Lexus ES 300h Hybrid 2.5 Luxury Facelift Review

If you've been having troubles making up your mind on which executive sedan to get yourself this Christmas, you may have a problem solving it anytime soon. That's because Lexus has decided to launch the facelifted ES sedan that now comes with several updated features.

Amongst the numerous models in this segment that are making you fickle-minded - Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90 - can the updated Lexus ES give its strong peers a run for their money?

A different approach

Just like before, the Lexus ES300h that is our test car here takes a different approach to the aforementioned rivals. While it takes the game to athletic German sedans, the Japanese marque forgoes sportiness and emphasises solely on distinguishing itself as a comfortable cruiser with a cabin that's nothing short of opulent.

This effort, thankfully, has not been wasted. Out on the road, the Lexus manages to iron out undulations and broken surfaces in a calm and composed manner, thanks to heightened rigidity to the rear suspension braces. There's that suave comfort to the way in which the ES deals with any road surfaces.

Honesty is key

The same ride qualities from its already capable predecessor are also still present in this current model that you see here. In other words, the Lexus ES300h manages to move around with its silky smooth and assuring attitude.

Yes, it may not be on par with the competition in terms of driving dynamics, but it doesn't pretend to be sporty either. Hence, you get a very humble and honest experience when behind the wheel, which is a breath of fresh air when you're driving a car that cost some $282,800 (as of 28 October 2021).

That said, the car isn't a slow coach by any means. With a combined output of 214bhp and 221Nm of twisting force sent to the front wheels, the luxury sedan is able to readily offer an agreeable performance that will execute overtaking manoeuvres with ease and confidence. And while cornering isn't the car's forte, it does propose a rather poised handling that wouldn't leave you breaking a sweat.

Around town, the Lexus ES300h is also responsive and light on its feet, thanks to the electric motor supplying you with initial punch from the word go before letting the combustion engine come into play. Hence, opportunities to dart in and out of traffic like a mad man just to pick up your kid on time from school can be done with aplomb.

Safety systems at play

Driven thus, the myriad of safety systems are actively looking out for you. The Lexus ES now comes with the additional features such as Emergency Steering Assist and an improved lane recognition performance, which helps aplenty when you're in a rush.

It also comes with an advanced Adaptive High-Beam System that's on the Lexus RX and the Lexus LS flagship sedan, Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist and Warning Brake Assist, amongst others.

Cabin is a conversation starter

On the inside, words like luxurious, opulent and comfort remain apt when it comes to describing the cabin of the refreshed Lexus ES. Everything is what you'd expect it to be - from fit and finish and space to form and functionality.

All three occupants at the back will be treated with ample head, leg and shoulder room, with the addition of electric controls to recline the seats, activate sunshades and adjust the air-con and audio system.

Up front, comfort levels remain all-time high. The two occupants get to sit up high (which is good for pint-sized drivers), enjoy ventilated seats, as well as well-bolstered leather seats with ample adjustments.

Still as sharp as ever

Elsewhere, you won't find any loose fittings or shoddy materials used. Run your fingers around areas within the cabin that you normally wouldn't and you'd be hard pressed to find anything out of place.

You do, however, get the sense that the luxury sedan remains targeted at the well-heeled folks who are slightly older in age. While its peers have most of the buttons and knobs located inconveniently within their digital screens, the Lexus ES has ample physical switchgear on the centre console, which I'm personally more comfortable with.

Speaking of comfort, I'm also at ease with how the Lexus ES300h looks. While numerous naysayers will lament about how the car's unnecessarily aggressive looks do not match the way the car drives, the folks at sgCarMart beg to differ.

Updates on the daytime running lights, gaping grille that now comes with L-shaped components and new wheel designs all do well to further enhance the car's on-road presence.

On par with the best

Yes, the Lexus ES300h will never lead the pack for driving dynamics nor will it ever be exciting enough to tingle your senses every time you tackle a bend. But you and I will have to understand that the ES was never meant to be that sort of car.

For the very fact that it's tuned for the ultimate comfort cruising experience rather than just your typical outright bruising sports sedan, the Lexus ES should be enough for you to make a sound decision for your Christmas this year.


If you're looking for a luxury sedan, then these popular rivals might also interest you:

The Mercedes-Benz E200 sports a more urgent and refined powertrain, alongside a comfortable ride

There's also the BMW 530i now equipped with mild-hybrid technology and a more muscular exterior

Or you might also be interested in the Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TFSI, with its low-slung exterior and high functionality