When we're young and ambitious, we want a powerful, aggressive, and impressive car. As we grow older, we begin to value reliability, balance, and comfort becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity. This is exactly why cars like the Lexus ES exist. In fact, it's certainly among the best representatives of its segment, and I don't say that lightly. It's not the most exciting car to drive, I admit, but it's a model that will never let you down.
Lexus has always been a brand that inspires confidence, and that's not changing anytime soon. This reputation is built by cars like the 2025 ES sedan. There's hardly anything to criticize about it. Let's just say it has always been a top-of-the-class student with honors.
Lineup and Pricing
The 2025 Lexus ES proves that you can have a luxury car without pretense and, most importantly, without breaking the bank. The Japanese sedan's lineup includes three different versions, each with a distinct powertrain. First, there's the ES 250 AWD starting at $51,672.50. Then comes the ES 350 at $55,372.50. Finally, the ES 300h tops the range with a starting price of $57,372.50. Needless to say, these prices are just a reference point, as each version offers several option packages that can quickly raise the price by thousands of dollars.
Category and Competition
Unlike mainstream mid-size sedans, luxury mid-size sedans still have a certain appeal. While most of the 2025 Lexus ES's rivals focus on performance, the Japanese sedan emphasizes comfort and stability instead. Few buyers regret choosing it, I assure you.
Rivals: Audi A6, Audi A7, BMW 5 Series, Genesis G80, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo S90
Design and Technology
There was a time when every Lexus could be described as "50 shades of beige." That's no longer the case, and I'd even say the 2025 ES sedan surpasses several of its rivals in design. It makes a statement on the road with its massive grille and even offers a nice color palette. Sure, it lacks a sportier version, but other than that, it's certainly a head-turner.
The interior is by far my favorite part of the Lexus ES, as it's simply unexpected. The Japanese automaker's sedan offers a modern and, above all, very stylish cockpit. Once again, we're far from the dashboards typical of Lexuses in the past. Today, it's a very modern and sophisticated setup. The driving position is very comfortable, and I particularly like the feel of the steering wheel.
In terms of technology, I must say I like the dashboard design. However, I'm not a big fan of the Japanese sedan's multimedia system. Still, let's cut it some slack, as Lexus was the last brand to offer a cassette player in its vehicles, and that was just over 10 years ago.
Performance
As you may already know, the luxury sedan from the Japanese automaker offers three mechanical options, starting with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. This engine produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It's not a lot, especially for a luxury car, but it's more than enough to move the Lexus ES and contributes to its average fuel consumption of 8.4 L/100 km. Then we move up to the 350 version, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Finally, for those who prefer hybrids, there's the 300h version. It combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 215 horsepower. The most impressive feature here is the fuel economy, as this version averages just 5.3 L/100 km.
Weaknesses
The driving experience can feel a bit dull at times.
Strengths
It's a very reliable and comfortable car. It maintains excellent resale value and is well-equipped for its price.
Signature Element
The Lexus ES is a luxury car that truly gives you value for your money, and you're not just paying for the brand name.
Final Word
The Lexus ES isn't exactly the kind of car that catches your eye or excites you with an impressive spec sheet. However, if you're looking for a car that will be with you for the next 30 years, offering comfort, reliability, and peace of mind, you're unlikely to find anything better. It's probably the best luxury sedan on the market, and that's why you should seriously consider it.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
