Lexus ES 250 Hybrid Luxury Review: In the lap of luxury

What we like:

Excellent ride comfort with impressive body control. Quiet interior even at highway speeds.

What we dislike:

Vague steering feel that is slow to react.

The ES300h tested here is powered by a more robust evolution of the 2.5-litre inline four that is used in the ES250. Here the engine chucks out 205bhp @ 5,700rpm with 213Nm of torque from 4,500rpm. Working in tandem with the electric motor based on a more developed hybrid system used in the Prius, the large sedan can finish the century sprint in just 8.5 seconds.

On the road, the ES cruises as well as any other model in the Lexus stable. The cabin maintains a serene atmosphere even at higher expressway speeds. More than that, the ride comfort is exemplary and quashes any comparison to its less illustrious donor vehicle instantly.

Despite being envisioned as a luxury car, like its older sibling the LS, the ES can hold its own when met with a few bends. Underneath the svelte body is a very capable chassis that was developed further by Lexus engineers.

Opposite-wound front coil springs enhance straight-line control which explains the car’s poise and balance even on a wet road. While the rear is kept in check with a dual-link strut suspension system.

Being the only front wheel drive (FWD) hybrid vehicle currently available anywhere, the ES doesn’t feel the least bit uncooperative in the corners. Allowing the driver to maintain confident control even when cornering a bend at higher than recommended speeds. The rear suspension does a great job of maintaining stability without excessive body roll.

While it maintains excellent body control, we felt that the Electric Power Steering lacked the feel and speed yearned by keen drivers. But this shouldn’t be a big issue for the clients the ES is intended for.

After a seven year hiatus, the latest ES seems to have skipped a whole generation forward. And it did! Considering the fifth generation wasn’t sold in Singapore as it was only available in left hand drive, Lexus decided to bring it back due to its popularity.

Despite the performance it promises, the ES300h remains a frugal machine that goes up to 18.8km/L. Not only that, the large sedan is friendly to the environment too. Producing just 130g/km of CO2.

The new ES is truly well within the lap of luxury.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline