The Lexus ES has always represented the sweet spot between Japanese precision engineering and the refinement expected from a luxury sedan. In 2025, the ES evolves further, carrying Lexus’ signature craftsmanship while embracing hybrid efficiency that appeals to eco-conscious Australian buyers.
This year’s update strengthens the ES’s case as a true rival to European sedans like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class — yet with Lexus’ hallmark of reliability and lower cost of ownership. For Australians, where hybrid sedans are gaining ground as practical luxury choices, the 2025 Lexus ES is poised to be a strong contender.
In this detailed review, we’ll break down everything you need to know — design, performance, hybrid technology, interior features, safety, ownership costs, and how it stacks up against competitors in the Australian market.
Exterior Design: Elegance With Subtle Updates
The Lexus ES has always been a car that exudes understated elegance rather than loud sportiness, and the 2025 model refines that further.
- Front Fascia: The spindle grille has been slightly softened, giving the sedan a more modern, aerodynamic look without losing Lexus’ identity. Slimmer LED headlights with triple-beam technology create a sharp, premium feel.
- Side Profile: The coupe-like silhouette remains, defined by smooth body lines that emphasise length and class. Expect standard 18-inch alloy wheels, with 19-inch options on higher trims.
- Rear Styling: Redesigned LED taillights stretch across the boot, enhancing the wide stance. Chrome accents maintain a luxury presence.
In Australia, Lexus offers the ES in bold shades like Sonic Iridium, Graphite Black, and Deep Blue, catering to buyers who want both subtle and expressive finishes.
Interior Comfort: A Japanese Lounge on Wheels
Step inside the 2025 Lexus ES, and it feels more like entering a luxury lounge than a sedan cabin. Lexus has doubled down on Takumi craftsmanship, blending premium materials with cutting-edge ergonomics.
- Seating & Space: Plush semi-aniline leather seats come standard on higher trims, with 14-way power adjustment for the driver. Rear seat legroom remains class-leading, ideal for chauffeured comfort. Heated and ventilated options are available front and back.
- Materials: Expect wood trims, leather-wrapped surfaces, and soft-touch panels throughout. Higher models offer handcrafted details unique to Lexus.
- Quiet Cabin: Thanks to improved insulation and acoustic glass, the ES delivers an ultra-quiet cabin, perfect for long highway drives across Australia.
- Boot Space: With 454 litres of cargo room, the ES remains practical enough for families or executives with plenty of luggage.
Technology & Features
Lexus has equipped the 2025 ES with the latest tech, blending convenience with sophistication.
- Infotainment: A 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen comes standard, paired with Lexus’ new voice-recognition system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
- Digital Cluster & HUD: A 12.3-inch digital driver display and optional head-up display keep vital info in clear view.
- Audio Experience: Audiophiles will appreciate the Mark Levinson 17-speaker surround-sound system, designed to turn the cabin into a mini concert hall.
- Connectivity: Multiple USB-C ports, wireless charging, and 5G-ready connectivity future-proof the car for Australian buyers who want long-term usability.
Performance & Driving Experience
The 2025 Lexus ES is not a sports sedan — but it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it focuses on delivering smoothness, refinement, and fuel-efficient performance.
- Powertrain: The ES 300h is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with Lexus’ hybrid system. Combined output is around 160 kW, enough for effortless highway cruising.
- Transmission: An electronically controlled CVT provides seamless acceleration, tuned for refinement rather than aggressive shifts.
- Ride & Handling: Lexus’ adaptive suspension ensures a plush, stable ride, even on rough Aussie country roads. While not as dynamic as German rivals, the ES shines in comfort and predictability.
- Hybrid Efficiency: The ES 300h claims around 4.8L/100km, making it one of the most fuel-efficient luxury sedans in Australia — a strong advantage over petrol-only rivals.
For those who value serenity over speed, the Lexus ES delivers one of the most relaxing drives in its class.
Safety Ratings & Features
Australians shopping in this segment expect top-tier safety, and Lexus delivers with a full suite of systems under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Lane Tracing Assist with Steering Input
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
- Blind-Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- 360-Degree Camera with Parking Assist
ANCAP is expected to award the 2025 Lexus ES a 5-star rating, continuing its strong safety record.
Fuel Efficiency & Green Credentials
Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest reasons Australians are drawn to the ES hybrid.
- Urban Driving: Expect savings in stop-start city traffic thanks to electric-only mode.
- Highway Trips: The hybrid system balances petrol and electric seamlessly, ideal for long Aussie road trips.
- Eco Credentials: With lower CO2 emissions than petrol-only rivals, the ES appeals to eco-minded buyers who aren’t ready to go full EV.
Ownership & Running Costs
One of Lexus’ biggest advantages in Australia is ownership experience.
- Warranty: Five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with 10-year coverage on hybrid batteries.
- Servicing: Lexus offers capped-price servicing, generally cheaper than European rivals.
- Extras: Owners enjoy access to Lexus Encore, a luxury ownership program offering valet servicing, loan vehicles, and lifestyle benefits.
This combination makes the ES a lower-stress luxury sedan to own long-term.
Lexus ES vs Competitors
The ES sits in a crowded field of midsize luxury sedans. Here’s how it compares:
- BMW 5 Series: More dynamic and tech-forward, but pricier and with higher running costs.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Benchmark luxury, but less reliable in long-term ownership compared to Lexus.
- Audi A6: Sleek and tech-savvy, but fuel efficiency lags behind the ES hybrid.
- Genesis G80: Stylish and feature-rich, but lacks Lexus’ established after-sales reputation in Australia.
For buyers prioritising comfort, reliability, and eco-efficiency, the Lexus ES often comes out ahead.
Pricing & Variants in Australia
Pricing for the 2025 Lexus ES in Australia is expected to start around $68,000–$70,000 drive-away for the entry ES 300h Luxury, stretching up to around $85,000 for the Sports Luxury trim.
Trims expected in Australia:
- ES 300h Luxury – well-equipped base model
- ES 300h F Sport – sportier design touches, adaptive suspension
- ES 300h Sports Luxury – flagship with premium materials, tech, and comfort
Who Should Buy the 2025 Lexus ES?
- Professionals & Executives: Those wanting a refined sedan that projects success without being flashy.
- Families: The rear seat space and safety tech make it a strong family car.
- Eco-Conscious Luxury Buyers: Perfect for Australians who want a luxury sedan without the fuel bills of a V6 or V8.
- Long-Term Owners: Lexus reliability and ownership benefits make the ES ideal for keeping beyond 5–10 years.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Lexus ES continues to excel as a luxury hybrid sedan that doesn’t chase sporty pretensions but instead focuses on comfort, serenity, and efficiency. For Australian buyers, it provides a refined alternative to European sedans with stronger ownership perks and a greener edge.
If you want a car that blends hybrid efficiency, Japanese craftsmanship, and luxury comfort — the 2025 Lexus ES deserves a top spot on your shortlist.
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