History/Overview
The ES is a stalwart of the Lexus lineup, dating back to the late-1980s launch of Toyota's upscale brand. Lexus introduced the current, eight-generation ES as a 2018 model.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
New for 2020 is an upgraded infotainment system that supports the Android Auto smartphone integration platform, as well as Apple CarPlay ability carried forward from last year.
Available Trims
Lexus offers the ES with a 3.5L V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission (ES 350), or a 2.5L four-cylinder with electric motor and continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the ES 300h. Both powertrains can be had in Signature, Premium, Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims, while ES 350 can also be ordered in F Sport Series I and F Sport Series II trims.
Standard Features
All ES variants get the Lexus Safety System suite of driver assists as standard, including forward collision warning with automatic braking, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and all-speed radar cruise control.
Also included are an integrated garage door opener, passive keyless entry, satellite radio, a 10-speaker stereo with 8.0-inch display, auto up/down power windows, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power/heated front seats with lumbar, a 7.0-inch multi-info display, 17-inch tires and alloy wheels, and LED headlights and taillights.
Premium trim adds a 12.3-inch infotainment display, heated steering wheel, parking sensors, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and blind spot monitoring.
F Sport Series I also builds on the entry-level Signature trim with a heated steering wheel, 19-inch tires and wheels, a sport steering wheel, Nuluxe upholstery, adaptive variable suspension, rear spoiler, active sound control, and a drive mode selector.
Luxury trim builds on the Premium package and adds navigation, woodgrain trim, adaptive headlights, 18-inch tires and wheels, a sunroof, upgraded LED headlights, a power rear-window sunshade, ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone charging.
F Sport Series II adds to Luxury trim with 19-inch wheels and tires, adaptive suspension, Nuluxe seating, spoiler, a 17-speaker stereo, and a head-up display.
Finally, Ultra Luxury is set apart by rear door sun shades, noise reduction wheels, hands-free trunk opening, semi-aniline seats, front parking sensors with pedestrian detection, and a birds' eye exterior camera system.
Fuel Economy
Lexus's fuel consumption estimates for the ES are 5.5/5.2 L/100 km (city/highway) for the hybrid ES 300h; 10.7/7.2 L/100 km in the ES 350; and 10.9/7.5 for ES 350 models with either of the F Sport packages.
Competition
With the ES, Lexus competes with the Acura TLX, Kia's Cadenza, the Nissan Maxima, and Volkswagen's Arteon. Toyota's poshest sedan, the Avalon, also challenges the ES in terms of space and comfort, but with slightly less luxury and a lower price.
