Verdict
B
Saloon · Japan · 2018-Present
Lexus ES
Lexus ES — spec data and generation history.
Years
2018-Present
Generations
1
Segment
Saloon
Lexus's mid-size hybrid saloon — UK got the seventh-generation ES (XV70) from 2018, taking the slot vacated by the GS. ES300h only — no V6, no diesel, no AWD. 2.5 Dynamic Force petrol + electric motor, 215 bhp combined, eCVT, FWD. Same drivetrain as the (defunct UK) Toyota Camry. Sober cabin, comfortable ride, very long warranty. Quietly excellent. Drives nothing like a 5 Series — softer, smoother, hybrid-rolled — but build quality and ownership simplicity are unmatched at the price. Replaced the Lexus GS in UK on smaller-and-FWD basis. The car for buyers who don't care about being seen in a German saloon.
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2018-Present
XV70
→
ES300h — 215 bhp, 0-62 in 8.9s.
Verdict
B
BHP
215
0–60
8.9 s
Top
112 mph
MPG
53.0 mpg
Used
£24,000-£40,000
- + Comfortable on long runs
- + Real-world MPG strong
- − eCVT drone
- − No AWD or PHEV in UK
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2018-Present · XV70
- 12V auxiliary battery weak
- Brake squeal at low speed (regen blend)
- Infotainment lag pre-2021 (touchpad replaced by touchscreen 2022 facelift)
- Soft front lower arm bushes
Rivals
BMW 5 Series · Audi A6 · Mercedes E-Class · Volvo S90