The first generation Lexus ES first saw daylight in 1989 and shared body styling elements with Toyota sedans from the Japan market right through to the fourth generation. The previous fifth, however, was the turning point for Lexus.
Featuring the luxury carmaker's very own L-finesse body styling, the Lexus ES started garnering more interest amongst potential buyers of the 5 Series and the E-Class. Unfortunately, Singapore didn't get to it because it was only available for left-hand drive countries.
Now, Lexus is on a mission to change its reputation. Shying away from the old man's car status, the carmaker's lineup is sportier than ever, and that includes the current sixth generation Lexus ES.
Exterior
In a bid to capture the attention of younger buyers, the Japanese marque has completely replaced the conservative image of its past with something much more aggressive now. As a result, the new Lexus ES, like the GS and the sporty IS, sports a new seductive exterior design that will easily turn heads.
Featuring the luxury carmaker's very own L-finesse body styling, the Lexus ES started garnering more interest amongst potential buyers of the 5 Series and the E-Class. Unfortunately, Singapore didn't get to it because it was only available for left-hand drive countries.
Now, Lexus is on a mission to change its reputation. Shying away from the old man's car status, the carmaker's lineup is sportier than ever, and that includes the current sixth generation Lexus ES.
Exterior
In a bid to capture the attention of younger buyers, the Japanese marque has completely replaced the conservative image of its past with something much more aggressive now. As a result, the new Lexus ES, like the GS and the sporty IS, sports a new seductive exterior design that will easily turn heads.
While that may sound a little hard to believe, especially when the car is up against competitors such as the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Lexus ES appears to be less busy-looking yet more aggressive than both its German competitors - a feat that isn't easy to achieve considering these two dispositions don't usually go hand-in-hand.
Measuring 4,900mm x 1,820mm x 1,450mm (L x W x H), the L-Finesse trademark spindle grille design language continues to take centre stage while the arrowhead LED daytime running lights and rear combination lights see to the perfect enhancement of the car's appearance.
Measuring 4,900mm x 1,820mm x 1,450mm (L x W x H), the L-Finesse trademark spindle grille design language continues to take centre stage while the arrowhead LED daytime running lights and rear combination lights see to the perfect enhancement of the car's appearance.
Interior
Like all Lexus cars that we've come to know, the cabin continues its mark of sporting high quality materials, supple leather and excellent fit and finish. Thus, with the ES, expressing that the cabin is comfortable is simply stating the obvious.
What's also obvious is the fact that it's easy to see why brand loyalty is so high with Lexus. Given the generous size of the cabin, you just won't see the necessity of buying a larger Lexus.
Thanks to an increase of 100mm in wheelbase compared to the fourth generation, as well as the lack of a transmission tunnel, passengers at the back will get to enjoy ample legroom.
Like all Lexus cars that we've come to know, the cabin continues its mark of sporting high quality materials, supple leather and excellent fit and finish. Thus, with the ES, expressing that the cabin is comfortable is simply stating the obvious.
What's also obvious is the fact that it's easy to see why brand loyalty is so high with Lexus. Given the generous size of the cabin, you just won't see the necessity of buying a larger Lexus.
Thanks to an increase of 100mm in wheelbase compared to the fourth generation, as well as the lack of a transmission tunnel, passengers at the back will get to enjoy ample legroom.
However, while Lexus boasts about the generous luggage capacity of 490 litres, it loses out to both the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The redesigned dashboard, with a deep recessed infotainment display that is operated by Lexus' Remote Touch Interface (RTI), shares the same styling cues as the Lexus GS and is now more driver-centric - offering drivers a better ergonomic interaction. Buttons and controls are all intuitive and straight forward, too.
The redesigned dashboard, with a deep recessed infotainment display that is operated by Lexus' Remote Touch Interface (RTI), shares the same styling cues as the Lexus GS and is now more driver-centric - offering drivers a better ergonomic interaction. Buttons and controls are all intuitive and straight forward, too.
Drivetrain
The ES won't replace the GS, but it's a genuinely good car to operate. While the electronic power steering is a tad numb round sharper corners, it offers a fair bit of feedback when operating long sweeping bends, allowing drivers to cut a smooth, single arc without needing to correct the line. Thus, it gives drivers the confidence to go faster and harder.
Around Kuala Lumpur city roads, the Lexus ES offers a very comfortable drive, with a soft suspension and quiet ride. Lexus has, no doubt, spent oodles of time getting every last vibration out of the driving experience.
This smooth operator, while isn't exactly a rocket, is very well-behaved - making the car one that you can cruise long distances without feeling exhausted.
Like the GS and IS, there are also three settings to suit the mood of the driver: Eco, Normal and Sport. The Eco mode, as its name suggests, makes quick burst of speed a little tough. Normal mode, however, delivers reasonable response that you would come to expect from a 2.5-litre Lexus.
The ES won't replace the GS, but it's a genuinely good car to operate. While the electronic power steering is a tad numb round sharper corners, it offers a fair bit of feedback when operating long sweeping bends, allowing drivers to cut a smooth, single arc without needing to correct the line. Thus, it gives drivers the confidence to go faster and harder.
Around Kuala Lumpur city roads, the Lexus ES offers a very comfortable drive, with a soft suspension and quiet ride. Lexus has, no doubt, spent oodles of time getting every last vibration out of the driving experience.
This smooth operator, while isn't exactly a rocket, is very well-behaved - making the car one that you can cruise long distances without feeling exhausted.
Like the GS and IS, there are also three settings to suit the mood of the driver: Eco, Normal and Sport. The Eco mode, as its name suggests, makes quick burst of speed a little tough. Normal mode, however, delivers reasonable response that you would come to expect from a 2.5-litre Lexus.
Selecting the Sport mode does produce a more enthusiastic driving experience. It's also in this mode when you'll find 181bhp and 235Nm of torque put to full use. While it doesn't transform the Lexus ES into an autobahn athlete, it'll complete the century sprint in a sprightly 9.8 seconds.
To simply put, the Lexus ES is more like The Carpenters and Chicago rather than Metallica and Manic Street Preachers.
Conclusion
The Lexus ES is highly competent and luxurious in more ways than one. It is not, however, a car for enthusiasts. Calling it a sports sedan would be a stretch but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This car is a clear cruiser that will transport its occupants in serene comfort.
If you are looking for room rather than vroom and ride comfort, the ES must be on your list.
To simply put, the Lexus ES is more like The Carpenters and Chicago rather than Metallica and Manic Street Preachers.
Conclusion
The Lexus ES is highly competent and luxurious in more ways than one. It is not, however, a car for enthusiasts. Calling it a sports sedan would be a stretch but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This car is a clear cruiser that will transport its occupants in serene comfort.
If you are looking for room rather than vroom and ride comfort, the ES must be on your list.
