What Lexus lacks in personality it makes up for in class

The all-new electric Lexus ES 350e is ​without question, a large executive saloon, something the marque has a successful track record in producing

Lexus, Toyota’s ‘luxury brand’, has long been been known for, well, luxury. There has always been a marked uplift not only the quality between the interiors of Toyota models and those of Lexus, but in many cases in the way their respective models actually drive. There has always been a serene-like quality to the Lexus.

So the arrival of the all-new electric Lexus ES 350e is one which is important for the brand. The Lexus ES first arrived in the UK when the order books opened in late 2018, but as it had appeared in numerous other markets since 1989, the first version we actually received was the seventh generation. Now we have the eighth-gen, and while it’s available as a hybrid in the American market, UK buyers have to satisfy themselves with the all-electric model. At this stage it’s important to highlight the ES flies in the face of what appears to be a tidal wave of buyers’ desire to move towards SUVs. This is, without question, a large executive saloon, something Lexus has a successful track record in producing. Afterall, it was the Lexus LS which was the brand’s introductory model into the UK. The question today though is, is there still actually a market for a big executive saloon, and especially one which is available solely as an EV? We grabbed one of the first new ES models in the UK to find out.

Ok, tell me more about the new ES

The first thing is it’s significantly larger than the seventh-generation version. This is not a small car. It’s actually bordering on limousine status. Interestingly, Lexus calls the ES a ‘classic saloon’. The tape measure would have you questioning the use of the word ‘classic. At 5.1-metres long, it’s much larger than the previous model. In fact it’s only 90mm shorter than the now terminated LS flagship. And if you think the current BMW i5 is big, well the ES is 80mm longer and 45mm taller. Other premium rivals, including the Volvo ES90 and Mercedes EQE, are also smaller than the Lexus. So let’s put the ES’s size immediately in perspective. Of course, there are logical benefits to such large external dimensions. It creates acres of interior space, something further enhanced by the extension of the wheelbase by 80mm over the previous ES. Unfortunately though, thanks to its multi-fuel platform — remember there is a hybrid version available in other markets — the rear floor is compromised by a hump in the middle of the floor. This 2026 ES gets a completely new look compared to its previous iterations. Viewed from the side it certainly looks less saloon-like than the seventh-gen car, and unquestionably different from its more traditional rivals. Despite the clever styling, it’s still a four-door with a top-hinged boot. The designers have also focused on aerodynamics, targeting an improvement in fuel efficiency and a reduction in cabin noise. Worth pointing out that one of the big stylistic points in the cabin is the use of bamboo trim on the doors. I know: very plush. In the UK the ES will only be available in all-electric single-motor 350e form, and with a choice of three trim levels.

What are the trim details?

Although it wasn’t available to drive, Lexus provided a top-of-the-range Takumi to check out; plus I got a pic with it. And here the limousine-like environment was really clear to see. Not only does it gain an electric sunshade for the rear window, plus heating and ventilation functions for the rear seats, but those back seats are reclinable. And they don’t encroach on the 517-litre boot space, which Lexus says it’s good for stashing four 9.5in golf bags packed front-to-back. Embedded neatly away in the fold-down centre armrest lies a control panel which allows the rear occupants to extend the ‘ottoman-style’ leg rest and fold forward the front passenger seat for maximum space and comfort. Sure it means you can’t have a front seat passenger in the car, but if you’re a high-flying exec, have a chauffeur and need to catch up on your zzzzzzs, then Lexus has the perfect solution in the ES Takumi. The other two lower-spec trim levels are still plush and have that lovely air of luxury and refinement to them, but they don’t have the “I’m going to sleep now’” seat adjustability in the rear. The Premium Plus, which I tested, does get Lexus’ impressive semi-aniline leather upholstery, plus the attractive bamboo trim.

Power, range and charging

As I mentioned, only one powerplant is available, the single-motor 350e with the 77kWh battery mated to a 221bhp motor which sends all the power to the front wheels. The entry-level Premium trim delivers the longest range at 361-miles, which in the current climate isn’t exactly jaw-dropping in terms of a headline. In terms of practical driving though it’s perfectly acceptable. I do feel we all get hung-up about maximum range distance which, in real life, we’d generally never do in one continuous drive without a stop to personally refuel, recharge and have a comfort break anyway. So plug the car in, charge and move on. But disappointingly there is a significant drop in range when you opt for the top-spec Takumi, which can only manage 326-miles. Less in real world driving, and probably under 300-miles. Performance? In all trim levels you’ll cover the 0-62mph sprint in 8.0secs, and carry on to a max of 99mph. As for charging, the ES can charge at up to 150kW DC, which will see you get from 10-80% in 28 minutes. Use a 22kW AC connection and you’ll achieve 10-100% in four hours.

Right, how does it drive? Interestingly, while many new electric cars build in buttons and software which allows the driver to give themselves and their car a performance boost — say, for trying to impress people away from the traffic lights, or adding speed for a probably unnecessary overtaking manoeuvre — the Lexus ES doesn’t. It simply focuses on being the wonderfully comfortable cruiser it was always designed to be. This is a car which will gently waft away the miles, whether you’re crossing the country on A-roads, or ploughing away on the motorway. Serenity is probably the key word, because the ES simply does everything in a gentle, relaxed mode. That’s aided by the new shift-by-wire system fitted to the ES 350e. Operated using a compact toggle control in the centre console, it delivers smooth and easy forward or backward movements to select park/drive/reverse/neutral. And it’s not slow. Anything but. Sure the 8.0s to 62mph from standstill may feel on the leisurely side, but hey, what’s the rush. Sit back and enjoy the ambience. The ride is sublime, essentially gliding over all but the biggest road imperfections, whether you’re on either the standard-fit 19in or the 21in alloys. The ES is built for cruising. And though, as I said previously it’s a big car, the well-weighted steering ensures it’s easy to place the car wherever you want it on the road, whether it’s hustling through corner or ticking of the miles on the motorway. And for its size, the ES is also a dawdle to park, aided by the super-efficient and sharp all-round cameras. If you’ve been used to driving an SUV and benefitting from its higher driving position, you might initially take bad with the slightly lower seating position in the ES. But embrace it — I’m only 5ft 9in — and you’ll find everything just lines up pretty perfectly. And the cabin is quiet. It’s a haven of calm. Even the indicator ticks aren’t obtrusive, let alone the gentle prompts of the ADAS interventions. If only all modern cars were as soft on the ears as the Lexus ES.

And the interior? First, there’s acres of space for all occupants, whether in the front or the rear. Head and legroom abound. I defy anyone to feel they’re cramped in any of the ES seats. The driver gets a new steering wheel which has ditched the Lexus log for new ‘Lexus’ script. It’s a neat touch. The wheel now also has a number of new buttons, all of which have a reassuring quality feel to them and complete their function with a confident smoothness and efficiency. There’s very much a minimalist look to the cabin. Lots of clean lines are capped off by a simple central screen, plus there are a couple of cupholders which, cleverly, can be hidden away under a sliding cover. There’s also numerous storage areas secreted about the cabin, and even a central box which the designers have hinged on both sides so you and your passenger can both access it individually. Across the whole of the interior, Lexus has taken every opportunity to remind the drivers and occupants that the ES is targeted at quality. What physical switchgear there is beautifully damped and robustly tactile I specifically like the bank of climate controls, which are hidden when the car is parked simply because they’re not illuminated. And they play tricks with your mind. Your first assumption is that they’re touch-sensitive, but the reality is there’s a reassuring click every time you press one of them. It’s an especially satisfying sensation when you’re driving. Much safer and reassuring than trying to find something deep inside a software screen. That said, the ES gets next-generation infotainment system. Operated via a 14-inch touchscreen which sits high on the dashboard, it not only integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at ease, but also cleverly always displays a raft of shortcut widgets. Sitting below the screen are the climate controls detailed above. Back to the screen which is always quick to respond and, more importantly, displays the various menus and controls over a large screen space. This again not only makes operating them easier, but much safer. The driver also gets a crystal clear customisable display. Opt for the Premium Plus trim and not only do you get the bamboo detail on the interior door panels, which looks good on its own, but you can also light it up in an array of different colours depending on your mode.

Prices and standard kit

You have the choice of three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Takumi. Prices start at £59,345, before a hefty leap to £68,245 for the mid-range Premium Plus. The Takumi tops that even further, as it’s priced from £72,545. So none of the three are exactly cheap. As for standard kit, it’s decent enough. Premium includes a panoramic roof, 10-speaker stereo with ‘active sound control’ to filter out road noise, powered, heated and cooled front seats, the hidden buttons on the dash plus a 14in screen. In fairness, you get more goodies as standard with the Premium Plus, including that attractive bamboo interior trim and semi-aniline leather upholstery, an easy-closing system for the doors, a second wireless charging pad in the central console, a head-up display and an upgraded, more powerful 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system. You need to go for the Takumi to get the clever reclining rear seats, which are also heated and cooled, plus you get sunshades for the windows and a central control panel for the climate control in the rear.

Verdict

The Lexus ES is a tough one to call. Without question it’s beautifully relaxing and comfortable to drive. But does it stir the senses? Not really. Which is a pity. The Lexus is one of those cars which does absolutely everything you want in a car, but it just lacks a strong personality. I mentioned earlier it’s not cheap, but if you go for the £59,345 entry-level Premium — which makes perfect sense as all three trim levels have the same powertrain and performance, plus it has the longest range — you’ll find it’s almost £10,000 cheaper than rivals such as the BMW i5 and Volvo ES90. I keep coming back to the fact the Lexus ES is a superbly refined and spacious way to travel. It certainly is a large conservative saloon which will, of course, appeal to a certain type of buyer. And those who select the ES most likely will not be disappointed.

Fact box

Lexus ES 350e Premium Plus Price: From £59,345 Powertrain: 77kWh battery, 1x e-motor Power/Torque: 221bhp / 269Nm Transmission: Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive Top speed / 0-62mph: 99mph / 8.0secs Range: 361-miles (WLTP)

Charging: 150kW (10-80% in 28 minutes) CO2: 0g/km Dimensions (L/W/H): 5140mm / 1920mm / 1560mm On sale: Now