2021 Lexus ES 250 Luxury Review

In the Malaysian luxury mid-size car market, after the Toyota Crown faded away, the Lexus ES series has been one of the core choices for family users who value comfort and quality. The 2021 ES 250 Luxury, as a mid-to-high-end configuration of the series, impresses consumers with its balanced features and durability. The main purpose of our test drive was to verify whether its performance in daily commuting and long-distance travel matches its luxury positioning.

From the exterior, the 2021 ES 250 Luxury continues the family-style spindle-shaped front design. The chrome-trimmed grille is moderately sized, maintaining brand recognition without seeming overly exaggerated. The body side lines flow smoothly, with a waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear, passing through the front and rear door handles. Paired with 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, the overall proportions are harmonious. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED tail lights echo the front design, offering high recognition when illuminated. The lighting system comes standard with LED lights across the lineup, and the addition of automatic headlights and daytime running lights enhances everyday convenience.

Stepping inside, the interior is wrapped in extensive soft-touch materials. Leather-textured materials are used on the top of the dashboard and the sides of the door panels, complemented by wood veneer, achieving a notable sense of luxury. The central console layout leans toward the driver’s side, with an 8-inch infotainment screen controlled via the Remote Touch Interface. The control logic is clear and easy to use. The instrument cluster is fully digital and supports theme switching, while the HUD head-up display can project information like speed and navigation, reducing the need for drivers to take their eyes off the road. In terms of configuration, the front seats support 10-way electric adjustment, with a memory function for the driver’s seat. The rear seats can recline electrically, and the central armrest integrates buttons for seat, audio, and air conditioning controls, providing thoughtful care for rear passengers. As for space, the 2870mm wheelbase ensures ample rear legroom, allowing a 180cm passenger to have a two-fisted distance between their knees and the front seat. The trunk capacity is 420L, sufficient for daily family storage needs, and the rear seats support folding to expand loading capabilities.

For power, the 2021 ES 250 Luxury is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 204PS and a peak torque of 247N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The power output is smooth at startup, without the abruptness of turbocharged engines. Acceleration at low and medium speeds is responsive and sufficient for everyday city commuting. When overtaking at high speeds, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts the transmission to downshift promptly, and the power reserve meets the demand, though it doesn’t provide an intense push-back feeling. There are three driving modes: Standard, Eco, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity increases, and the transmission shift logic becomes more aggressive, suitable for moments requiring more power.

In terms of handling, the front MacPherson and rear double-wishbone suspension are tuned towards comfort. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters vibrations, maintaining stable body posture. The steering wheel has moderate weight, and while the precision is average, it aligns well with the vehicle's family-oriented positioning. During cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, without noticeable swaying. Noise control performs well; at speeds below 100km/h, tire and wind noise are minimal. Engine noise is audible at high RPMs but does not affect overall comfort. Regarding fuel consumption, during our test drive under mixed road conditions, the measured fuel economy was approximately 8.7L/100km, close to the official combined fuel consumption of 8.4L, demonstrating an average fuel efficiency performance.

Safety configuration is one of the highlights of the 2021 ES 250 Luxury. It comes standard with 10 airbags across the entire lineup, including front knee airbags and rear side airbags. The LSS+ safety system (lane departure warning, active braking, forward collision warning, etc.) is also fully equipped. The 360-degree panoramic view camera and front and rear parking sensors make parking easier. Compared to peers like the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the ES 250 Luxury has an advantage in rear passenger and safety configurations. Additionally, the 5-year unlimited mileage warranty policy reduces the cost of vehicle maintenance.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2021 ES 250 Luxury lie in its comfortable driving and riding experience, extensive features, and reliable safety performance. It is suitable for users who prioritize family use and seek comfort and quality, especially those who do not pursue aggressive driving but value comfort for daily commuting and long-distance travel. If you want a well-balanced, worry-free luxury midsize sedan, the 2021 ES 250 Luxury is a great choice.