Lexus ES 300h, the test drive: what the full-hybrid luxury saloon is like and how it drives

Hybrid models differ from the BEV versions in that they feature an additional opening at the top of the grille, designed for cooling.

The side profile, on the other hand, is long and sleek, with a black moulding running along the side that helps to make the car appear lower. The customisation options include seven body colours, three interior colour schemes and alloy wheels ranging in size from 19 to 21 inches.

As soon as you step into the cabin, you are immediately struck by the Lexus philosophy, characterised by high-quality materials, attention to detail and ergonomics. The steering wheel offers a comfortable grip, is covered in synthetic leather and features heating around its entire circumference.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is flanked by a 14-inch central display, through which the infotainment system and the car’s main functions are controlled. The interior is elegant and high-tech, yet without being overly complex, whilst the driving position helps to create that sense of comfort which is one of the central elements of the design.

It is on the road that the new ES best reveals its character. The suspension has been developed with comfort as a priority and effectively absorbs road imperfections, delivering a smooth and relaxed ride. At the same time, the car never feels unbalanced: even when tackling bends at a brisk pace, body roll remains barely noticeable and the bodywork maintains good control over its movements. The ES thus conveys a remarkable sense of stability and a solid road presence, qualities that are particularly evident when travelling at motorway speeds. The steering, whilst remaining consistent with the car’s focus on comfort, is direct and allows for precise line-setting. This makes the saloon more intuitive to drive than its size might suggest. The ES does not, therefore, set out to be a sports car, but rather aims to strike a balance between comfort, control and precision.

The star of our test drive in Copenhagen was the ES 300h, the Full Hybrid version which, in Italia, sits alongside the two electric variants. The system combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a new lithium-ion battery and delivers a total power output of 196 cv (144 kW). The ES 300h accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and, according to the manufacturer’s figures, consumes 4.9 l/100 km, with CO₂ emissions of 112 g/km. Behind the wheel, power delivery is smooth and progressive, with the hybrid system ensuring a seamless driving experience that prioritises smoothness. The continuously variable transmission complements this character well, although during more abrupt acceleration the engine revs rise rapidly and its noise becomes more noticeable. It is therefore during relaxed driving that the 300h best showcases its characteristics, with smooth, quiet and particularly comfortable handling.

The range also includes the ES 350e, fitted with a 167 kW electric motor on the front axle and a 72 kWh net lithium-ion battery. Maximum power is 224 cv (165 kW), whilst the claimed range exceeds 580 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. At the top of the range is the ES 500e, featuring all-wheel drive and two electric motors: the front motor delivers 167 kW, whilst the rear motor delivers 88.3 kW, for a total power output of 343 cv (252 kW). The 71 kWh net battery capacity enables a claimed range of up to 529 kilometres in this model.

For the electric versions, DC charging can reach up to 150 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes, even at temperatures as low as -10 °C. With alternating current, using a power output of 22 kW, it takes around four hours to fully charge the battery from 10 per cent to 100 per cent.