Lexus ES350h: A Quiet Hybrid Luxury Four-Door in a Sports Sedan Segment

Comfort over sportiness

The ES is a calm, highly fuel-efficient four-door in a segment populated by sports sedans. Drivers who prioritize engaging performance may find it less appealing. Its cabin uses high-quality materials and offers interior space and amenities comparable to rivals from Audi and BMW. The Lexus starts at a lower price than those two sporty sedans, while Toyota’s Crown shares its platform and powertrain and starts lower still.

Hybrid power and efficiency

The ES is offered only as the ES350h hybrid. Front-wheel-drive versions pair a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for 244 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive models add a third motor to power the rear axle; output remains 244 horsepower.

A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard. The EPA estimates up to 48 mpg city, 44 mpg highway and 46 mpg combined; real-world highway fuel-economy results have not yet been reported.

Cabin, technology and safety

The cabin features a stylish dashboard, ambient lighting and faux bamboo wood trim made with 3D printing. Comfortable seats and ample room help adults find a suitable driving position.

A 14.0-inch touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in navigation. A 10-speaker stereo is standard, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system is optional; standard driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and automatic high beams.

Space, testing and coverage

The ES has a 13-cubic-foot trunk, and its listed dimensions include a 116.1-inch wheelbase and a 202.4-inch overall length. The car has not yet been tested; its acceleration is expected to be similar to the Toyota Crown, which reached 60 mph in 7.2 seconds in testing.

Lexus offers longer warranty coverage than BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but its coverage trails Genesis. Crash-test information is available from NHTSA and IIHS.