"The Lexus is longer, lower and wider than before, boasting a 50mm longer wheelbase compared to the previous ES."
The Lexus ES has always been synonymous for being a great car for passengers. With its front wheel drive layout - as opposed to its other saloon sibling, the rear wheel drive Lexus GS - it allows a stretched wheelbase and a flat rear floor, thereby giving limo-like legroom especially for rear passengers.
What is a little less unceremonious though is the ES is also famously referred to as a rich man’s Camry, for the chassis, engine and gearbox are shared with the latter. Thus, the ES has its work cut out to prove that it is worthy of the Lexus badge.
Design-wise, a layman wouldn’t be able to tell at all that the two cars are related. The Lexus is longer, lower and wider than before, boasting a 50mm longer wheelbase compared to the previous ES. There is a long sloping roofline that lends the car a presence that it never had before. Together with the spindle grille and exquisite details like the LED rear lamps, the car looks sophisticated and luxurious, even beautiful.
Inside
The good news continues inside. Following the Lexus Future Interior concept in the LC with that soulful V8 and the flagship LS, the ES’s interior is futuristic yet comforting. Cabin materials in general are top-shelf and only when you reach for the bottoms of the doors do you find any hard plastic. Lexus claims that the steering wheel is ‘customised’ through studying the palm pressure points on the wheel to achieve the most natural grip no matter how you hold it. In practice, they do feel very ergonomic. If you recall the old Lexus days where wood trim may look like plastic, forget them now. The Shimamoku wood trim in the ES is multi-layered and took 67 manufacturing steps over 38 days to put together. It looks exquisite. Such is the level of detail Lexus went into the interior.
There is a huge 12.3-inch display next to the digital instruments which is nice to look at but difficult to operate due to the infamous Lexus trackpad. Worst still, if you use Apple CarPlay, there is no touch screen so it is not intuitive at all. Lexus updated this in the latest RX so hopefully the ES gets a touch screen too. There is a wireless charger in the centre armrest compartment, however if you wanted to check your phone often you may find it inconvenient.
In the Luxury Edition we drove, the specification was absolutely sumptuous. The semi-aniline leather seats feel soft and delicate, while rear sunshades ensure maximum privacy and the rear seats can recline by up to 8 degrees, too. This is one car where I preferred to sit at the back than to drive.
The Drive
Based on the GA-K platform, Lexus achieved a torsional rigidity that rivals the GA-L rear-wheel drive platform of the LC coupe and the LS sedan. Various grades of high tensile steel reduced weight, while an all-new multi-link rear suspension, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat gave the ES a new level of precision.
It shows the moment you show the ES a corner. Despite its comfort-biased nature, the car handles very willingly, the rear feeling planted and secure. The steering is nicely judged so that it doesn’t really feel artificial.
With all that great ingredients for handling, it is a tad underwhelming when it comes to the engine. Yes, the 8-speed torque converter is fairly responsive and unoffensive, but it cannot mask the weaknesses of the 2.5-litre nearly enough. If driven very gently, it is passably refined, but once you need more pace it doesn’t quite deliver. It is incongruent with the character of the rest of the car, feeling a little strained and out of place in all that luxury. It may have some fast-burn combustion technology and advanced heat management, but in practice it still feels rather average.
Thankfully, the car does its level best to mask away the roughness of its engine. The entire floor board is covered inside and out, and A, B and C pillars all contain PUR foam to block as much noise as possible from reaching passengers’ ears. In the Luxury Edition, there are even noise reducing wheels that direct sound waves into a chamber and quells them into heat instead. The result is a very quiet cruise, so long as you don’t push the engine too hard.
Our Thoughts
The ES is a wonderful car. Lexus pulled out the stops on their detailed engineering to obsessive levels. The results are appreciable in the way the car rides, handles and drives. It is extremely likable and its main weakness is its engine.The ES is truly a winner in its class in the measures of comfort and luxury, though we would prefer the hybrid 300h model which has a little more pace.
Quick and hassle free. Got a good price for my car
Kok Wen Yen - 1 week ago
Fast to get a quote and so easy to complete the transaction with the dealer. Thumb up! Thank u.
Ricky - 1 week ago
A happy customer ! Swiftquote provides fast and courteous service. I sold to the 3rd prospective buyer within a week. I appreciate the speed and how swiftquote keeps me updated as things move.
Nitin Pande - 1 week ago
Friendly customer service (Ms Renai), fair pricing, easy liaise, easy transaction and easy transfer.
Abdul Rahman Bin Kamis - 1 week ago
My experience with SwiftQuote for selling my car was one the best. I got a very good quote, reliable and good purchaser and the was mediated such that gave me peace of mind.
Muhammad Raza Zaidi - 2 weeks ago
Efficient process and platform. Very active and engaging Client Success Manager. Happy and pleasant experience. Thank you.
Ms Yap - 2 weeks ago
Prompt service and experienced agent. Will recommend my friends and relatives .
Suruji Rawi - 2 weeks ago
Very prompt quote received over the weekend and great support from Angie to liaise and follow up with the car dealer leading up to handover/sale of car. The car dealer is patient to explain the required procedures and followed thru by the book. Overall very satisfied with the experience.
Koh Li Sian - 3 weeks ago
Angie was a great help and gave very good advice to me, a first timer. Appreciate the excellent service!
Clyde Ong - 3 weeks ago
Within 24 hours Renai from SwiftQuote - Carousell managed to find a buyer to purchase my car! From the first contact, Renai was professional and courteous; told her my expected price and she spared no effort to find a matching buyer. Superb and professional service by all! Strongly recommended!!!
Jeff - 3 weeks ago
Engine |
|
Engine Capacity | 2487cc |
Engine Type | Inline 4 |
Compression Ratio | 13:1 |
Bore x Stroke | (87.5 x 103.4)mm |
Power | 203bhp @ 6600rpm |
Torque | 247Nm @ 5000rpm |
Power to Weight | 125.3 bhp per ton |
Performance |
|
Acceleration | 9.1s (0-100 km/h) |
Top Speed | 210 km/h |
Fuel Consumption (combined) | 15.2 km/L |
Misc Technical Data |
|
Transmission | 8 -speed Auto |
Drive Type | FF |
Steering | Electric |
Measurements |
|
Body Type | Sedan |
Dimension (L x W x H) |
(2110 x 1865 x 1445) mm |
Wheelbase | 2870 mm |
Turning Circle | 11.8 metres |
Kerb Weight | 1620 kg |
Boot Capacity | 490 L |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L |
Brakes |
|
Brakes (Front) | Ventilated Discs |
Brakes (Rear) | Discs |