The Lexus ES is a large executive saloon, which was launched in the UK in 2019 to replace the discontinued GS model. The ES has not previously been sold in Europe, although has been offered for many years in the USA.
In the UK, the ES is only available with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. No conventional petrol or diesel models are offered.
The Lexus ES has received generally good to very good reviews from UK media sources. Consumer titles have rated it highly for its build quality, comfort and refinement, while performance-oriented titles have criticised its driving dynamics.
More Lexus news, reviews, features and offers
Body style: Large executive saloon
Engines: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £35,155 on-road
Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: –
Replacement due: TBA
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media
The Car Expert
“Hybrid cars remain a niche choice, but the Lexus ES will be a serious executive contender when the majority of car buyers plug into the electric revolution.”
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Auto Express
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus ES is a very comfortable and refined executive saloon to rival the BMW 5 Series and Volvo S90 with impressively low running costs.”
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Score: 7 / 10
“The new Lexus ES may leave a BMW 5 Series with little to worry about when it comes to fun, but it offers a lot more for those wanting to transition into a hybrid executive car. “
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Autocar
Score: 7 / 10
“The Lexus ES makes a sharp-looking, well-equipped and appealingly priced contender in what is a highly competitive European executive saloon segment.”
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Car
Score: 7.2 / 10
“If you’ve always been keen to do the opposite of what everyone else does, this new Lexus ES could be right up your street.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 8 / 10
“With its hybrid engine and focus on comfort, the Lexus ES saloon is likely to attract cost-savvy drivers looking for a relaxed drive in classy surroundings.”
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Evo
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s unlikely to tempt people from their BMW 5 Series, but the Lexus ES does have merits.”
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Honest John
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want something that’s going to turn heads, will no doubt last forever and be very comfortable in the process, the Lexus ES could be a very sensible purchase.”
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The Sun
“Lexus should be commended for keeping things simple with just one engine, while the exterior styling is head-turning.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: ES 300h F Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“An executive saloon that stands out from the crowd.”
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The Telegraph
“While this new front-drive hybrid performs and drives better than we have a right to expect, its dynamics still fall far short of rivals.”
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Top Gear
Score: 6 / 10
“The ES is a big, quiet, interesting-looking saloon with attractive pricing. But it’s nowhere near as satisfying to drive as the cars it competes against.”
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What Car?
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s certainly an awful lot to recommend the ES. For the most part, it’s comfortable, quiet and spacious. Then there are running costs that are far below similarly-priced diesel rivals.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2018
More safety recognition
- Euro NCAP rated the new Lexus ES as Best Large Family Car and Best Hybrid & Electric Car in 2018
- Thatcham Research rated the Lexus ES one of the ten safest new cars for 2019
Eco ratings
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Lexus ES has not yet been lab-tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Lexus ES has received
2018
Euro NCAP Best Cars of 2018 – Best Large Family Car + Best Hybrid & Electric Car
Similar cars
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Audi A6 | BMW 5 Series | Jaguar XF | Lexus ES | Maserati Ghibli | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Volvo S90