It's not often I play the role of executive, but I certainly felt like one recently during my week-long stint behind the wheel of the 2024 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury. The ES is Lexus' top-selling sedan and this looks to be the last model year of its current generation.
Exterior
The four-door ES Ultra Luxury grade looks polished and stately in a Caviar hue. It rides on new-for-2024 18-inch alloy wheels with Vapor Chrome Finish. They look sharp! I also love the look of the front end with its optional Triple-Beam Headlights.
Power folding mirrors adorn the profile. In back, you find a color-key spoiler and LED tail lights.
Performance
While newer hybrid powertrains are more about performance than fuel economy, something you'll hear CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds say on the show, the 300h 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid powertrain remains more focused on the latter. However, despite only delivering 215-horsepower I can't complain about the acceleration which surprised me given the hybrid model's 4,700+ pound curb weight.
Interior
Lexus' well-crafted interiors never fail to impress. This Ultra Luxury model features a gorgeous Palomino semi-aniline leather and Open-Pore Brown Walnut trim and impeccable contrast stitching.
The quilted, leather-trimmed front seats with cushiony side bolstering are quite comfortable as are the headrests. The 14-way power driver's seat features a cushion extender. And oh how I do continue to adore Lexus' heated, leather and wood-trimmed steering wheels. Above it you find Lexus' familiar easy-to-read digital driver display.
Dual-toned soft touch door panels feature more wood trim along with the available Mark Levinson sound system speakers. Quality hardware has a hefty, upscale feel to it.
You'll find traditional climate controls on the center stack, something that will most certainly change when it heads into its next-generation.
The slim center console fits the space perfectly and is where you find the leather-wrapped gear shift knob, cupholders, Auto Hold, EV mode, a vertical wireless charger and two cupholders. I love the hidden center console compartment for the USB and USB-C ports in front gear shift knob. The center console bin hides two more USB-C ports and a 12-volt.
The midsize ES is what I would call a cozy sedan. Second row features include USB ports and a drop-down center console with two smaller sized cupholders. Passengers also have access to manual window sunshades.
There's a pass through area to the nicely-sized trunk. The Ultra Luxury is equipped with a power trunk and a kick sensor. There's a rear power sunshade as well.
Standard Ultra Luxury features include dual zone climate, three-level heated and ventilated front seats and a standard size sunroof.
Technology
The ES 300h Ultra Luxury features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs the last-generation Lexus Interface. It comes with a three-year trial to Drive Connect which gives you access to Cloud Navigation, Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Ultra Luxury features include a terrific color 10.2-inch head-up display and the panoramic view monitor. Other connectivity features include a WiFi hotspot.
Ride and Drive
The Lexus ES delivers engaging driving dynamics thanks to a great steering feel and confident handling. This is a vehicle that feels heavy, as opposed to say the Genesis GV70 which is lighter on its feet. While the 300h's power specs don't jump off the page, acceleration is surprisingly good, especially in Sport mode which boosts its 163 pound-feet of torque at lower speeds. Braking is confident and of course the ES delivers Lexus' hallmark smooth suspension for a comfortable and quiet ride.
Safety
The 2024 ES isn't equipped with Lexus' latest 3.0 safety system featured on its new or recently redesigned models. Lexus 2.5+ includes Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Intelligent High Beams. Additionally, it's equipped with Intuitive Parking Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
What You'll Pay
As the Ultra Luxury model is well-equipped, there aren't many options. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system adds $1,080, a Smart Access Key $100, and the Triple-Beam headlights $1,215. MSRP as equipped runs close to $56,000.
Verdict
The well-mannered Lexus ES 300h is a refined sedan that will appeal to those looking for a luxurious, comfortable ride with exceptional fuel economy. However, keep in mind, it's expected to be redesigned in 2025 and get a new Lexus infotainment system as well other new driver's assistance tech.
- What I liked most: Its overall luxury and comfortable ride.
- What I would change: Nothing in its current generation.
- MSRP: Base price: $52,330. MSRP as equipped $55,875.
- Fuel Economy: 43 city/44 highway/ 44 combined.
- Odometer when tested: 2,985 miles.
- Weight: 4,740 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Temporary Compact.
- Length-Width-Height: 195.9” long/73.4” wide/56.9” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Caviar.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2024 Lexus Lexus ES 300h n a few words: A tried-and-true refined and luxurious midsize sedan that will get you where you need to go in comfort.
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Warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles Basic Warranty; 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain/8-years/100,000 miles Hybrid Warranty; 10-years or 150,000 miles/ Hybrid Battery Warranty
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Final Assembly Location: Georgetown, Kentucky.
- Manufacturer's website: Lexus
