The Lexus ES has established itself as the executivesedan that promotes comfort and luxury above all else, perhaps even more so than its Mercedes-Benz E-Class rival!The Japanese premium brand’s offering recently underwent a mildupdate and we drove it at its local launch in the Western Cape.

What’s new on the Lexus ES?

There are fewer vertical slats in the ES’ grille and the headlamp clusters are much thinner than before the update.

You have to look closely to notice the updates, to be honest. In terms of the exterior execution, the Lexus’ “pinched”spindle grillenow sportsfewer vertical slats in order to create a visually wider front end. The headlamps are slimmer and sport a new lighting signature (onthe SE) thatlooks less like a “Nike tick”. There are three new exterior hues, which means ES buyers can choose from 10 paint finishes.

As for the interior, Lexus has introducedan updated(touchscreen) infotainment setupand, as a result, has had to slightly rejig the cabin architecture to make the system easier to operate.

The rangecomprises just two trim grades (EX and SE); it kicks off with apetrol-engined 250 EX derivative, while the petrol-electric hybrid version is available in both grades.

Is the ES luxurious inside?

The black dash with cream leather seats is a typically luxurious Lexus choice.

Almost no manufacturer in the segment embodies luxury quite as well as Lexus does. Most of the ES’ competitorsincorporate cabin materials that look,but don’t feel,great and the proliferation of plastic inserts that masqueradeas anything from aluminium to wood trim isn’t likely to foolbuyers who are looking to spend R1 million on purchasing an executive sedan. Lexus continues to line its interiors with authentic luxury materials. The leather is soft and creamy (it’s an eco-friendly synthetic in the EX model and semi-aniline in the SE), plusit’s carried through to the door panels, dashboard and transmission tunnel and centre console. I’m assured the wood trim option that encases the front of the cabin is real wood althoughI prefer the solid black look over the wood trim (for me, it feels more contemporary).

The new infotainment screen has been brought forward by 112 mmso that the driver or front passenger can accessthe touchscreen’s menu system without having to stretch their arms too far. The touchscreen makes the mouse-style pad in the centre console superfluous – it will probably be removed entirely for the next generation to create more storage space.

The touch system makes it much easier to quickly access the onboard function or menuoption of your choice and activatingAndroid Auto or Apple Carplay is simple as connecting your phone to the fascia viaa cable. Wireless connections to these apps may be desired at this end of the segment, but although Lexus does not offer that functionality, it does avail a wireless charger in the SE’s centre console.

The rear accommodation is plentiful and just as well-appointed (in terms of luxurious touches) as at the front of the sedan. There are 3 individual adjustable headrests at the back and when the centre armrest is folded down, it reveals a control unit that allows aft occupants to adjust the rear temperature settings, heat or cool the seats and even operatethe rear screen’s sunblind.

What’s the Lexus ES like to drive?

There’s a choice between the 300h petrol-electric hybrid (shown here) or the 250 petrol.

Continuing with the theme of comfort, the Lexus ES has one of the quietest cabins you’ll ever experience – certainlyin its segment. The sedan wafts along in serene comfort even when rolling on the largest (18-inch) wheels. Most of its competitors offer anything up to 21-inch alloy options, but Lexus has stuck to either 17s or 18s for the ES and that helps when it comes to the ride quality;it’s very forgiving.

The hybrid model utilisesLexus’ 4th-generation hybrid technology to provide the best possible combination of fuel efficiency and zero-emissions (where possible) motoring. The ES 300h is said to have an average fuel consumption of just 4.6 L/100 km, but, as with most hybrid drivetrains, that figure rises when you venture out of town and undertakelonger journeys on the open road. It’s still very economical and will match (and possibly beat) an equivalent turbodiesel’sefficiency, but, because its peak torque is only 221 Nm, itcannot match turbocharged engines’ ability to deliver mid-range overtaking urge.

The entry-level 250 EX derivative has a 2.5-litre petrol engine with 160 kW and 243 Nm, but the equivalent hybrid EX is not much more expensive and provides a notably more interesting driving experience.

The ES’ driving experience, on the whole, lacks outright excitement.However, while several offeringsin thissegment seemto prioritise driverengagement (especially in terms of performance and handling characteristics) – ultimately at the cost of on-road refinement– the ES has carved out a nice nichefor itself… Its target market is buyers who are looking exclusively for a luxurious, comfortable andquiet car.

Lexus ES pricing in South Africa

The 2021 Lexus ES comes standard with a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or, alternatively, once a year.

Read our specs and pricing article for full details on the new ES range.

Summary

Executive sedans seem to be offering better value for money now that the segment is in decline.

The exterior updates to the Lexus ES may be subtle, but keep the big sedan looking modern and discernably different from its German and British competitors. The ES’s character is defined by its high levels of occupant comfort (as evidenced by its supple ride quality and its soft leather interior that can’t be faulted for sound insulation or build quality). Given that most buyers now favour SUVs in theES’ price class, the Japanese premium brand’s executive sedanis unlikely to sell in significant numbers, but if you have no need for an SUV, this sedan’s pricing is actually quite reasonable by comparison.