Logo frontrunnerzmotorcycleclub.com
Test drive 2023

Reputation Escape: A Detailed Lexus & Nbsp; ES Test

Table of contents:

Reputation Escape: A Detailed Lexus & Nbsp; ES Test
Reputation Escape: A Detailed Lexus & Nbsp; ES Test

Video: Reputation Escape: A Detailed Lexus & Nbsp; ES Test

Video: Reputation Escape: A Detailed Lexus & Nbsp; ES Test
Video: Blacklisted Me - Lexus Amanda / Samie Jayden- Reprobate Romance (Music Video) feat. Nick Matthews 2023, March
Anonim

The tap is closed, the towel is thrown, a careful look in the mirror. Well, here's a completely different face! Stricter, more courageous, more impudent - it seems that the new Lexus ES has finally washed away the image of "Camry with makeup". Then he will go his own way. Not that the relationship with Toyot prevented him from selling: in the world - and especially in the United States - he has a solid reputation and good statistics. But by the seventh generation, the sedan seems to be declaring: the pre-premium fuss that Toyota is doing is not about me. I'm a fucking Lexus

Strictly speaking, it is not entirely incorrect to compare it with the Camry: the ES is built on the basis of the more prestigious and expensive ToyotAvalon model … which (you can't argue against the truth!) Is an elongated version of the Camry, which is sold to Americans for 30 percent more than a mass sedan. And since no Avalons are really found in our latitudes, there is no escape from the multiple references to the car, the name of which begins with "K".

We took for a test a snow-white sedan with a 200-horsepower engine in the most packaged version of Luxury for 3 919 500 rublesto study it in full detail. And at the same time to understand how in the kingdom of "Yeshek" and "Five" can surprise the front-wheel drive and the status of Made in Japan.

Interior

Long before you pull the doorknob, you can be sure that the ES interior will definitely find something to surprise. Perhaps no manufacturer today draws its salons as boldly as Lexus: unexpected shapes, intricate textures and distinctive ergonomic solutions can turn an untrained head.

But after getting used to it a little, you realize that it is pleasant to sit in the ES, the ergonomics are human, and the design, with a few minor exceptions, does not distract. If the sedan of the previous generation had enough quotes from the Camry, then the inhabitant of the current generation can easily believe that in front of him is just a reduced LS. It's a pity that this doesn't work with iPhones …

If the ES base has soft, but unnatural finishing materials, then the top-end interior is in leather and wood. Although we still have questions about the plausibility of the "bamboo" inserts
If the ES base has soft, but unnatural finishing materials, then the top-end interior is in leather and wood. Although we still have questions about the plausibility of the "bamboo" inserts
The landing is comfortable, but after the same Camry you notice that you are sitting higher, and the ceiling presses on the top of your head. But the chairs have a good profile and a lot of adjustments, and the nuances can be adjusted with lumbar support and a retractable section of the pillow
The landing is comfortable, but after the same Camry you notice that you are sitting higher, and the ceiling presses on the top of your head. But the chairs have a good profile and a lot of adjustments, and the nuances can be adjusted with lumbar support and a retractable section of the pillow
Starting from the Executive version, three-stage ventilation with automatic mode will be added to the three-stage seat heating. Power steering is already present in the base and works in large ranges. In general, the settings are enough
Starting from the Executive version, three-stage ventilation with automatic mode will be added to the three-stage seat heating. Power steering is already present in the base and works in large ranges. In general, the settings are enough
Unlike the flagship LS (which ES is trying very hard to be like), the temperature control is not controlled by the drums, but by the rocker keys: up and down. It is easier to get to the desired degree here, but to the rocking chair itself is more difficult. Although again - it's all a matter of habit
Unlike the flagship LS (which ES is trying very hard to be like), the temperature control is not controlled by the drums, but by the rocker keys: up and down. It is easier to get to the desired degree here, but to the rocking chair itself is more difficult. Although again - it's all a matter of habit
The top version of the Luxury has a 12.3-inch screen. It fits neatly into the panel and sits at eye level. The picture and content are decent, but the menu is overloaded, and the control logic wants to be simplified. It's hard to tune radio frequencies or deal with a Bluetooth connection on the go - it's easier to stop
The top version of the Luxury has a 12.3-inch screen. It fits neatly into the panel and sits at eye level. The picture and content are decent, but the menu is overloaded, and the control logic wants to be simplified. It's hard to tune radio frequencies or deal with a Bluetooth connection on the go - it's easier to stop
You need to control the media complex with a touchpad on the central tunnel. And this thing is not a convenient companion. The cursor itself "sticks" to the necessary sectors of the menu, but this does not help much interaction on the go. And you have to confirm the choice either by pushing the touchpad, or by double pressing
You need to control the media complex with a touchpad on the central tunnel. And this thing is not a convenient companion. The cursor itself "sticks" to the necessary sectors of the menu, but this does not help much interaction on the go. And you have to confirm the choice either by pushing the touchpad, or by double pressing
The compact digital shield is originally arranged and generally readable. And for greater "latitude" indications in older versions there is a color projection on the glass
The compact digital shield is originally arranged and generally readable. And for greater "latitude" indications in older versions there is a color projection on the glass
The mechanical frequency adjustment ring seems to be hiding behind the volume knob. You don't notice this decision right away, but then you appreciate it for its elegance and convenience
The mechanical frequency adjustment ring seems to be hiding behind the volume knob. You don't notice this decision right away, but then you appreciate it for its elegance and convenience

Practicality

We say "Lexus sedan" - we mean a spacious back row. And with him really complete order. The seventh generation ES received the Avalon platform with a base extended by 5 centimeters, which significantly added space. If we again recall the Camry, then the knee room in the Lexus is 4.5 centimeters more, and it is not a problem to fit oneself behind oneself - even in a cross-legged position. And if you sit according to the etiquette of the boss (on the right side), then the front seat can be moved with buttons on the back and give yourself even more space.

It's a shame that the low aerodynamic roof with a panoramic sunroof cannot be pushed back. However, passengers with a height of 180 cm and above will be helped to avoid contact with the ceiling by the backrests tilting up to 8 degrees. One caveat: such settings will be available only in the top versions of I-Es - at least 3,852,000 rubles.

ES passengers are not familiar with the lack of legroom. And for more space, you can move the front right seat using the buttons on its back
ES passengers are not familiar with the lack of legroom. And for more space, you can move the front right seat using the buttons on its back
Rear passengers - a common climate zone, but separate air ducts, two USB connectors and a 12-volt socket. And ignore the third seat belt: the average passenger (if he's an adult) in the ES just won't sit down
Rear passengers - a common climate zone, but separate air ducts, two USB connectors and a 12-volt socket. And ignore the third seat belt: the average passenger (if he's an adult) in the ES just won't sit down
The central armrest in the Luxury version is stuffed with a box, cup holders and a remote control for climate, music, reclining backrests, heating and a rear curtain. Side curtains (and small triangular sections behind them) must be lifted and removed by hand
The central armrest in the Luxury version is stuffed with a box, cup holders and a remote control for climate, music, reclining backrests, heating and a rear curtain. Side curtains (and small triangular sections behind them) must be lifted and removed by hand
The trunk lid is "smart": to open / close it, you can use the button of the electric drive, or you can lower it by hand. Recognizing that you are closing the trunk the old fashioned way, applying force, the drive "disappears" and the sash becomes almost weightless. Clap
The trunk lid is "smart": to open / close it, you can use the button of the electric drive, or you can lower it by hand. Recognizing that you are closing the trunk the old fashioned way, applying force, the drive "disappears" and the sash becomes almost weightless. Clap
The hold capacity is 420 liters, which is 70 less than that of the Camry and Genesis G80, and 110 less than that of the German three: Audi A6, E-Class and BMW fives. The ES opening is also a bit narrow: you need to reach for the distant packages due to the influx of sloping glass. But a couple of luggage bags for a big vacation will be swallowed by the trunk without noticing
The hold capacity is 420 liters, which is 70 less than that of the Camry and Genesis G80, and 110 less than that of the German three: Audi A6, E-Class and BMW fives. The ES opening is also a bit narrow: you need to reach for the distant packages due to the influx of sloping glass. But a couple of luggage bags for a big vacation will be swallowed by the trunk without noticing
The trunk is poorly equipped. On the sides there are a pair of hooks for the net, under the flimsy-looking and touching floor - a full-size spare wheel and a box organizer. The lid itself, like that fig leaf, covers the bare metal. However, for the Japanese it is in the order of things
The trunk is poorly equipped. On the sides there are a pair of hooks for the net, under the flimsy-looking and touching floor - a full-size spare wheel and a box organizer. The lid itself, like that fig leaf, covers the bare metal. However, for the Japanese it is in the order of things

Technics

Another area where the ES 250 test unit strayed as far away from the Camry as possible. For example, it has a new 2.5-liter aspirated A25A-FKS with combined injection and increased compression ratio, developing 200 horsepower and 243 Newton meters (the previous 2AR-FE unit had 181 hp and 231 Nm). And he also knows how to save fuel, switching to the Atkinson "saving" cycle at low loads.

Surprise number two - the gearbox. If the 2.5-liter Camry with the old engine has a six-speed automatic, then the ES transmission has eight steps. The gearbox is smooth, like a cat, does not get confused in gears - and only goes into kickdown not too willingly. However, it is not this that limits the dynamics, but the motor itself: 200 forces and 9.1 seconds to a hundred - the parameters are reasonably sufficient, but no more.

In fact, ES is blown away for two models in the lineup at once: for itself and for the GS guy who retired. And if you become “the best version of yourself” - it is quite everyday business for any model when changing a generation, then it is worthy to replace a rear-wheel drive car with front-wheel drive vehicles - that is still a challenge. To solve which, the engineers put a lot of effort: behind there is a multi-link suspension (previously there was McPherson), the body, which has lightened by more than 60 kilos, has become stiffer, and the chassis is sharper compared to the Camry.

The global platform GA-K, on which the sedan is built, provides for the installation of all-wheel drive. But the ES is strictly front-wheel drive, which is not typical for the segment. Of the competitors, only the Volvo S90 has front-wheel drive, and then in the initial versions
The global platform GA-K, on which the sedan is built, provides for the installation of all-wheel drive. But the ES is strictly front-wheel drive, which is not typical for the segment. Of the competitors, only the Volvo S90 has front-wheel drive, and then in the initial versions
The ES's ground clearance is 154mm like the Camry. And the lower edge of the elongated nose hangs over the road at 22 centimeters: enough not to strike against the curb. But the pretty lip doesn't look solid, so park carefully
The ES's ground clearance is 154mm like the Camry. And the lower edge of the elongated nose hangs over the road at 22 centimeters: enough not to strike against the curb. But the pretty lip doesn't look solid, so park carefully

Riding

The ES 250 has no problems with movement in space, but only if there is smooth asphalt under the wheels: the sound insulation is excellent, the feeling of luxury is present in full. But the suspension is tightly tuned, and not in the same noble sense as the German sedans. ES very actively collects road trifles and is rude at the joints and speed bumps, even if it pleases with good energy consumption. Lexus tried to put the driver's mood of the GS sedan into the character of the chassis, but as a result they "squeezed" the chassis too much, getting more oak and nervous … that's right, Camry.

Steering wheel? He, too, is squeezed - in some ways even in a sporty way. But, alas, he is reluctant to share information about the behavior of the front wheels, which makes the drive look artificial, and the "sportiness" - far-fetched. The taxiing of the I-Es does not reach the level of German competitors, and by switching the driving modes (the right horn on the visor of the instruments) it will not be possible to radically change the character.

Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test

And you still need more motor for really active driving. Such an option for ES is provided - it is a 249-horsepower V6 (also atmospheric) with the same 8-speed automatic. It's already 7.9 seconds to reach a hundred, but you will have to pay a rather big 300 thousand rubles, not to mention taxes. And is it necessary, if such a sedan still does not become a driver?

In fact, the Lexus ES has stepped forward in almost everything, from image to feel. But the attempt to combine comfort with sharpness, liveliness with gravity in one car and somehow balance it made the driving experience ambiguous: the sedan lacks integrity. Although, perhaps, we will not say such words about the sports version of the F Sport with adaptive suspension.

Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test

Equipment

The mid-sized ES can be afforded, being the owner of the amount of 2.7 million rubles. And already in the basic Comfort version, you get a spectacular appearance, graceful posture and LED light.

True, behind all this will be hiding a 150-horsepower engine, 17-inch wheels, a black non-metallic bodywork (other shades - for an additional charge), a leatherette interior, a sofa without adjustments and a media complex with an 8-inch display. Not a rolling ball, but a little purely "Lexus" mince in the initial ES 200. For this money, the same Toyot is ready to offer a top version of its sedan with a V6 and return some change.

On the other hand, luxury rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz are not available at all in such a budget, and only Genesis will let you take a look at the base 197-horsepower G80 with all-wheel drive. And on the Lexus side will remain design, beautiful eyes and Japanese assembly.

Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test

You definitely need genuine leather, and with it ventilation of the seats, electric heating of the windshield (entirely) and the steering wheel - we pay 381,000 rubles for the Executive package, which, in addition to the above, will have 18-inch wheels. And if you want to put back 17-inch ones in order to at least slightly compensate for the rigid chassis, then the Japanese will not refuse, but they will ask pay extra 105 200 rubles … Lexus, you're good!

Next after the Executive is the Premium version with options such as a panoramic view from four cameras, an electric boot lid and a Lexus Safety System + active safety complex. This will require an additional 218,000 rubles.

Finally, at the very top of the configuration sheet is our variant. It is called Luxury, and its price, taking into account the 200-horsepower engine and the optional "sparkling white special metallic" for 67,500 rubles, is very close to four million. Almost everything you expect from a packed business sedan is collected here: adaptive light, three-zone climate, navigation, 12.3-inch display, all-round cameras, color projection on the windshield, seat ventilation, Mark Levinson acoustics.

Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test

If power is less important to you than equipment, then this ES option will be optimal. But if there is nowhere without dynamics, then you will have to pay 4.16 million rubles for the top ES 350, which will have everything that we listed above, but already with a 249-horsepower V6 under the hood. And if you think a little aside, you can choose the above-mentioned F Sport with a body kit, 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension and sports seats, which will cost even less (3,714,000 rubles), but will be deprived, for example, of an adjustable sofa and a third zone climate. Which is right - the F Sport owner is more likely to drive.

Competitors

The new ES is one of the few front-wheel drive representatives of the E segment and, in fact, the only one with a Japanese passport. Among the closest rivals are representatives of the German troika, close to the basic ones, one Swede, one Korean and one more Englishman.

ToyotCamry

Какую версию ни возьми - Camry выйдет дешевле базового ES. Наиболее близок по оснащению седан в комплектации Executive Safety за 2 499 000 рублей. Обитатели заднего ряда могут рассчитывать на аналогичный «Лексусу» уровень комфорта и оснащения, а водителю будет приятен 249-сильный мотор с почти идентичным ES 8-ступенчатым автоматом. Плюсы: Camry плавнее и дешевле. Минус: Camry – это не премиум" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

ToyotCamry Whichever version you take, the Camry will be cheaper than the base ES. The closest sedan in terms of equipment in the Executive Safety configuration for 2,499,000 rubles. Inhabitants of the back row can count on the level of comfort and equipment similar to the Lexus, and the driver will enjoy a 249-horsepower engine with an almost identical ES 8-speed automatic. Pros: The Camry is smoother and cheaper. Cons: Camry is not premium
ToyotCamry Whichever version you take, the Camry will be cheaper than the base ES. The closest sedan in terms of equipment in the Executive Safety configuration for 2,499,000 rubles. Inhabitants of the back row can count on the level of comfort and equipment similar to the Lexus, and the driver will enjoy a 249-horsepower engine with an almost identical ES 8-speed automatic. Pros: The Camry is smoother and cheaper. Cons: Camry is not premium

Genesis G80

Прайс-листы на ES и среднеразмерный Genesis плюс-минус схожи. Базовые для G80 197 сил начинаются с 2 790 000 рублей, а топовые 370 финишируют у отметки 4 265 000. Корейский седан также не избавился от имиджа «Hyundai для богатых», при этом он тоже не жадничает ни с материалами отделки, ни с опциями. Но главный козырь Genesis - заднеприводная платформа. Все три версии G80 в России - с полным приводом" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Genesis G80 Price lists for the ES and the mid-size Genesis are, give or take, similar. The base 197 forces for the G80 start at 2,790,000 rubles, and the top-end 370s finish at 4,265,000. The Korean sedan also did not get rid of the image of "Hyundai for the rich", while it is also not greedy either with finishing materials or options. But the Genesis' trump card is the rear-wheel drive platform. All three versions of the G80 in Russia - with all-wheel drive
Genesis G80 Price lists for the ES and the mid-size Genesis are, give or take, similar. The base 197 forces for the G80 start at 2,790,000 rubles, and the top-end 370s finish at 4,265,000. The Korean sedan also did not get rid of the image of "Hyundai for the rich", while it is also not greedy either with finishing materials or options. But the Genesis' trump card is the rear-wheel drive platform. All three versions of the G80 in Russia - with all-wheel drive

BMW 5-Series

Другая машина, другие деньги. Познакомиться с баварским драйверс-седаном стоит минимум три миллиона рублей, но не рассчитывайте за эту сумму узнать «пятёрку» как следует. Базовая 520i - это 184 лошадиные силы, задний привод и весьма скромная комплектация. Зато BMW как никто умеет завлекать: 190-сильный дизель начинается от 3 100 000 рублей, полноприводная версия - от 3 240 000, а планка в 249 лошадей покорится минимум за 3 490 000. Плюс - опции, каких у BMW море разливное, да и выгодные пакеты для машин локальной сборки тоже есть" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

BMW 5-Series Different car, different money. It costs at least three million rubles to get acquainted with a Bavarian driver-sedan, but do not expect to learn the "five" properly for this amount. The base 520i has 184 horsepower, rear-wheel drive and a very modest package. But BMW, like no one, knows how to lure: a 190-horsepower diesel engine starts at 3,100,000 rubles, an all-wheel drive version - from 3,240,000, and the bar of 249 horses will be subdued for at least 3,490,000. lucrative packages for local build machines are also available
BMW 5-Series Different car, different money. It costs at least three million rubles to get acquainted with a Bavarian driver-sedan, but do not expect to learn the "five" properly for this amount. The base 520i has 184 horsepower, rear-wheel drive and a very modest package. But BMW, like no one, knows how to lure: a 190-horsepower diesel engine starts at 3,100,000 rubles, an all-wheel drive version - from 3,240,000, and the bar of 249 horses will be subdued for at least 3,490,000. lucrative packages for local build machines are also available

Audi A6

Ещё один немецкий премиум, который, кстати, близок «Лексусу» по переднеприводной компоновке. Однако обе представленные у нас версии A6 - с полным приводом quattro и мощностью сильно за двести. Цены - от 3 305 000 рублей за 245-сильную комплектацию 45 TFSI до 4 375 000 - за топовую 55 TFSI мощностью 340 сил" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Audi A6 Another German premium, which, by the way, is close to Lexus in front-wheel drive layout. However, both versions of the A6 presented to us - with quattro all-wheel drive and a power of more than two hundred. Prices - from 3,305,000 rubles for the 245-horsepower trim 45 TFSI to 4,375,000 - for the top-end 55 TFSI with 340 horsepower
Audi A6 Another German premium, which, by the way, is close to Lexus in front-wheel drive layout. However, both versions of the A6 presented to us - with quattro all-wheel drive and a power of more than two hundred. Prices - from 3,305,000 rubles for the 245-horsepower trim 45 TFSI to 4,375,000 - for the top-end 55 TFSI with 340 horsepower

Volvo S90

Шведский флагман, как и Lexus, построен на глобальной модульной платформе с передним приводом по умолчанию. При этом в активе S90 есть версии с четырьмя ведущими колёсами, топовые комплектации обладают завидной мощностью (320 сил), и даже имеется дизель. Цены - от 2 975 000 до 4 386 000 рублей" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Volvo S90 The Swedish flagship, like Lexus, is built on a global modular platform with front-wheel drive by default. At the same time, the S90 has versions with four drive wheels, top-end configurations have an enviable power (320 hp), and there is even a diesel engine. Prices - from 2,975,000 to 4,386,000 rubles
Volvo S90 The Swedish flagship, like Lexus, is built on a global modular platform with front-wheel drive by default. At the same time, the S90 has versions with four drive wheels, top-end configurations have an enviable power (320 hp), and there is even a diesel engine. Prices - from 2,975,000 to 4,386,000 rubles

Jaguar XF

Единственная не полноприводная вариация «британца» - самая базовая, заднеприводная. Она стоит 3 377 000 рублей и предлагает 200-сильную двухлитровую четвёрку, неплохой разгон в семь с половиной секунд до сотни и весьма голенькое оснащение. За обладание полным приводом Jaguar стрясёт почти 3,7 миллиона, зато предложит 250 лошадей и 6,6 секунды до ста. Самый топ для XF - это 380 сил и пять миллионов с хвостиком. Но даже в топе отделка салона XF не удивит" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Jaguar XF The only non-all-wheel drive variation of the "British" - the most basic, rear-wheel drive. It costs 3,377,000 rubles and offers a 200-horsepower two-liter four, good acceleration in seven and a half seconds to a hundred and very bare equipment. For possession of all-wheel drive, Jaguar will hit almost 3.7 million, but it will offer 250 horses and 6.6 seconds to a hundred. The very top for the XF is 380 forces and five million with a ponytail. But even at the top, the XF's trim won't surprise
Jaguar XF The only non-all-wheel drive variation of the "British" - the most basic, rear-wheel drive. It costs 3,377,000 rubles and offers a 200-horsepower two-liter four, good acceleration in seven and a half seconds to a hundred and very bare equipment. For possession of all-wheel drive, Jaguar will hit almost 3.7 million, but it will offer 250 horses and 6.6 seconds to a hundred. The very top for the XF is 380 forces and five million with a ponytail. But even at the top, the XF's trim won't surprise

Output

Lexus ES in the seventh generation - the case when the phrase "forget everything you knew about me" is appropriate. The new platform has added lightness to the sedan, handling has become better, and the bright "electric" appearance will appeal to those who like it brighter and more fanciful. And the last is no less important than the first two.

At the same time, it was not possible to go far from kinship with the "popular" Camry - cars will be compared in any case, and not always in favor of ES. Partly because the new flagship Toyot has become objectively better, partly because the comfort of the Lexus from ES has slightly eroded.

Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test
Escape from reputation: Lexus ES in-depth test

Still, sales are going well as ES remains the cheapest Japanese premium ticket, and for many this is becoming a decisive factor. For example, in May in the Russian market, the sedan lost only to Mercedes and BMW, albeit quite seriously, but abroad it is completely covered in chocolate. This means that the concept works.

Rating 4/5

Okay

  • - Spectacular appearance in the spirit of LS
  • - Excellent sound insulation
  • - Space in the back
  • - Cool music by Mark Levinson
  • - Economical motor
  • - Smooth gearbox

bad

  • - Harsh suspension
  • - The steering wheel is clamped, but not informative
  • - 200-horsepower motor is not enough
  • - Confusing multimedia and its touchpad
  • - Unavailability of all-wheel drive

Popular by topic