Lexus ES 2021 Review

In Malaysia's luxury mid-size car market, consumers are placing increased emphasis on comfort and balanced configurations. As a popular choice in this market segment, the Lexus ES 250 has always attracted users with its refined luxury and reliable quality. The 2021 ES 250 Luxury we experienced this time has further enhanced its features compared to the Premium version, especially in the rear seat comfort department, perfectly meeting the needs of family users who value rear passenger care. The focus of our test this time was to see if its actual performance in daily commuting and weekend family outings matches its luxury positioning.

Approaching the ES 250 Luxury, the first impression is the strong sense of recognition from Lexus' family design. The signature spindle grille is moderately sized, not as aggressive as the F Sport version, and paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, the overall style leans towards being steady yet refined. The car body has smooth lines on the side, with a waistline extending from the hood to the rear, making the 4975mm length appear elegant. The 235/45 R18 tire specifications are well-proportioned with the car body, avoiding any top-heavy look. At the rear of the car, the LED taillight cluster adopts a through-type design that is highly recognizable when lit up, and the chrome trim enhances the sense of luxury. The entire exterior avoids excessive adornment, reflecting the understated elegance expected of a luxury car.

Opening the car door, the highlights of the ES 250 Luxury lie in its interior materials and craftsmanship. The center console is wrapped in soft leather and paired with wood grain trim, providing a refined touch with no cheap plastic feel. The 8-inch center control screen is equipped with the Remote Touch Interface system, with a clear operation logic. Although it is not a touchscreen, the feel of the knobs and buttons has been finely tuned. Regarding features, the HUD head-up display allows drivers to view information without looking down at the instrument panel. The 10-inch full LCD instrument panel is rich in information, with the theme changing when switching driving modes. The front seats support 10-way electric adjustment and come with a driver memory function. Once adjusted to a comfortable position, even long drives won't feel tiring. The rear seat configuration is a core advantage of the Luxury version, with independent air conditioning vents and electric recline functionality. When the central armrest is lowered, it can control the seat angle, sound system, and air conditioning, offering excellent care for rear passengers.

In terms of space, the 2870mm wheelbase provides ample legroom in the rear. A 180cm tall passenger sitting in the back will find about two fists' worth of space between their knees and the front seatback, with roughly one fist of headroom, ensuring no sense of confinement. The trunk has a capacity of 420 liters, which is sufficient for two suitcases along with additional miscellaneous items. However, the rear seats do not fold down, which can be somewhat limiting when transporting long items. The storage design is reasonable, with a relatively large front central console and door panel storage spaces that can fit both a thermal mug and a phone, offering a decent level of practicality.

As for performance, the ES 250 Luxury is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 204PS and a peak torque of 247N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During takeoff, power delivery is smooth without the sudden surge typical of turbocharged engines. For daily commuting, a gentle press on the accelerator meets driving needs. When accelerating to 60km/h, pressing the accelerator further provides continuous power output without a strong push-back sensation, reflecting a stable tuning style. At highway speeds, the transmission shift logic is clear, and when cruising at 60km/h, RPM stays stable at around 1500rpm, showcasing good fuel efficiency. Our tests on mixed road conditions showed an actual fuel consumption of approximately 8.5L/100km, which is very close to the official figure of 8.4L/100km, meeting expectations for fuel economy.

In terms of handling, the front MacPherson and rear double wishbone suspension system is tuned for comfort. During daily driving, it effectively filters out most of the small bumps on the road. When passing over speed bumps, the suspension rebounds promptly without unnecessary vibrations. The steering wheel feels light and precise, making low-speed maneuvering effortless, while becoming more stable at high speeds, which provides sufficient confidence. When cornering, the body roll is well-controlled within a reasonable range, and the softer suspension does not compromise stability. The braking performance is good, with a stopping distance of approximately 38 meters from 100km/h, ranking among the top performers in its class.

Noise control is one of the advantages of the ES 250 Luxury. During daily driving, both engine noise and tire noise are effectively suppressed. At highway speeds of around 120km/h, wind noise becomes slightly noticeable but does not affect conversation among passengers. The seats offer good support and wrapping, combined with the comfort-tuned suspension, significantly reducing fatigue during long-distance driving.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2021 Lexus ES 250 Luxury lie in its refined interior craftsmanship, comprehensive features—particularly rear-seat comfort configurations—smooth power delivery, and reliable fuel efficiency. Compared to the similarly priced Premium version, the Luxury version includes additional features such as a HUD head-up display, rear electric recliner, and 360-degree panoramic view camera. Although it costs around 34,000 MYR more, these features are particularly practical for family users. Compared to competitors in the same class, like the BMW 3 Series Li, the ES 250 Luxury offers better rear-seat space and comfort-oriented features, making it more suitable for users who prioritize family journeys.

This car is ideal for those who value a comfortable driving experience, balanced configurations, and brand reliability, especially for consumers who often have rear-seat passengers. It is not a car geared towards high-performance handling, but for daily commuting and family trips, it delivers a very pleasant driving and riding experience. If you are looking for a luxury midsize car that is easy to drive and comfortable to ride in, the ES 250 Luxury is an excellent choice.