History/Overview
The mid-size Lexus ES was one of the cars that launched Toyota’s luxury brand way back in the late 1980s. Since then, it has evolved through seven generations, adding interior space and loads of technology.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2023, the Lexus ES gets three new F Sport option packages, and all versions get an updated infotainment system.
Available Trims
Lexus offers the ES in three trims, each built around a distinct powertrain. ES 250 comes with a 2.5L engine, all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed transmission; ES 350 models are front-drivers powered by a 3.5L V6 and an eight-speed transmission; and ES 300h is a gas-electric hybrid with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Standard Features
All three ES trims are similarly equipped to start with passive keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/taillights, and a sunroof. Inside, there’s a 10-speaker stereo, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a digital gauge display, power-adjustable/heated/ventilated front seats with driver lumbar, nuluxe upholstery, dual-zone A/C, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with garage remote.
The standard driver safety assist suite includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, forward collision mitigation, lane tracing assist, radar cruise control, and left turn intersection assist.
ES 350 models add automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wood dash/door trim, driver’s seat memory, a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel with power adjustments, power-folding/reverse-tilt side mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers with de-icer.
Key Options
An ES 250 premium package adds power-folding/reverse-tilt side mirrors, automatic park assist, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel with power adjustments, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a wiper de-icer, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
In the ES 350, a new-for-2023 F Sport Design pack adds 19-inch wheels and a rear spoiler; F Sport 2 builds on that with a sport-tuned suspension, an upgraded gauge display, adaptive variable suspension, adaptive headlights, a 17-speaker stereo, and a head-up display. An Ultra Luxury package builds on the base ES 350 with adaptive headlights, 17-speaker audio, head-up display, wallet-sized smart key, four-way driver lumbar and cushion extender, 18-inch wheels, surround-view cameras, a panoramic roof, leather upholstery, hands-free trunk operation, rear and rear door sunshades, and rear pedestrian detection.
ES 300h can also be had with the F Sport Design, F Sport 2, and Ultra Luxury packages; it also offers a simplified Luxury bundle of adaptive headlights, four-way driver lumbar and cushion extension, 18-inch wheels, wallet key, leather seating, and rear sunshades.
Fuel Economy
Lexus’s fuel consumption estimates start at 5.5/5.2 L/100 km (city/highway) for the ES 300h; next up is the ES 250 AWD at 9.5/7.0 L/100 km. ES 350 models come in at 10.7/7.3 L/100 km, or 10.9/7.5 in F Sport form.
Competition
The ES is one of a shrinking class of mid-size luxury sedans, and competes for buyers against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S90, Acura TLX, Infiniti Q50, and Audi A6.
