The all-new Lexus ES 350e arrives as a compelling proposition for business leaders, corporate decision-makers and high-income professionals who spend significant time on the road.
Motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay tested the ES from Leonardslee House in West Sussex, a Grade II Listed Italianate property dating from 1855 set within a Grade I Listed woodland estate.
The ES has been part of the Lexus line-up since the marque was founded in 1989, with over three million units sold globally across its lifetime.
This eighth-generation model is available in the UK exclusively as the fully electric ES 350e, marking a significant step forward for the long-running executive saloon.
At 5,140mm long with a 2,950mm wheelbase, the ES has genuine executive-car presence and a spacious cabin befitting its premium positioning.
The interior follows what Lexus calls its “Clean Tech x Elegance” philosophy, pairing a 12.3-inch driver display and 14-inch LexusConnect touchscreen with traditional craftsmanship throughout.
The Premium Plus test car, priced at £68,245, includes semi-aniline leather upholstery, a head-up display, twin wireless charging pads and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system.
Low noise levels create an environment where passengers can listen to music or simply enjoy peace away from the pressures of city working life.
Despite measuring over five metres in length, the ES handles surprisingly well in confined spaces, navigating tight urban junctions with an agility that belies its substantial dimensions.
The ES 350e uses a 77kWh battery producing 221bhp through its front-mounted electric motor, reaching 62mph in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 99mph.
Its quoted electric range sits between 325 and 361 miles depending on specification, with the Premium Plus delivering 357 miles on the WLTP cycle and energy consumption of 25.7kWh per 100 miles.
A 150kW DC charger can take the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in around half an hour when a rapid top-up is required during a busy working day.
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive represents a very different interpretation of the electric executive car, producing 593bhp and sprinting from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds.
DC charging at up to 205kW takes the i5 from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes, though the car commands a price well beyond £100,000.
The Volvo ES90 offers another alternative, with its 800-volt electrical architecture enabling 10-80 per cent charging in around 20 minutes and more than 400 miles of claimed range.
The Lexus takes a different approach from both rivals, prioritising the overall experience rather than competing on charging speed or outright performance figures.
Plentiful rear legroom makes the Japanese-built saloon particularly suitable for executives who need to work or rest while someone else handles the driving.
Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee House, led by Executive Chef Jean Delport and holding both a Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star, provided a fittingly refined backdrop for the test.
At £68,245 for the Premium Plus, the ES sits between the £59,345 Premium and £72,545 Takumi trims, making it the most affordable option among its key electric executive rivals.
The Lexus ES 350e does not need to beat the BMW or Volvo at any particular game, with its real strength lying in the quality and completeness of the overall package.