[Test Drive] Full-Size Body, 23.5 km/L Fuel Economy... Lexus' "All-New ES" Adds an EV

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 has brought back its flagship premium sedan, the all-new ES, with the addition of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) model. Both the BEV and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models offer luxury and outstanding energy efficiency, despite their larger body size.

Lexus All-New ES Exterior. Lexus Korea

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

What impressed me most was its energy efficiency. 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. That means its real-world efficiency was far higher than the 350e's government-certified combined rating of 6.0 km/kWh.

This model uses a newly designed GA-K platform. A 74.69-kWh lithium-ion battery is installed beneath the floor, lowering the center of gravity and helping deliver a stable ride. Maximum output is 227 horsepower (PS), and the combined driving range on a single charge is 478 km.

Interior of the Lexus All-New ES. Lexus Korea

For the return drive from Chuncheon to Seoul, I rode in the front-wheel-drive 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 effectively close to that of a full-size sedan. Despite the larger body and more spacious interior, fuel economy has actually improved.

The 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, the car recorded 23.5 km/L, far exceeding its official rating. The ES 350h is equipped with a downsized and lightweight sixth-generation 2.5-liter hybrid system. In practice, 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 returning eighth-generation Lexus ES is also quieter than before. Even at high speeds, it effectively screened 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 dedicated sound-absorbing structures to suppress engine intake and exhaust noise, as well as 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.

Convenience inside the vehicle has also improved. The 12.3-inch display provides access to Lexus TV and Essential, a music curation service. It is also welcome that Lexus Connect has finally been introduced, offering remote start and remote climate control. Other features, including soft-close doors available on higher trims and a Mark Levinson sound system with 17 speakers, are expected to enhance owner satisfaction.

There were a few drawbacks, too. To change the driving mode, drivers must use the central display. Physical buttons have been retained for functions such as the air-conditioning system and surround-view camera, which support safe driving, but it was somewhat inconvenient that a frequently used function like changing the driving mode can only be operated through the screen.

Lexus All-New ES Interior. Lexus Korea

The question on everyone's mind is the price. The recommended retail prices for the BEV lineup are 71.6 million won for the ES 350e Premium, 80.2 million won for the ES 350e Luxury, 83.9 million won for the ES 350e VIP, 77 million won for the ES 500e Premium, and 84.9 million won for the ES 500e Luxury.

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

The ES ranked first in imported-car sales for three consecutive years, from 2004 to 2006. All eyes are on whether it can once again succeed in the luxury sedan market.

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