LEXUS LX ES TAKUMI

Review

By Amelia C Edison and Donnie Rust

An onsite visit to the Trigony Hotel provided us the opportunity to test the Lexus LX ES Takumi in an area of windy, snake-back roads curing through the rolling Kier hills and woodlands of Dumfriesshire in Southwest Scotland. Presenting the hybrid vehicle with tests of hairpin turns, rugged road, the need to accelerate in the rain and of course the everpresent danger of potholes and cow pies. Creative Director Donnie Rust had the chance to make use of the car on his cross-country adventure in the sticks and while staying at the luxury hunting-lodge Trigony Hotel. Our vehicle expert, Amelia C. Edison got the chance to drive it around the block when he got back.

Now, the Lexus ES is an attractive option due to its competitive pricing, low running costs compared to rivals, and extensive standard equipment and safety features. However, while our team was happy with its performance in the sticks, it still falls short in terms of performance and driver engagement, with its hybrid system showing some roughness under acceleration.

Rather, the Lexus ES caters to luxury buyers seeking hybrid benefits without the need for plugging in. As a regular hybrid, it offers short- distance electric travel, lowering CO2 emissions to levels comparable with smaller cars and the hybrid engine costs less than a quarter tank of fuel even through 167 miles of rugged driving.

As the seventh generation of the ES and the first in the UK, it faces strong competition from highend rivals like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes E-Class, especially those offering plug-in hybrid options. The ES combines luxury features with efficiency but may struggle against these competitors. Here’s how it measures up:

Performance

The ES is not known for speed. Its 2.5-liter petrol engine and dual electric motors deliver 176bhp, achieving 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds. While not designed for high performance, it is slower than many rivals, including entry-level BMW 5 Series and Honda Civic. The ES lacks the lowrev responsiveness found in some competitors, favouring efficiency over excitement. Despite this, it handles corners well with precise steering and reasonable grip. The ride is comfortable, though not as refined as top versions of the 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class, with some road noise and engine sound noticeable under hard acceleration. Compared to plug-in hybrids, the ES offers shorter electric-only travel. of the plushness of the Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series, with some harder plastics present.

PASSENGER & BOOT SPACE

The ES comfortably accommodates four adults, though taller rear passengers may find headroom limited due to the sloping roofline. The interior includes average-sized cupholders, a small glovebox, and door pockets. Boot space is below average at 454 litres, less than some plug-in hybrids. Practicality is limited by the inability to fold down rear seats, though a ski flap is included.

Interior

The Lexus ES offers a comfortable driving position with adjustable seats, though some taller drivers might find the seat height insufficient. Visibility is good with slim front pillars and large rear windows, and parking is facilitated by front and rear sensors and a rear-view camera, upgraded to a 360-degree system in higher trims. The ES features automatic LED headlights, with adaptive high beams available on the Takumi trim. While the digital driver’s display is less customizable than some rivals, all models include a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The top Takumi model boasts a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. The interior uses quality materials, though it falls short

NO PLUG-IN HYBRID VARIANT

The entry-level Premium trim offers great value with extensive standard features like dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, electric seat adjustment, and a sunroof. The Premium Plus trim adds additional features, including 10way adjustable seats and an upgraded reversing camera. The top Takumi model is well-equipped but pricey compared to alternatives. All trims come with numerous safety features and have achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Lexus’s reputation for reliability is strong, with the ES covered by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, extendable to 10 years and 100,000 miles with regular servicing at a Lexus dealer.