The Lexus ES has always been the quiet workaholic of the range – the saloon that sells in huge numbers without making a fuss. The eighth generation, though, wants your attention. It’s 165 mm longer, taller and has a coupe-like profile, and for the first time it offers two fully electric versions alongside hybrids. Eastern European markets even get their own, more powerful hybrid.

Design and interior: the saloon becomes a flagship

The new ES rides on a revised GA-K platform and grows in every direction: 5,140 mm long (+165 mm), a 2,950 mm wheelbase (+80 mm) and 1,920 mm wide (+55 mm). Height jumps by more than 110 mm to 1,555 mm for hybrids and 1,560 mm for BEVs, pointing to a higher seating position and room for a battery underfloor. The design concept is dubbed ‘Clean Tech x Elegance’.

Inside, a 14-inch LexusConnect touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with six layouts take centre stage. A neat touch are the Hidden Switches – touch controls that only light up when the car is switched on. Climate control is tri-zone, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system is optional. Top electric grades can add a rear comfort package with reclining seats, massage and ottoman leg rests. Boot space is 517 litres for the BEVs and 493 litres for the hybrids.

Lexus ES 300h — Photo: Lexus (Lexus Europe Newsroom)

Powertrains: hybrid or electric, your call

Western Europe gets the ES 300h with 144 kW (196 hp) and 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds (7.7 s with AWD). Eastern European markets receive the ES 350h with 182 kW (247 hp), doing 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds (7.5 s AWD). Both use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and are offered with front- or all-wheel drive.

The electric ES 350e has 165 kW (224 hp), front-wheel drive and a 77 kWh gross (72 kWh net) battery for a WLTP range of 493-581 km. The flagship ES 500e gets two motors with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, 252 kW (343 hp), 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and 465-529 km of range. DC charging peaks at 150 kW (10-80% in 30 minutes), and AC charging runs at up to 22 kW.

Lexus ES 350e in Skylight Blue — Photo: Lexus (Lexus Europe Newsroom)

Who is it for, and what does it cost?

Lexus Germany lists the ES from €59,600. That pits it against the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and their electric siblings, the i5 and EQE. On paper the ES won’t win any range or charging-speed contests – 150 kW trails the class best. Its trump card is choice: one model that lets you pick a frugal hybrid or a silent EV, with more space than ever. If you value comfort over bragging rights, the new ES is an intriguing outsider.