2013 Lexus ES 300h Sports Luxury
Late in 2013 a new generation Lexus ES was built on its own unique platform, previous
models shared some underpinnings with Toyota models. Frontal styling was distinctly
Lexus with its aggressive arrow-head spindle grille.
The smooth, near silent ride and high-quality finish that had really impressed people since
the earliest days of the Lexus LS400 was continued in the ES line. Perhaps it wasn’t quite
as supremely smooth as its big brother, but the ES cost considerably less so has appealed
to many. Thus, there are now quite a few on the secondhand market, given you a good
choice to select from.
This Lexus ES was offered as pure petrol powered by a 3.5-litre V6 or petrol/electric hybrid
with a 2.5-litre Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and nickel-metal-hydride
batteries.
Potential Lexus buyers are often tech savvy people and quite a few hybrids have been
sold since day one
The ES makes no pretense at being a sports machine. Handling is on the soft side as the
concentration is on comfort. Interior room is good without being outstanding and you may
not be able to transport four tall people without some compromising front to rear on the
driver’s side.
In August 2015 the ES was given an extensive makeover. Visually it took cues from the
company’s L-Finesse design language, with a pinched-waist grille that was wider and
taller. New headlamps, daytime running lights and reflectors created a bolder look.
At the back, sections of the lamp cluster were enlarged and the lower bumper broadened
with the bootlid garnish now integrated into the lights and extended to the clear lenses.
Sportier looking wheels completed the package.
The biggest change is an invisible one, the use of paint that has Lexus’s self-restoring
surface which lets the paint’s clear outer coating ‘heal’ itself from minor damage.
This ES had the Lexus Safety System+ which combined a pre-collision system, lane
departure warning, automatic high beam lighting and active cruise control.
2015 Lexus ES350
An upgrade in 2021 added a new ES 250 variant with a new design 2.5-litre petrol four-
cylinder engine 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque with combined-cycle fuel
consumption of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
The ES 250 Luxury has a new 12.3-inch screen with touch-display functionality
complementing the 7.0-inch driver display and incorporating Apple CarPlay6, Android
Auto, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation and a 10-speaker sound system.
The ES 250 Luxury offers for the first time on the ES hazel trim complemented by textured
3D Film ornamentation.
Over the years the number of Lexus dealerships in Australia has increased significantly.
The company began its operations in the major capital cities, but later expanded into
larger country cities as well. Senior technicians at Toyota dealerships can carry out work if
you’re not in an area serviced directly by Lexus.
It comes as no surprise that we recommend servicing and repairs should be left to
professional mechanics.
Insurance premiums are generally moderate, reflecting the type of conservative driver to
whom this Lexus appeals.
2020 Lexus ES300h Sports_Luxury
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Having done your own initial checks, we strongly recommend calling in either a Lexus
specialist or a senior inspector from a motoring association.
Get a quote for even the most minor faults as these can be surprisingly expensive at
times.
Make sure the engine starts quickly and idles smoothly, indeed, virtually imperceptibly.
Check the automatic transmission operates quietly and smoothly.
If you haven’t driven a hybrid before you’re likely to be surprised the engine doesn’t start
when you turn the car on. Instead, the electric motor sits there silently and the car moves
off on electric power. The petrol engine kicks in as required.
Feel for steering that is precise in its operation and works smoothly. Listen for unusual
noises and look for the slightest sign of anything out of the ordinary.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $12,000 to $17,000 for a 2013 Lexus ES300h Luxury or a 2013 ES350
Luxury; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2014 Sports Luxury; $19,000 to $27,000 for a 2016
ES300h Luxury; $24,000 to $33,000 for a 2016 ES300h Luxury or a 2018 ES350 Luxury;
$28,000 to $37,000 for a 2018 ES300h Luxury; $42,000 to $57,000 for a 2021 ES250
Luxury; and $48,000 to $62,000 for a 2021 ES250 F Sport.
CAR BUYING TIP
Spend as much time looking for the best price on insurance and finance as you do on the
car itself.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at:
www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
