of the person posting to express their opinion. The reviewer does this at least in part for monetary reward, nothing wrong with that, so someone commenting on their perception of the accuracy of the video, does not mean that they themselves has to present an alternative review, just because you demand it. Ah well, perhaps you are as confused with life as your mixed up name suggests...my perception and personal opinion...whether you like it...or not. Please reply, if you can keep it civil and interesting, don't bother , if you cannot.@@emmanueligbinoba8968

[@stevoxyzstevoxyz5961]

this car has been in the market since 2018 with same tech and spec, if one cannot separate the design of ecvt and cvt, then yeah, it is not a good look for a review.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

​@@emmanueligbinoba8968disagree with you and agree with original poster. The eCVT part is very very important. It's just as reliable as a torque converter automatic and even has a first gear. The weird CVTs turn off sooo many people

[@shawnbl2048]

You will never get 55mph in this vehicle unless you drive at walking speeds. At best I get 40-42mpg at 75mph.

[@MG3-Hybrid]

Would have expected to see 360 cameras and adaptive headlights for the price although i have had to rule the Lexus out for my next car as lack of a rear wiper ( essential here) Blue colour looks well and 10/10 for comfort.Seats look great.

[@francescomisuraca6277]

I just like the Lexus great car.

[@simonsaphire]

no rubber band. such errors make you distrust the rest of the video. e.g. there is a boot release button, its off to the right side of the boot lid.

[@robm4500]

Excellent review. Thank you!

[@planbparadise2046]

The Luxury version of the ES has separate aircon for the backseat and the LHD versions have the hood release on the left side, actually. (Sadly, not sure how that didn't happen, you didn't discovery how the speedo physically can move to the right like in the LFA, and an extra dash screen appears behind it - the button is on the steering wheel, even...)

[@barryjarvis4288]

Very informative review which I appreciated having ordered one. However none of the many reviews on here discuss security i.e. car theft protection which I understand is a big issue for this model and brand.

[@richardgordon4279]

Unfortunately one of the easiest cars to steal at the moment I take delivery next month and plan a 3 circuit immobiliser, steering wheel lock and driveway posts , just had my rav4 nicked so it won't happen again taking extreme precautions

[@HIOP0]

You should have added the conversion to US gallons when mentioning MPG, for overseas viewers and added $$$ dollars amount when mentioning UK GBP costs.

[@melluzi]

Having the gas price under 1 EUR/l in the US, consumption figures don't make any difference. It will be almost for free for you if that helps.

[@HIOP0]

@@melluzi TAKE THOSE SUNGLASSES OFF, SIGHTLESS 1D10TS DON'T REQUIRE THEM.

[@melluzi]

@@HIOP0 If you do basic math, you will realize that having a car priced 60k which is distributed during 5-10 years, difference in fuel consumption makes up a couple percent of the total expenses. But, of course, caps and specific language makes you right by default in any situation.

[@HIOP0]

@@melluzi THERE ARE NONE SO BLIND AS THOSE WHO WILL NOT SEE. MY TURN TO GIVE ADVICE.. REMOVE YOUR SUN SPECS, READ MY POST AND IF NECESSARY, ELIST THE ASSISTANCE OF YOUR CARERS TO PERHAPS ENABLE YOU TO UNDERSTAND WHAT I MEAN, RATHER THAN YOU TAKING THE LAZY WAY OF FAILING AND RESPONDING ACCORDINGLY. HOPE THAT HELPS... BELIEVE YOU TO BE BEYOND HELP. 👍

[@croydonmassive]

Now that Lexus has discontinued the IS300 in the UK, this boat leaves a sour taste. Why? Because it's the only sedan Lexus will now allow us to have here. The IS300 is cheaper and faster. The ES is ugly, expensive and desperately slow. Top speed 112mph. Yes, 112mph. Interiors, exteriors..meh...it's still a complete waste of time. Who would buy such a piece of crap? I think I had a Ford Fiesta 1.1 in the mid 80's that was faster than this unicorn.

[@rasmusansin3273]

It's not ugly and not slow.. Please drive one and you will understand