Lexus ES

The case of Lexus ES It is one of those cases in which the history of the model is completely unknown. In Europe it has been known since 2006, when it arrived for the first time. However, its beginnings are earlier. The first generation of the ES was launched on the market in 1989, although at that time it was called the Toyota Camry. That name lasted two years, because in 1991 Toyota decided to create a luxury version under the umbrella of its brand. Lexus.

The history of the ES takes us to the present. The first time it landed in Europe was in 1991, although not under the Japanese name, since here it received the name of Lexus GS. While the ES and GS editions ran in parallel, it wasn't until the release of the latest iteration that Lexus has decided to remove the Europe-specific GS designation and start calling the model by its worldwide designation.

The latest current edition dates from the year 2018, although it receives a minimal update in the summer of 2022. It is still the average sedan of the house, below the luxurious Lexus LS and above the defenestrated Lexus IS. Since its launch it has not undergone any alteration, although slight modifications and updates have been introduced, mainly at the level of equipment and mechanics. Of course you also receive the latest news available such as the most modern platform of Toyota.

Technical characteristics of the Lexus ES

As we have already said, Lexus is Toyota's luxury firm, and thanks to this it uses the Japanese giant's own developments and technologies. One of them is the platform. Under the elegant bodywork of the Lexus ES hides a derivation of the TNGA architecture (Toyota New Global Architecture). This versatile scalar chassis is the same one that we can see in a long list of models such as the aforementioned Camry or the Toyota RAV4. The ES is the first Lexus to use it.

Being designed for use in different models, in the specific case of the ES it leads us to measures that place it perfectly in the D segment. 4,97 meters long, 1,86 meters wide and 1,44 meters high. To these exterior dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,87 meters. This battle allows standardizing an interior space for a maximum of five passengers.

The GA-K adaptation of the TNGA platform focuses on improving the on-board experience for all occupants by providing more space in all seats, including the second row of seats. That goal clashes with cargo space. The trunk of the Lexus ES shows a minimum capacity of 454 liters, a low figure if we compare it with rival models in the segment.

Lexus ES mechanical range and gearboxes

Despite having a multidisciplinary platform that allows the assembly of various mechanical groups, Lexus Europe has made the decision to exclusively use hybrid systems in the ES range. In this way, the policy of eliminating 100% thermal engines in the range of the Japanese conglomerate is continued. Just a handful of units enjoy different options. This is not the case.

The mechanical range of the Lexus ES focuses on a single version called 300h. It is a state-of-the-art hybrid set made up of a naturally aspirated gasoline engine with four cylinders and 2.487 cubic centimeters of displacement. It alone develops 178 horsepower at 5.700 revolutions and 221 Nm of torque between 3.600 and 5.200 revolutions.

Added to this block is a front electric motor that generates 120 horsepower and 202 Nm of torque. This block is powered by a nickel-hydride battery located under the seats of the second row. The total power of the set is 218 horses. It shows a 100% electric autonomy of approximately two kilometers, with an automatic recharge of the battery while it is being recharged.

Equipment of the Lexus ES

In terms of equipment, the 2022 renewal focuses on improving a technological offer that is distributed in the finishes: ECO, Premium, Luxury and F Sport. The access version, ECO, incorporates equipment details worthy of a premium model. The LED headlights, connectivity for mobile devices, multimedia system with a 9-inch screen and cloud-based browser and front seats with electric adjustment stand out. In addition to this, there is no lack of leather upholstery and the Lexus Safety System+ security system.

The middle ends of the range, Premium and Luxury, provide a touch of different design, especially the sports version. They also increase the load of systems, sporting elements such as: light sensor, 18-inch wheels (19 inches for the F SPORT finish), partially digital instrument panel with a seven-inch screen, wireless charger, navigation, and sound system of high quality with up to 17 speakers.

Finally, the highest level of all offers the maximum equipment capabilities of the Lexus ES. In it we find exclusive details such as: three-zone climate control, Multi-LED headlights, voice control, heated front and rear seats, Head-Up Display, 360-degree parking camera, digital mirrors, the most complete safety equipment and 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound.

The Lexus ES on video

Lexus ES according to Euro NCAP

The Lexus ES is one of the safest vehicles tested by the independent body Euro NCAP. The score obtained in its impact tests is the maximum possible: 5 stars. The percentages achieved in each one are as follows. Receive 91 percent adult occupant protection. In the event of an impact, it provides 87 percent to infant occupants. Pedestrians will also be protected, since they sign a remarkable 90 percent. Finally, in driving aids it receives 77 percent. These values are still valid after the 2022 update as no change has been made to the vehicle platform.

The Lexus ES of Km 0 and second hand

Given the recent marketing of the Lexus ES, it implies a small number of units available in secondary sales channels. On the contrary yes we can find many available units of the Lexus GS. Given this, it is not easy to draw conclusions about the depreciation of the model, although it is clear that, like the rest of the products of the house, it offers practically incomparable durability and resistance. Thanks to this, its depreciation value is slightly lower than the competition.

If we take a look at the alternative markets, we discover that the offer of Km 0 units is practically non-existent. Dealers do not accumulate stock due to low demand for the product. The used and second-hand channel does not show many options either. The cheapest units available start their prices around 37.000 euros for 2019 models with base finish and hybrid mechanics.

Lexus ES rivals

The Lexus ES is one of the latest models in the segment to make an appearance. In this part of the market, the number of rivals is limited.either. The reason is simple, it is taken over by premium firms, not finding generalist representatives. Most of the rivals of the Japanese are found in European firms, and important figures such as: Audi A6, BMW Serie 5, Infiniti Q70, Jaguar XF, Maserati Ghibli, Mercedes-Benz E-Class y Volvo S90. Compared to them, the ES shows a greater mechanical limitation due to the presence of a single hybrid version. On the contrary, it offers a different design and a quality of access superior to the average of the segment.

Highlight

Design
Quality of realization
ride comfort

To improve

trunk capacity
Reduced mechanical range
Customization options

Lexus ES Prices

The limited range of the ES implies a very tight price range without great variations. That does not mean that we are not talking about an expensive model. The starting price of the Lexus ES is 53.100 euros, without offers or promotions. This value corresponds to an ES 300h with ECO finish. The most expensive model in the family is the ES 300h F Sport, its minimum starting price is 71.100 euros, without offers or promotions. All units arrive with the DGT ECO label.