Lexus ES F Sport Takumi Pack (2021 - )

Competition is healthy so it’s always encouraging when a luxury model arrives to take on the dominance of the German marques in the executive saloon sector.

That model is the Lexus ES which replaces the GS in the Japanese carmaker’s line-up and is powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol-hybrid engine and matched to a CVT transmission.

There may be just one engine, but customers do have choice regarding trim levels with grades called ES Premium Edition, ES Premium Pack, F Sport, F Sport Takumi Pack, Takumi and Takumi with digital door mirrors. All versions are generously equipped with the F Sport, not surprisingly, boasting the most dynamic styling, while Takumi brings the most luxury to the mix.

The Lexus ES is a stylish four-door executive saloon that would look at home parked in the revered captain’s space in any posh golf club car park. It oozes class.

Eye-catching features include distinctive light clusters with LED daytime running lights, beautifully streamlined curves, tinted rear windows, LED rear lamps, a rear spoiler, F Sport bumpers, a sweeping indicator function with three, five or seven flashes, a massive grille and black alloys. It even has water-repellant side windows.

The interior is pure class with high-end leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces and upmarket finishings throughout. The Takumi Pack, included on our car, added a wireless charger, triple-eye LED headlights with adaptive beam, a heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch Lexus Navigation, a Mark Levinson sound system, head-up display, powered sunshades, a powered boot and panoramic view monitor with pedestrian detection.

There is a wealth of on-board tech to explore, but the trackpad that moves a curser around the touchscreen is far too clunky, especially on the move. However, the screen does respond to touch as an alternative and smartphones can easily be synched via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too.

All readouts are clear with sharp graphics and powered seats with memory settings make getting comfy simple.

The Lexus ES is geared towards comfort rather than blistering pace and that’s just fine. While tyre-screeching, edge-of-the-seat performance has its appeal, many execs simply want to sit back and enjoy their long road trips in style. If that’s the case, then the Lexus ES is just perfect.

It oozes refinement as it glides along the motorways cruising effortlessly at 70mph. But it’s no slouch when necessary, and with 215bhp, it can complete the 0-62mph dash in 8.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 112mph.

It feels grounded when pushed through twisting bends with impressive grip and no sign of body sway. Drive modes can be altered via a stalk rather unusually sticking out the dash above the steering wheel and these are called EV, Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport+ with each mode changing the dynamics of the car.

Great all-round visibility and a smooth hybrid system make city centre driving easy and the CVT gearbox is smoother than many predecessors, unless pushed ridiculously hard when it begins to scream out in protest.

Refinement levels are enhanced by the excellent suspension system smoothing out most bumps and occupants are well protected from any noise intrusion.

With powered seats and an electrically-adjustable steering wheel, it takes seconds to find the perfect driving position. 

Up front there is space for six footers to stretch out and, even with the front seats pushed well back, there is still room for adults in the back of the car.

That’s because the Lexus ES is a large executive saloon that stretches almost five metres in length. With a width of 1.86 metres, there is room in the back for a trio of passengers and the height of 1.44 metres means their hair won't be pinned against the headlining.

The boot can swallow 454 litres of kit. The rear seats cannot be folded forward, but there is a ski hatch which is handy for carrying longer items.

There are a number of storage options throughout the car. These include a glovebox, door bins, a central cubby box with a wireless charging pad, two front cup holders (one with a height adjustment) and seat back pockets. The rear central armrest lowers to reveal a large storage box, a tray and two additional cup holders.

There are two USB-C ports and a 12v socket in the back and further USB and aux-in ports up front.

The Lexus ES line-up starts from £39,310 for the ES Premium Edition model, rising to £56,315 for the ES Takumi with digital door mirrors. This model sees camera stalks replacing the traditional door mirrors.

Our ES F Sport Takumi Pack model was priced at £49,900 and the only option was Sonic Titanium metallic paint that added an extra £900 to the final price-tag.

According to official figures under WLTP testing, the ES can deliver a combined 50.4-53.2mpg with carbon emissions of 128g/km. this CO2 readout would result in a first year road tax bill of £180 dropping to the standard fee of £155 after 12 months. 

However, there is bad news on the costings front as there will be a premium car tax levy to pay. This is applied to all cars costing more than £40k and adds a further £335 to the annual bill for five years starting after 12 months.

The Lexus ES F Sport Takumi Pack is in insurance group 32.

The Lexus ES has been a hugely popular car in the US and is now in its seventh generation. And it’s this model that has finally made its way across the Atlantic to be launched in Europe and the UK. 

While other global markets have a choice of engine power outputs, UK buyers are limited to just one self-charging hybrid engine. But that works really well as the ES delivers all the comfort, elegance and refinement needed in an executive saloon. It is not as fast as some rivals but you won’t need a chiropractor on speed dial either!