Lexus ES 2014 review

The cut-price Lexus ES sedan has made a return, although it is no longer the entry model that it used to be. That honour goes to the CT hatch or the smaller IS sports sedan, both of which form part of a more extensive lineup these days.

Although it was quite popular a few years back the then Camry based ES model was dropped from the range after the factory stopped producing the car in right hand drive form. But, after seven years in the wilderness, Lexus is again producing the car in right hand drive and the ES is back and better than ever.

"We screwed up. We got it wrong,'" a candid Mark Templin confessed. Based in Japan but here for the launch of the ES in Australia the American executive is a big wheel in the company internationally.

Value

There's two models, a V6 and a hybrid, available in two trim levels Luxury and Sports Luxury with prices kicking off at $63,000. It's the first time Lexus has offered hybrid as its entry level model, but if you look at the fine print it misses out on some of the safety gear that is standard across the rest of the range.

Available in an add-on pack for $3000, it brings the "real" price of the hybrid to $66,000, $1000 more than the $65,000 Luxury V6. Moving up the range the Sports Luxury version of the hybrid is priced from $72,000 and the top of the line Sports Luxury V6 tips the scales of $74,000.

Whichever model you opt for you get a fair old chunk of motor vehicle for you money, an E-Class sized car for a C-Class price, a tongue in cheek Aussie chief exec Sean Hanley told journalists. Standard kit includes leather-accented interior, dual zone climate air, satellite navigation, reversing camera, parking sensors, blind spot monitor, sun roof, 10 airbags, eight-speaker audio, smart entry and start, digital radio, Lexus Remote Touch and Drive Mode Select.

Technology

The 3.5-litre V6 is the same engine that's in the Aurion, with a slightly higher output if operated on the recommended 95 RON premium. It produces 204kW of power at 6200 revs and 346Nm of torque from a low 2300 revs. It's teamed with a six-speed auto and sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, with fuel consumption of 9.5 litres/100km. In contrast or perhaps in parallel, the hybrid shares its powertrain with the Camry Hybrid. It combines a 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor, to deliver a combined output of 151kW. Unlike the V6 it employs a continuously variable CVT style transmission and sprints from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds, and uses just 5.5 litres/100km on standard unleaded.

Design

This is the sixth generation ES (we missed out on the fifth). It's been on the market about 18 months in the US and has been subject of one line change already. Although no longer a Camry clone, the ES does share a platform with the US Avalon (or the Avalon shares a platform with it depending on your perspective).

It's been described as a baby version of the $190K Lexus flagship LS but there's nothing tiny about the amount of room in the back, with more than a metre of rear legroom. This and a large boot should endear the car to hire car operators while the quiet, comfy confines of the richly appointed cabin should find favour with older folk.

Luxury models are finished with piano black trim while the Luxury Sports gets real woodgrain (but if you don't like wood there's no fallback). Sadly the satellite navigation system is an older version and does not display speed limits nor speed camera warnings.

Safety

It's designed to score five stars and scores highly in US tests but is yet to receive a rating here. But with 10 airbags and a multitude of safety systems, there's no cause for concern.

Driving

It's amazingly quiet and refined, but don't expect sports car dynamics in a car with a focus primarily on luxury. The big decision is really whether to get the V6 or the Hybrid? For the majority, particularly older less demanding drivers, the hybrid should be more than adequate along with its lower fuel consumption.

Cruising at 110km/h or any other fixed speed for that matter you're not going to be able to tell the difference. The impatient executive mob will however be attracted by the punchier performance offered by the V6. Having said that the regenerative brakes in the hybrid are underwhelming.

Verdict

We like it. The styling is not as polarising as other models, it's oozes luxury, is easy to get into and out of, easy to drive and has oodles of rear legroom. And what about the price...