Review - Lexus ES250

Going up against the likes of the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 is no easy task, but in recent years, the Lexus ES has continued to impress customers with its quality and value proposition within the midsize premium SUV segment.

Today we’ll be unpacking just how much value is on offer in the entry-level ES 250 variants, to see whether they’re the pick of the bunch, or if you’re better off moving higher up into the range.

Starting Price: $61,620

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Lexus ES250 (LUXURY) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Lexus ES250 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Lexus ES range kicks off from $61,620 for the entry-level ES250 Luxury, while the ES250 Luxury with Lexus’ optional enhancement pack brings the price to $63,120.

Finally, the ES250 F Sport is priced at $70,860.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs.

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What Features Does the Lexus ES250 Have?

The entry-level Lexus ES250 comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and receives LED head and tail lights, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, keyless entry & start, faux leather upholstery in a choice of black or hazel colours, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with DAB+, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, paired with a ten-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the ES250 Luxury with the Enhancement Pack adds a head-up display, wireless smartphone charger, rear privacy glass, USB C chargers for the rear and a smart key card.

The ES250 F Sport adds F Sport suspension, 19-inch F Sport alloys, F Sport performance dampers, an F Sport front grille and spoiler, sport seats, hands-free boot lift, surround-view camera, ventilated front seats, an 8.0-inch driver’s display and aluminum highlights for the cabin.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys 

• LED head & tail lights 

• Panoramic sunroof 

• Dual-zone climate control Adaptive cruise control 

• 10-way power-adjustable, heated seats 

• Keyless entry & start faux leather upholstery 

• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror 

• 12.3-inch infotainment system with DAB+, sat-nav, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Head-up display (Enhancement pack) 

• Wireless smartphone charger (Enhancement pack)

• Rear privacy glass (Enhancement pack)

• 19-inch alloys (F Sport) 

• Sports suspension with performance dampers (F Sport) 

• F Sport front grille and spoiler (F Sport) 

• Surround-view camera (F Sport) 

• Ventilated front seats (F Sport) 

• 8.0-inch driver’s display (F Sport) 

• Hands-free boot lift (F Sport)

Lexus ES250 Colours

The Lexus ES250 range is available in a choice of colours, including Cobalt Blue, Glacial Ecru, Titanium, Premium Silver, Deep Blue, Vermillion, Graphite Black, White Nova, Mercury Grey, Radiata Green, Onyx and Sonic Quartz.

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

It takes just a few minutes behind the wheel of the ES250 to get a clear picture of just how refined and comfortable the platform is, while the F Sport variant is there for those looking for some added performance in the corners.

The ES250 comes powered by a Toyota-sourced 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque, which powers the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

The power on offer translates well in the ES250, and acts as an impressive base model that translates to some modest acceleration times and enough power for the majority of Australian drivers. The power delivery and smooth gearshifts add to the sophistication of the overall package and makes the ES250 a wonderful commuter and great option for long-distance road trips.

For those looking for some added performance from their ES250, the optional F Sport package adds a set of performance dampers and F Sport suspension which, combined with the 19-inch alloys gives the car far more grip in the corners and allows you to push the envelope far further than the standard car.

While there’s no added power on offer in the ES250 F Sport, the addition of more capable suspension mechanicals translates to far more thrills while cornering and gives the car lively personality.

Whichever variant you pick, the ES250 range is a wonderful sedan that is easy to drive and park around town thanks to its lightweight steering rack and numerous technological assists, and very much matches what’s on offer in its European peers.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Lexus has carved itself a fierce reputation in recent years for its immaculate interiors, and while the ES250 sits at the bottom of the ES range, it retains a wonderfully crafted and well-appointed cabin that will leave few buyers disappointed.

Up front, there’s a sleek and minimalist approach to the dashboard’s design, which houses the 12.3-inch infotainment system and just a few buttons for the climate settings to ensure they don’t overcrowd the otherwise clean aesthetic.

There’s attention to detail even in the most insignificant of places around the cabin, with Lexus ensuring that all the normal touchpoints feature soft, premium textiles that add to the quality of this base model’s interior.

Better still, all this style comes with the added benefit of a fully-adjustable driving position, with 10-way power-adjustable seats with inbuilt heaters for cold winter mornings, and a heap of headroom for tall drivers.

Practical elements in the front of the cabin include a set of large door bins either side, storage inside the large folding armrest, a folding tray behind the gear lever with a cupholder and some added storage, as well as a sizable glovebox.

Move to the rear of the cabin and you’ll find an exceptionally comfortable bench seat that offers some of the most impressive legroom for tall passengers you’ll find in this part of the sedan segment. While headroom isn’t the strongest point in the second row, there’s enough space for adults even with the panoramic sunroof and the sloping roofline design.

The second row features a pair of ISOFIX anchors either side of the cabin, as well as three top tether mounts for those looking to squeeze a pair of child seats into the rear of the Lexus ES250.

Finally, the ES250 has a boot with up to 473L of cargo storage, which rounds out its already impressive credentials as a family-friendly sedan.

Is it Safe?

The Lexus ES250 has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 91% for adult protection, 86% for child protection, 90% for pedestrian protection and 76% for its safety assist technologies.

As standard, the ES250 comes well-equipped when it comes to safety equipment, with autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, steering assist system and curtain airbags around the cabin included as standard.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Lexus’ entry-level ES250 has a fuel economy figure rated at 6.6L/100km on a combined cycle, which is pretty much on par for the segment for a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol.

For those looking for maximum fuel efficiency from their Lexus ES, the ES300h has a fuel economy figure of just 4.8L/100km on a combined cycle thanks to its hybrid powertrain.

Our Verdict: Is the Lexus ES250 Worth it?

Sometimes, the entry point into a premium car can be a bitter-sweet reminder of all the things you’re missing out on.

Not in the ES250, though, which gives buyers a heap of premium features and a sublime platform to drive at an extremely competitive price, especially when compared to its main rivals.

As a complete package, the ES250 is a pleasure to drive, and comes well-equipped with entertainment and safety equipment. Rather than remind buyers of the fact they’re sitting in the cheapest version of the platform, the ES250 welcomes buyers will open arms and will truly leave few disappointed.

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Five Specs You Need to Know

• Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

• Five-year, unlimited KM warranty; up from 4-year coverage  

• 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol as standard 

• 473L boot space 

• 6.6L/100km combined cycle fuel economy 

Pros

• Smooth engine & transmission combination 

• Acres of legroom in the spacious second row

• Wonderfully crafted and well-equipped interior 

• Impressive performance from F Sport variant 

Cons

• Infotainment system showing signs of age 

• Ride quality can suffer with F Sport alloys and suspension 

• Engine lacks power for a true F Sport variant

OnlineAuto Rating: 9/10

Lexus ES Competition