Lexus ES 2020 in-depth review - Carbuyer

The Lexus ES is an executive saloon aimed squarely at the luxury car market. It’s been designed to attract buyers away from the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Mercedes E-Class. Unlike its rivals, the ES is only available as a hybrid with a petrol engine and automatic gearbox. Can it steal sales away from its rivals? Batch delivers the Carbuyer verdict.

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[whatevernevermind]

Pure comfort, not sporty, thank goodness.

[glenndejong]

Soothing but ultra reliable, unlike German cars which are a money pit after five years .

[tommymician]

I love how James is now considered a great reviewer, not like it was when he replaced Mat at carbuyer.
Personally, I think he's an unbiased, informative, yet entertaining presenter who isn't afraid to point out the negatives of some cars that deserve it.
None of his videos sound like advertising at all, which is rather rare in the world of modern automotive journalism.

[nickregnier]

Personally, the ES is ok, but I would say this: bring back Lexus GS (rear-wheel drive and with the options of all variant engines 250, 300h, 450h GSF (in the UK) and with the option of 350 would be great. A new GS shape to make it exciting to look at and the model would be a serious contender to all German cars...

[GameGodever]

3:46 "it's a bit of a narrow entry but it is very deep indeed" *just the way I like it*

[TalismanPHX]

Pure rolling smoothness and comfort. Plus Lexus resale value and high reliability. Meant for an older, more mature buyer. Thus the higher seat hip point. Doesn't the front seats have height adjustment? The touchpad for the infotainment system is universally panned, yet Lexus keeps it. BTW, the ES is based on the Avalon chassis, which itself is a stretched wheelbase version of the Camry.

A shame that V6 engine isn't on offer in the UK....

[enigma]

Nice review. Forgot to mention that the quality, not the perceived quality, is in a different universe when compared to the German 3. It will not break down all the time and total cost of ownership is tempting when you buy a car with your own money.

[rubenito]

Take a tequila shot every time he says "indeed".

[YananoBere]

Your reviews are excellent, thorough and unbiased James. So glad people are finally appreciating it 👌🏾

[comments]

I owned this ES but the 2.5L non hybrid. The pad for the info sensitivity and force feedback can be changed to your liking just like a PC mouse pad. It took me only a day to get used to it.

[rafftime]

I believe it’s shares the Avalon platform not And the Toyota Camry

[Ambienfinity]

Good review, James. I like it, but then again, I drive Japanese and like the reliaibility. I suspect like other Toyotas I've driven it won't be better to drive than BMW or Audi, but will be better to OWN.

[larry]

Enjoyed your review. I have a 2016 IS 300h and am looking at the ES to upgrade but I am waiting for a touch screen. Do you know if Lexus are getting rid of that horrible touch pad in next years model?

[dimekoza]

Funny, me being 6'5'' tall and about 120Kg, I didn't find any problems with seating in the ES, front or rear. It was perfect for me.

[whynot]

I liked the video, simple and clear thanks for u r kind review.

[gdfeeling]

Like it. Somehow I see it as replacement for SAAB 9-5

[alisadiq]

The new lexus full of quality and dependability but the new Hyundai Azera has the best dash design and beautiful classic exterior with a low price .

[panzer_TZ]

The GS 350 is more of an E Class or 5 series competitor. The ES is like if Mercedes made an “ELA 300”. A cheaper FWD-based luxury midsized car like how the CLA 250 is a cheaper FWD-based luxury compact car. The charm of the ES is that you get the space of a larger midsized luxury car, but it costs $10, 000-$15, 000 less than a comparable GS, E Class, A6, or 5 series. Especially if you’re just using the car as a luxurious commuter and don’t care about the extra dynamics.

[sunnymohem]

I’d have to disagree with the size, I’m in Canada and I’ve had the chance to drive a ES350 and I’m 6’3 i had no issues with the head room and my knees did not hit the steering column. Maybe the North American ES might be bigger than the European model

[productboy]

I was just at a Lexus dealer this morning, they had 11 or 12 new ES350's and only one had the Mark Levinson sound system. Not sure why Lexus does not include the ML surround sound in more cars.