AUTOMOTIVE The Lure of Lexus ES

Bob McHugh is an Automotive Writer and has written car reviews and auto-related stories for over 25 years. He is a long time member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

The Lure of Lexus ES

An Exceptionally Solid performer since the birth of Lexus.

Even luxury class buyers are drifting to the utility vehicle buying option these days. Yet, the sleeker styling lines and more involved driving experience of a well designed and engineered sedan is still my preference. And few cars, if any, can match the sophistication, dependability, ride quality and security that a Lexus ES provides.

Introduced in 1989, the ES name apparently stands for “Executive Sedan” or “Elegant Sedan,” depending on who you ask. Now in its seventh generational redesign, with a legion of highly-satisfied repeat buyers, the top-selling Lexus ES is still the mid-sized luxury sedan that all others are measured against. >>

F SPORT features range from rear spoilers, 3-spoke steering wheels, leather seats and distinctive style only Lexus has to offer. Drivers familiar with the ES series will appreciate the emphasis on spaciousness, quiet driving acoustics and safety.

4 th generation self-charging Lexus hybrid electric system. With impressive fuel efficiency and no compromise on performance.

There are three versions of the Lexus ES and it can be a surprisingly good value and/or an eco-friendly vehicle choice. Lexus no longer offers a GS model, so the next sedan alternative up the Lexus ladder is now the full-sized ($100,000+) Lexus LS. And the topdollar value surprise kicks in when you sell or trade your ES, after owning it for a number of years.

The lowest priced ES250 comes with all-wheel-drive and an economical 2.5 litre, four-cylinder (203 horsepower) engine. My test drive was in a frontdrive ES350, which comes with a more powerful 3.5 litre six cylinder (302 horsepower) engine.

The eco family member is ES300h, which has a hybrid, gas/electric powertrain. A 2.5 litre Atkinson Cycle gas engine is linked to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and they can generate up to 215 horsepower. More importantly, this ES claims a very impressive (combined city/highway) fuel efficiency rating of just 5.3 L/100km. Despite its conservative, ‘Elder Statesman’ pedigree, the current ES has sharp and surprisingly daring styling. It’s long, low and wide with a slanted rear roofline that creates a coupe-like silhouette. An extra-large front grille now has a refreshed look and features wrap-around slim design tri-beam LED adaptive headlights.

My tester came with the F Sport package, which gives the grille a black finish that’s also used on wheels and other trim pieces, for an even bolder look. Loved the strong yet smooth power surge, throughout its rev range, that the V6 engine can provide when needed. Steering feel is on the light side, yet it’s surprisingly responsive, and it certainly adds to the composed, confident ES driving experience.

F SPORT features interior enhancements such as paddle shifters, an LFA-inspired digital dashboard, and enhanced steering wheel, shift knob and seating. That said, passenger ride comfort and an extremely quiet cabin are still crucially important traits of any Lexus ES. It’s a premium road trip sedan with a lush, bump-absorbing suspension that’s totally at home on the highway.

And, of course, ES also has lots of room for your luggage (and/or golf bags) in its expansive (394L) trunk.

Every ES also comes with an excellent array of passive and active safety features, including Lexus Safety System + 2.0. This high-tech package is designed to support driver awareness and decision making. It focuses on three key areas; mitigating (primarily frontal) collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists; keeping the vehicle within its highway lane at higher speeds and enhanced lighting during night driving.

I got a surprise taste of the ES’s rear auto-brake system while reversing outof a parking stall at a local shopping mall. A rear sensor had picked up a vehicle outside my line of vision, which was on a potential collision course. My initial alarm turned to admiration, when the other vehicle came into view.

There’s so much more to the Lexus ES ownership experience, just ask an owner!

Lexus Enform also offers progressive technology to make every journey richer. The display is compatible with Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM . With a 215 HP engine in the 300h you will never compromise on performance.

Lexus ES 2021 300h

Executive Sedan: Actually, you don’t have to be an Extra Smart business person to buy an ES, but it is an intelligent vehicle purchase.

Elder Statesman: When you buy a new Lexus ES, you also buy over 30 years of engineering refinement, the very latest in vehicle safety technology and its unbeatable reputation for dependability.

LEXUS ES250 AWD: $45,250 LEXUS ES 350: $49,450 LEXUS ES300H: $51,450