SINGAPORE – Lexus skipped a multi-year beat with its ES sedan, a model that, in its fourth-generation, enjoyed lots of success. The fifth-generation model was left-hand drive only, but the ES was so beloved by some that some owners still hold onto theirs even though local sales ended back in 2006.

We’ve explained it before, but in a nutshell the ES is a large luxury sedan that’s (in a sense) a new addition to the Lexus line-up. Even though Lexus already has a large luxury sedan, the GS, the ES is focused on value-for-money and luxury. The ES 250, to illustrate, costs less than a small executive sedan like the IS, but is longer than a GS.

With such a price point and appeal amongst buyers that have no problems with cash flow, the ES 250 looks set to replicate the success it enjoyed before. But Lexus isn’t the same company it once was, and neither is Singapore the sort of market it once was. To put this into perspective, the ES sold around 3,000 units in total here – an unthinkable number today.

Walking towards the sixth generation Lexus ES 250, one has the impression of smoothness and fluidity, with an air of quiet elegance. Like all new Lexus models, it incorporates the updated L-Finesse design language, the most obvious touch being the huge chrome ‘spindle’ grille that adds a modern touch to the overall aesthetics of the car, as well as the arrowhead shaped LED daytime running lights. Given the target audience, Lexus has wisely chosen not to take big risks with the design, but one thing’s for sure, you can’t say it looks anywhere as boring as its fourth-gen predecessor does.

Like many modern machines, the ES has been designed with aerodynamics in mind. It’s got a coefficient of drag of 0.27, which is almost as good as the impressive GS, which has 0.26. A Toyota Prius ‘only’ has 0.29, in comparison.

Like the IS sedan, Lexus worked on smoothing turbulent airflow around the A-pillars, which is why there are small fins at the side mirror, while under-carriage panels that directs airflow around the car.

Attention to airflow, lots of insulating material and a quiet drivetrain means the ES ticks the biggest box in its reason for existence: refinement.

Smooth like silk, the four-cylinder engine is relaxingly silent; that, including the car’s design that eliminates most of any ambient noise.

It’s got a quoted 184bhp from the naturally-aspirated engine, so you have to rev it to get the car to really move. The Lexus Drive Mode Select comes in handy here: choose between Eco, Normal and Sport mode to aid in your requirements. Whilst already comfortably powerful on Eco mode, which maximizes fuel savings by moderating the air-conditioner and throttle application, a twist of the knob to Sport mode increases the throttle response, should you need an extra boost, making overtaking on the fast lane a breeze on these congested roads.

A new electric power steering with optimized steering ratio allows superb control with minimal effort – you certainly won’t get bigger pecs from driving the ES. The steering is accurate and easy, just like the drivetrain, and firmly in the relaxed side of life. But the ES tracks easily, once you’re used to it, and it displays a good amount of stability and control that comes in handy anywhere from tight city streets to A-roads and highways.

Sliding into the drivers seat, the maple and leather accents in the interior add a nice touch of class, while the cushy leather seats aren’t just well-made, but air-conditioned too.

The utter expense of space in the ES is very impressive -front headroom has been upped by 16mm, while rear headroom is expanded by 20mm and knee-space by a staggering 60cm. You’d have to be rather large indeed to feel cramped in the ES, no matter where you sit.

This is the Luxury edition, which gets the panoramic sunroof, HID headlights, navigation, aniline leather seats, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and other niceties for a $12,000 premium.

With technology advancing so rapidly, cars nowadays come fully equipped with enough buttons and levers to rival an F1 cockpit. The Lexus ES, however, has its features so convenient and initiative that it’s a lot more accessible to everyman – without having to consult a manual. The blind spot monitoring system, for example, is glaringly obvious in its operation and can be turned off thanks to a clearly-labelled button, not something which other cars can boast.

The most obvious example f the car’s ease of use is the Remote Touch Interface infotainment system, the eight-inch screen is easily navigable with the mouse-like cursor: What you see is what you can click and exactly what you get. One irk though, was that even after bringing it to the lowest brightness level, it was a tad too glaring during night drives.

The luxurious feel of the ES, together with the extensive spaciousness and wonderful drivability, makes it a car that a full-sized luxury vehicle with an entry-level luxury price tag that is hard to ignore.

NEED TO KNOW
Engine 2,494cc, 16V, in-line 4
Power 184bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 235Nm at 4100rpm
Gearbox 6-speed automatic
Top Speed 208km/h
0-100kmh 8.5 seconds
Fuel efficiency 8.0L/100km
CO2 188g/km
Price $235,000 with COE
Availability Now

Also Consider: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry

Text & Pictures: Melissa Cheng