CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 40.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,200
Average Price: Around £18,000

Lexus ES (2018-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comfortable ride	Small boot by class standards
Beautifully finished interior	Fiddly infotainment system
Excellent fuel economy in town	Coarse engine with droning soundtrack

Quick Summary

The Lexus ES is a luxury saloon that replaced the GS in 2018, positioning itself against premium rivals like the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6. What sets it apart is that it's exclusively available as a hybrid, offering a unique proposition in the luxury segment. The interior is opulently appointed with thick, glossy wood trim, soft leather upholstery on seats, dashboard and door panels, and a virtual instrument cluster. However, the boot is smaller than most rivals at 454 litres, with a narrow opening and non-folding rear seats, and there's no estate version available.

The ES excels as a relaxed motorway cruiser, with soft suspension and minimal wind and tyre noise creating a serene driving experience. Its hybrid system is particularly efficient in urban driving, where it harvests energy during braking and achieves superior fuel economy compared to diesel alternatives. Running costs are competitive, with around 50-55mpg on motorways and lower CO2 emissions than rivals, making it an attractive company car option. However, the petrol engine is coarse, the CVT gearbox holds revs high during acceleration, and the infotainment system's touchpad interface is fiddly and distracting to use whilst driving.

Best for: Comfort-focused buyers, those doing frequent urban driving, and fleet managers seeking lower company car tax costs.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising sporty handling, those needing maximum boot space, or buyers wanting an intuitive infotainment system.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the ES if: You prioritise comfort and peace of mind, do frequent urban driving, or seek lower company car tax costs with a luxury saloon.

Consider alternatives if: You want the finest handling dynamics, maximum boot space, or the most intuitive infotainment systems available.

Competitive Position: The Lexus ES occupies a unique position in the luxury saloon market as the only exclusively hybrid option in its class. Whilst it falls short of the BMW 5-Series for driving dynamics and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class for overall refinement, it offers compelling advantages for comfort-focused buyers and those with urban-heavy driving patterns. Its lower purchase price, superior fuel economy in town, and reduced CO2 emissions make it a sensible alternative to German rivals. However, the fiddly infotainment system and smaller boot limit its appeal compared to more established competitors. For buyers willing to look beyond traditional badge prestige, the ES represents an exclusive and thoughtful choice.

Read our full Lexus ES Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.