Summary
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.
As of July 2022, the Lexus ES holds an Expert Rating of 66%, based on 20 reviews collected from UK media sources.
Key specifications
Body style: Large executive saloon
Engines: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £35,155 on-road
Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
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
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus ES is a very comfortable and refined executive saloon with impressively low running costs.”
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Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol hybrid automatic Takumi
Score: 7 / 10
“Lexus’s digital wing mirrors add expense to its top-spec ES Takumi model, yet the tech is flawed for a few reasons. Otherwise, it’s business as usual for the Lexus ES, which means it’s high quality, refined and efficient, but not quite as comfortable or as good to drive as the best in the class.”
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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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Auto Trader
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s not the most enthralling car you’ll ever drive, and it could be a shade more practical, but it’s a very credible alternative to the established elite.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid 300h F Sport
Score: 7 / 10
“If you want something that copes with the grinding motorway commute into a city, then the Lexus ES copes well. It’s quiet, comfortable on main roads and tough-as-teak well built. But if you need a car with a bit more duality of purpose, then the big Germans still offer the best bet.”
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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
Model reviewed: F Sport
Score: 8 / 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
Model reviewed: Range overview
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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Carwow
Score: 6 / 10
“The Lexus ES comes to the UK for the first time as a stunning alternative to the traditional German mainstream, but its roomy cabin is let down by a confusing infotainment system.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed: ES 300h Premium
“With impressive refinement and imposing styling, the Lexus ES offers big car drivers an opportunity to transition into electric power with a minimum of hassle …ie it’s a petrol hybrid which is self-charging, so no worries about range and no need to plug in.”
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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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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Comfy, quiet, almost too understated”
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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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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Luxurious, refined and well-equipped executive saloon”
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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
Model reviewed: ES 300h
Score: 6 / 10
“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’ which is to do with weight and the peculiarities of the Toyota system. Like most attempts to take on the Germans in their home territory, the ES is likely to remain a rare sight.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Lexus 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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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Lexus ES covers all the main executive car bases. It’s comfortable, fairly refined and packed with the latest technology and equipment. It’s also extremely well made, with high-quality materials throughout. It’s a deserved Which? Best Buy.”
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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 rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Lexus ES has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
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
If you’re looking at the Lexus ES, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A6 | BMW 5 Series | DS 9 | Genesis G80 | Jaguar XF | Maserati Ghibli | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Tesla Model S | Volvo S90
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