The ES is built on what Lexus refers to as the K (G-AK) platform, which is a rebranded version of the Toyota New Generation Architecture that underpins most new Toyotas. The ES is built on the longer wheelbase once shared with the now-discontinued Avalon.

The new ES is fronted by the latest iteration of the Lexus “Spindle” grille, with the rest of the car resembling a cross between the previous-generation ES and the previous LS super- luxury sedan. The cabin is fronted by a dashboard featuring a small gauge pod containing a  speedometer surrounded by a tachometer and flanked on one side by a fuel readout and the other side by a temperature indicator. The top centre of the dash is dominated by a large info screen, which is controlled but an infuriating touch-pad that is too distracting to be used in a car. The cabin style on the luxury themed models, is both elegant and visually calming. The cabin design of the F Sport trims is carefully assembled but is not overtly luxurious compared with the sumptuous cabins of the non-sporting models. While the front seating position seems tighter than it is in the related Camry, there is abundant legroom up front and in the rear, and the seats are very comfortable.

With power front seats that are heated and ventilated, a sunroof, wireless cellphone charging, L.E.D. headlamps, a heated steering wheel and power-fold mirrors, the base ES 350 is very nicely equipped. The Ultra Luxury upgrade includes a Mark Levinson-branded audio system, a 360 degree camera system, a dual-panel sunroof, Semi-Aniline processed leather and a head-up displace system, but is significantly overpriced. Compared with the Premium, the sport-themed F Sport Design is reasonable value if you like the look. The F-Sport 2 adds an adaptive sustention system, a Mark Levinson audio system, a 10 inch head up display system and front sports seats, at a reasonable price. The AWD ES 250 is not really comparable to the ES 350 as it is powered by the same 2.5 L four that powers the Camry, not the V6 of the ES 350. The base model hybrid, the ES 250 Signature, with a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, eight-way power front seats and L.E.D. headlamps, is well equipped. Moving up to the Premium trim adds a 12.3 inch infoscreen, heated steering wheel, power fold door mirrors, wireless cellphone charging and navigation, but is overpriced. Hybrid: The base Premium trim is nicely equipped. Moving up to the Luxury trim adds adaptive suspension, power rear window sunshade, an electric driver’s seat thigh extender and Semi-Aniline processed leather seating, but is overpriced. Migrating to the Ultra Luxury model adds a Mark Levinson audio system, a panoramic roof, a power open and close trunk lid and rear door sunshades, at a reasonable cost. Compared with the Premium trim, the F Sport trim is priced fairly if you like the look. Migrating from the F Sport to the F Sport 2 trims adds the Mark Levinson audio system, 10 inch head up display, adaptive suspension and sports seats, at a fair price. Compared with the conventional V6 ES, the Premium and Ultra Luxury variants of the hybrid are priced $1950 higher than an ES 350 of the same trim but lack the silky V6. Toyota’s production troubles have affected ES availability. While up to 70 percent of buyers might opt for the hybrid, Lexus won’t venture beyond a 50/50 ratio. The hybrid could take up to a year to show up but ES 350s can arrive in a more timely fashion. Constantly changing internal parts shortages can lead to long delays in getting cars with specific equipment. Wanting a panoramic sunroof, certain wheel and tire packages and the Mark Levinson sound system in an ES may result in you not getting your car for up to a year.

Predicted reliability is above average. Servicing costs are low for the luxury segment.