Lexus ES 300h review finds it leads sedans for space and value

Laying claim to the most luxurious sedan you can buy for less than $80k, this plush Lexus ES 300h four-door offers prestige and efficiency with a hybrid setup.

One meme popped up on social media last week. There was a man hanging around a bowser at the service station. The attendant asked: “Can I help you”. He replied: “Nah, just looking”.

With the price of unleaded pushing past $2 per litre, the spotlight has never shone so brightly on fuel efficiency.

Interest surrounding hybrids and electric vehicles dramatically elevated over the past month as Russia’s attack on Ukraine played a pivotal role in the skyrocketing price of oil.

Lexus and parent company Toyota has arguably the simplest and most efficient hybrid set-up. No plugging in to recharge batteries, simply drive like any other car and reap the benefits of sipping less juice in the process.

There’s good reason why so many taxis use vehicles with these drivetrains.

The Lexus ES not only offers super-thrifty fuel consumption, but lays claim to being the most luxurious sedan you can get for the money.

The Lexus ES 300h in Sports Luxury specification.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: Polished and insanely quiet, the ES is everything I have come to expect of Lexus.

GRANT: I’ve always said that for those who don’t get a chance to ride in luxury cars often, it would live up to expectations. European vehicles can sometimes favour performance and feel firm, whereas these Lexus sedans are like floating on clouds.

KEL: You said this was going to be a medium-sized sedan, but it feels much larger.

GRANT: Dimensions technically have the ES as a competitor to its withdrawn former stablemate, the IS, as well as the likes of BMW’s 3 Series and a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but it feels more like a Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon of old – only a gigantic step up in luxury levels.

KEL: The silent driving experience and plush finishes usually leads to a reasonable sticker price.

GRANT: We drove the base hybrid Luxury model, which starts on the road for just over $70k. Our car was bolstered by the Enhancement pack, which takes the drive-away outlay to $78,500.

KEL: Given the kit included, I was expecting something closer to $100,000.

GRANT: To gain similar interior space in the prestige world you’d looking at at least $100k for a BMW 5 Series, Audi A7 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For greener options, the Peugeot 508 Fastback GT Plug-in Hybrid is just over $80k drive-away.

Inside the Lexus ES 300h F Sport with the ‘Enhancement’ pack.

THE LIVING SPACE

KEL: While beautifully finished, I can’t help but get an “older gentleman” vibe.

GRANT: Attribute that to the walnut brown finishes across the dash, steering wheel and doors. Other more modern options are available, and F Sport derivatives can have flashy red upholstery.

KEL: Thankfully this model has a touchscreen as an option for the main screen operation. I know how much you dislike the infotainment controller pad.

GRANT: It’s my greatest frustration with Lexus cars. It migrated from a mouse to a touchpad, but I find it takes your attention away from the road. The 12.3-inch touchscreen armed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto gives the infotainment a modern edge as the general system look and feel is otherwise ageing.

KEL: The leather trim is lovely and the heating function is a must. I use that a lot to soothe aches and pains after the gym, but the ventilation is also useful for cooling things down on hot days.

GRANT: The ES has a strong list of features, like dual zone aircon, 10-speaker stereo and a sunroof, but the Enhancement pack throws in power boot lid, panoramic view monitor for parking, side window blinds for those in the back and a power rear sunshade.

KEL: I wasn’t a fan of some of the daily functional spaces around the shifter, especially the front cupholders that are separated.

GRANT: One sits open, the other is below the pop-up door near the two USB-C ports. One indication of the buying audience comes from the fact this still has a CD player.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

THE COMMUTE

KEL: With power in the battery, the ES gets off to a silent start.

GRANT: Steady use of the accelerator and the four-cylinder engine doesn’t fire until required. Even when it does operate, the sedan is smooth and silky.

KEL: It really soaks up the bumps and lumps beautifully.

GRANT: Off the line it’s no rocket ship, rather smooth and linear in its acceleration.

KEL: Driving is so relaxed in the ES. And all the safety gear is there without being too intrusive.

GRANT: The more time I spent driving, the more I enjoyed the pure opulence it offered.

The Lexus ES 300h has touchscreen functionality for its infotainment.

THE SHOPPING

KEL: Having that aerial camera view is great for parking. And it has that cool warning function which lets you know if there is oncoming traffic when reversing.

GRANT: Feeling big inside doesn’t translate to the external dimensions so it’s nimble within concrete confines.

KEL: Boot space was good enough for our family weekly grocery shop.

GRANT: At more than 450 litres that’s a useful load area, but there is no split-fold rear seats – just a ski port – for sporting equipment or other odd-sized gear.

Interior features of the Lexus ES in Luxury specification.

THE SUNDAY RUN

KEL: Taking a long trip would certainly be comfortable.

GRANT: The ES eats up the highway kilometres with ease. Step off the straights and it’s no sports car, with some body roll and dipping around the bends. Although when you’re not pushing the dynamic envelope it performs with dexterity and composure.

Average fuel consumption of the Lexus ES 300h should be about five litres for every 100km - using premium unleaded.

THE FAMILY

KEL: Rear seat space was the highlight.

GRANT: Three adults can find enough space across the rear bench. For two it’s fit for royalty with ample head, knee and leg room.

KEL: Two USB points near the air vents kept the kids happy and charged.

GRANT: Warranty coverage is now five years and unlimited kilometres, bolstered from four years/100,000km, which matches the likes of Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Hybrid battery coverage is eight years.

KEL: How are the overall running costs?

GRANT: We averaged 5.4L/100km of premium unleaded, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size. Services are capped for three, each costing $495 and are required annually or every 15,000km. Lexus also has a loyalty program with a range of benefits, like free loan cars during services, valet parking at some shopping centres and access to loan cars when travelling interstate.

The Lexus ES 300h Sports Luxury.

THE VERDICT

KEL: Absolute luxury, the ES has plenty of prestige and is beautiful to drive or be chauffeured within. The sedan shape really isn’t on my shopping list, so I’d probably still be chasing an SUV.

GRANT: You and just about every other Australian it seems – if a ute is out of the question. The ES drives better and offers greater dynamics than the equivalent SUV, and those who want reliability along with opulence will struggle to find better in a medium-size sedan.