Lexus ES review

Jump into the driver’s seat and the first thing you’ll notice is how high you sit. Because this car's underbelly wasn't purpose-built to be an EV, you’re perched on top of the battery without a huge amount of headroom if you’re over 6ft tall.

The slimmer seats are comfortable though and the new Lexus steering wheel is a lovely thing to hold with a refreshingly thin rim, proper paddles for altering the regen, and actual buttons for key functions. Behind that is a clear 12.3-inch dial display with many different layout options, while stuck to the centre of the dash is a responsive 14-inch touchscreen.

Top tip: you can turn off the unbearably loud ‘Screen Beep’, although it does require a deep dive into the confusing sub-menus. At least you can add a shortcut to the home screen to turn off the speed limit warning.

Frustratingly there isn’t a physical button or even a shortcut to change the drive mode, so switching from Normal to Eco, Range or Sport requires another trip into the touchscreen. Very odd considering there is still a button on the centre console to turn off the traction control. There’s also no way of changing the fake motor sound while on the move.

What about any other tech?

Underneath the central touchscreen is a row of ‘hidden buttons’ that illuminate when the ignition is on. They provide easy access to a few more key functions, while a separate row of climate controls remains at the bottom of the screen at all times.

Premium Plus and Takumi grades add a head-up display for the driver and an excellent 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system. Wireless phone charging is standard fit, as is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

How are the materials?

Rather lovely, actually. Premium Plus and Takumi cars get real leather seats (with a free choice of colours) and actual bamboo trim on the doors, dash and centre console which is then lit up by the ambient lighting. There’s not a single piece of carbon trim in sight, and the ES is all the better for it.

What is it like in the back?

At 5.1m long, this is the largest ES ever, but it certainly makes the most of its size with a huge amount of legroom for rear seat passengers. The Takumi trim even gets massaging rear seats and a proper leg rest for the passenger side chair so that you can recline in maximum comfort back there.  

Boot space is better than all of the German saloons too (other than the ID.7) at 517 litres – which Lexus tells us is enough space for four golf bags! No frunk for your charging cables, though.