2018 Lexus ES
Overview
The 2018 Lexus ES proves that luxury cars don’t have to be sporty to be desirable. The ES offers a remarkably spacious interior, a more luxurious ride, and more standard equipment than most other cars in the segment. The Lexus Safety System+ comes standard and bundles a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, and lane departure alert with steering assist. The 2018 ES is available as the luxuriously powerful ES 350 and the elegant and sensible ES 300h, a hybrid powertrain.
The 2018 Lexus ES is a four-door, five-seat luxury sedan. Pricing starts at $38,900.*
The Perfect Ride for…
Drivers looking for a sophisticated sedan whose sleek lines and spacious interior show off its traditional Lexus style. The ES features an impressive array of standard equipment which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a panorama glass roof, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats, proving that comfort and luxury go hand in hand.
Drive & Handling
The standard ES 350 model uses a 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission to send 268 hp and 248 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. That will get the ES 350 from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.
A hybrid powertrain is also available in the form of the ES 300h. Thanks to a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, the ES 350h sends a combined 200 horsepower to the front wheels. Lexus says the ES 300h will do 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph. It also features four driving modes—Normal, Sport, Eco, and EV—with EV mode allowing all-electric driving for short periods of time.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the ES 300h hybrid model is an impressive 40 mpg combined (40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway),** while the ES 350 and its non-hybrid V6 powertrain are rated at 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).**
Key Features
Lexus Enform Service Connect
This standard tech feature allows drivers remote access to information about their vehicle's status and maintenance needs. Check on your vehicle's fuel level and mileage information, sign up to receive maintenance reminders and updated Vehicle Health Reports, and access even more useful information through LexusDrivers.com. Lexus Enform Service Connect is complimentary for the first 10 years of car ownership.
Drive Mode Select
Another A+ standard feature, Drive Mode Select allows you to make your vehicle more responsive with a mere turn of a dial. Choose from a wide range of modes to make your drive more efficient. Normal mode gives the optimal balance of fuel efficiency and performance; Sport mode allows for a quicker and more dynamic throttle response; and ECO mode achieves increased fuel efficiency by moderating the throttle response, engine power output, and climate settings.
Alternative Options
For those looking for a more powerful sedan option, consider the Lexus LS 460. The LS is fast and comfortable with dynamic exterior styling, but also efficient and dependable when it counts. It features a 4.6-liter V8 with 386 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. Drivers who want an all-inclusive driving experience should opt for the LS 500. Built on Lexus’ stiffest platform, the LS 500 takes advantage of the GA-L (Global Architecture for Luxury vehicles) platform first seen on the LC 500, which sets the stage for the new model’s enhanced handling, ride smoothness, and reduced cabin volume.
Gallery
*MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $995. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary. Does not include accessory options installed by dealer.
**EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
Image Credit: MotorWorld Autogroup