Lexus ES review (UK) — leasing and ownership

Introduction

The Lexus ES leasing has long been the marque’s well-mannered executive saloon: a comfortable, silent cruiser that prefers refinement to theatrics. For UK buyers exploring premium saloon options, Lexus ES leasing is an increasingly attractive route — combining predictable monthly costs with the brand’s reputation for reliability and hybrid efficiency. If you’re weighing up alternatives such as the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 or Volvo S90, then Lexus ES leasing positions the ES as a comfort-led, value-oriented choice that plays to urban and motorway strengths alike.

(Quick facts: current UK RRP from around £43,945 for the ES; combined WLTP fuel consumption roughly 51–53 mpg and CO₂ ~120 g/km for the 2.5 hybrid; Euro NCAP 5-star at launch in 2018.)

At a glance

Model: Lexus ES (hybrid focus).
Powertrain: 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid (ES 300h family, commonly sold in the UK).
Power: circa 218 bhp combined in the hybrid setup.
0–62 mph: roughly 8.9 s (typical quoted figure for the 2.5 hybrid).
Boot: ~454 litres (useful and competitive for the class).
Typical RRP (UK): from around £43,945; lease deals often bring effective monthly costs materially lower than purchase.

If you’re searching for Lexus ES leasing, these headline metrics matter because they set expectations about monthly running costs, insurance grouping and company car tax positions (for salary sacrifice and business users).

Key features

The Lexus ES leasing strengths are clearly feature-led: a quiet cabin, comfortable suspension tuning, a long equipment list and Lexus’ hybrid drivetrain. On trim and equipment, expect the usual premium inclusions — leather (or Lexus’ leather-alternative), dual-zone climate, a sizeable infotainment screen, active safety suite and a premium audio option (Mark Levinson on higher trims in many markets).

Why that matters for Lexus ES leasing: lessees care about specification because dealer and manufacturer lease deals typically depend on trim and optional packs — the more standard kit that appears at lower trim levels, the better value a lease can be.

Notable safety and assistance tech includes adaptive cruise, lane-keep, autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection — features that have supported the ES’s excellent safety credentials in Euro NCAP testing.

Range & batteries

The mainstream Lexus ES leasing sold in the UK is a self-charging hybrid rather than a plug-in. That means the battery is charged on the move via regenerative braking and engine charge; there is no external plug. WLTP combined fuel economy for the ES hybrid sits around the low-50 mpg figures depending on spec and wheel size, with combined CO₂ near 120 g/km in manufacturer figures. For buyers focused on lower real-world fuel bills but not interested in charging infrastructure, Lexus ES leasing is a natural fit.

For fleet or company users who want lower tailpipe emissions, the ES hybrid’s WLTP numbers are a meaningful piece of the leasing puzzle — they reduce benefit-in-kind and running cost calculations. Official Lexus WLTP/fuel data can be checked on Lexus’ UK site.

(Note: Lexus has signalled a future evolution of the ES platform with electrified and fully electric variants for later model years — something to watch if you’re planning a longer-term leasing strategy.)

Performance & drive

The Lexus ES leasing is tuned for serene, linear performance rather than sharp sporting thrills. The hybrid system’s combined output gives decent mid-range pull, and the CVT transmission keeps the revs stable — but will sometimes feel artificial under heavy acceleration. 0–62 mph is in the high-8-second bracket, which is ample for most legal UK driving scenarios.

On the road the Lexus ES leasing is best described as composed: comfortable suspension geometry and sound insulation mask road and engine noise effectively. The ES is a motorway king — long distances in the UK are comfortable and economical — while low-speed town journeys benefit from the hybrid’s electric assistance to reduce fuel use and emissions.

From a leasing perspective, Lexus ES leasing customers often choose mid-range trims to balance monthly cost with desirable features; the ES’s drivability means many lessees will be content with the mainstream hybrid powertrain rather than seeking higher-performance alternatives.

Charging

Because the mainstream Lexus ES leasing is a self-charging hybrid, you do not plug it in. That simplifies ownership for lease customers who want a low-complexity vehicle with hybrid fuel economy benefits. The lack of plug-in capability means you won’t access the zero-emissions benefits of full EVs for short commutes, but you also avoid installing a home charger.

If your Lexus ES leasing brief prioritises electric miles only and the lowest possible company car tax, an EV or plug-in hybrid may be preferred — but for many UK urban/peri-urban drivers, the ES hybrid’s balance of range and convenience is compelling.

Running costs & emissions

Running costs for a leased ES will hinge on a few clear variables: monthly rental, excess mileage charge, fuel consumption and insurance group. The ES’s WLTP combined figures (around 51–53 mpg in many trims) translate into respectable fuel economy for a near-luxury saloon — real-world tests and owner reports often show mid-50s mpg on mixed use.

CO₂ around the 120 g/km mark sets a moderate VED/road tax baseline for owners and influences BIK tax calculations for company drivers. For Lexus ES leasing, companies and individuals should model fuel costs conservatively but expect overall running costs to be favourable against heavier petrol-only rivals.

Insurance groups and servicing costs are typical for the class; Lexus dealer servicing tends to be pricier than mass-market brands but many lessees find that prepaid maintenance packages included in leasing agreements help control cost predictability.

Interior & technology

Inside the ES you’ll find a cabin skewed towards comfort and ergonomics rather than flamboyant design. Seats are supportive, materials are generally high quality, and attention is paid to noise suppression. Infotainment historically has been a point of critique for Lexus in terms of user interface (trackpad or older software iterations), but recent updates have improved connectivity (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto available). Expect a 12.3-inch screen on higher specs and a refined instrument cluster.

For lessees, interior comfort matters: the ES’s rear legroom and quiet environment make it ideal for executive users or families looking for a calm daily commute. Premium audio options (e.g., Mark Levinson) are available for those who demand a higher-end cabin experience.

Practicality & boot space

Practicality is a strength: the Lexus ES leasing boot is generous for the class (~454 litres), and the saloon shape makes it easy to load luggage. It’s a practical executive car for airport runs and family trips while still fitting into UK parking and urban environments more easily than larger flagship saloons.

One practical limitation for some buyers is that the rear seats do not fold flat (check trim and spec), so extremely long items may be awkward. If your lease brief requires flexible cargo capability, double-check the spec sheet before signing.

Safety

The ES fared extremely well in its Euro NCAP assessment when tested under 2018 protocols, achieving a high overall score and strong marks for adult and child occupant protection. Standard active safety kit contributes to strong real-world protection. Lessees who value safety as part of company or family policy will find these credentials reassuring.

For businesses arranging Lexus ES leasing for employees, the strong safety profile can also support corporate duty-of-care programmes and reduce risk exposure.

Options

Typical options and packs include upgraded upholstery, driver assistance bundles, larger alloy wheels, panoramic roofs and premium audio. Because options affect capital value and monthly lease cost, discuss required options up front with your leasing partner — sometimes dealer or manufacturer promos bundle popular options into attractive Lexus ES leasing packages.

If you plan to lease multiple Lexus ES leasing cars for fleet use, negotiate for standardisation of equipment across the fleet to simplify residual value forecasting and maintenance provisioning.

Rival cars

Key rivals in the UK market are: BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo S90 and some higher-spec executive saloons from Japanese rivals. Compared to those, the ES generally undercuts on initial price, prioritises comfort and hybrid fuel economy, and offers Lexus’ renowned reliability. If sharp handling and sporty dynamics top your checklist, a German rival may suit better; if comfort, quiet and hybrid efficiency are priorities, the ES is a strong contender.

For leasing shoppers, Lexus ES leasing often markets itself as a quieter, lower-hassle alternative to more expensive German rivals — this positioning helps deliver competitive residual values and stable monthly rental offers.

Verdict

For UK drivers seeking a relaxed, well-appointed executive saloon with hybrid economy and the predictability of predictable monthly payments, Lexus ES leasing is a pragmatic and attractive choice. The ES gives you a luxurious daily environment, competitive running costs for the class, and the brand’s reliability and safety credentials.

If you want cutting-edge sportiness or a fully electric drivetrain, consider rival alternatives or wait for Lexus’s newer electrified ES derivatives (Lexus has signalled upcoming fully electric ES derivatives for later model years). For many lessees, however, the present ES hybrid is the sweet spot: refined, efficient and easy to live with.

Next steps (for buyers & fleet managers)

Decide vehicle configuration — which trim and options you need will materially change monthly leasing figures.
Get tailored Lexus ES leasing quotes from brokers and manufacturer finance — compare term, mileage, maintenance inclusion and balloon/residual assumptions.
Check total cost of ownership — model fuel spend based on expected miles, insurance quotes, and whether maintenance packages are included.
Consider timing — if you expect to renew the lease in 2026 or later, note Lexus has announced new ES variants including BEV/higher-electrified options; that could change residuals and desirability.
Negotiate excess mileage and wear & tear terms — for business lessees this is often where real costs appear.
Check local dealer lease promotions — dealers often run seasonal Lexus ES leasing offers which can materially lower the effective monthly cost.

Short checklist for negotiating Lexus ES leasing deals

Lease term (24 / 36 / 48 months) — shorter terms often carry higher monthly cost but better flexibility.
Annual mileage — set it as close to reality as possible. Excess mileage is expensive.
Maintenance package — compare included servicing vs. pay-as-you-go.
Incentives — manufacturer or fleet incentives can reduce capital value.
Residual warranty & GAP insurance — essential for many business users.

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