"It's Full-Size, Yet Uses Less Fuel"... Lexus' All-New ES Now Comes as an EV [Test Drive]

After a round-trip test drive from Jamsil to Chuncheon... "Monster efficiency" far exceeds official figures
The first all-electric 350e achieved 7.8 km/kWh without Eco mode
Quieter ride and remote climate control among major upgrades... Prices start

Lexus' flagship premium sedan, the all-new ES, has returned with the addition of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) model. Both the BEV and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models offered not only luxury but also excellent energy efficiency, despite their larger bodies.

Lexus All-New ES Exterior. Lexus Korea

The vehicle I first test-drove from Jamsil, Seoul, to Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, on October 16 was the all-new ES 350e VIP trim. The steering wheel felt smooth and substantial in my hands, which was satisfying. The ride quality throughout the vehicle also felt stable.

Its energy efficiency was the most impressive feature. I drove without using Eco mode, spending 80% of the time in Normal mode and 20% in Sport mode, and achieved 7.8 km/kWh. This means its real-world efficiency was much higher than the government-certified combined figure of 6.0 km/kWh for the 350e.

The model is built on the newly designed GA-K platform. A 74.69 kWh lithium-ion battery is installed beneath the vehicle's floor, lowering its center of gravity and enabling stable handling. Maximum output is 227 PS, and its combined driving range on a single charge is 478 km.

Interior of the Lexus All-New ES. Lexus Korea

The vehicle I rode on the return trip from Chuncheon to Seoul was the front-wheel-drive-based all-new ES 350h Luxury trim. Compared with the previous model, its overall length has increased by 165 mm, its width by 55 mm, and its wheelbase by 80 mm. Lexus Korea said its size is now close to that of a full-size sedan. Despite the larger body providing more spacious interior room, fuel economy has actually improved.

Its government-certified combined fuel economy has risen to 19.4 km/L, from 17.2 km/L for the previous generation. During the actual drive, it achieved 23.5 km/L, far exceeding the certified figure. The ES 350h is equipped with a sixth-generation 2.5-liter hybrid system that has been made more compact and lightweight. Acceleration response was noticeably quicker, while the ES's signature quiet, smooth ride remained intact.

Fuel economy of the Lexus All-New ES 350h after driving from Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, to Jamsil, Seoul, on the 16th. Reporter Choi Youngchan.

The newly returned eighth-generation Lexus ES is also quieter than before. Even at high speeds, it did a good job of filtering out road and exterior noise. This is thanks to sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials placed throughout the vehicle, as well as a "glass run" structure that wraps the edges of the side windows in rubber seals. Noise-reduction measures tailored to each powertrain are also notable. The HEV features a dedicated sound-absorbing structure to suppress engine intake and exhaust noise, along with active noise control. Acoustic glass is fitted only in the first row of the HEV, while the BEV has it in both the first and second rows to maximize cabin quietness.

In-car convenience has also improved. The 12.3-inch display provides access to Lexus TV and Essential, a music curation service. The introduction of Lexus Connect is also welcome, making remote start and remote climate control available. Other features, including the soft-close doors offered on higher trims and the Mark Levinson sound system with 17 speakers, are likely to enhance owners' satisfaction.

There were a few drawbacks, too. To change the drive mode while driving, the driver must use the central display. Although physical buttons have been retained for functions such as the air-conditioning system and the surround-view camera to support safe driving, it was somewhat inconvenient that drive modes, which drivers often change while on the road, can only be adjusted through the screen.

Lexus All-New ES Interior. Lexus Korea

The biggest question is, of course, the price. The manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the BEV lineup are KRW 71.6 million for the ES 350e Premium, KRW 80.2 million for the ES 350e Luxury, KRW 83.9 million for the ES 350e VIP, KRW 77 million for the ES 500e Premium, and KRW 84.9 million for the ES 500e Luxury.

The HEV lineup is priced at KRW 72.9 million for the ES 350h Premium, KRW 77.8 million for the ES 350h Luxury, KRW 75.9 million for the ES 350h AWD Premium, and KRW 80.8 million for the ES 350h AWD Luxury.

The ES ranked first in imported car sales for three consecutive years, from 2004 to 2006. It remains to be seen whether it can once again succeed in the luxury sedan market.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.