Lexus ES review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

The Lexus ES bucks the trend set by its main rivals by being available in saloon-form only, something that may make it unsuitable for some buyers. However, space inside the cabin is generous for occupants both front and rear. An electrically adjustable steering column and seats on all models make it easy for the driver to find a suitable seating position, and the rear seat can accommodate a smaller adult or child in the central rear seat. 

Visibility is good forwards and to the sides, but rear visibility is slightly compromised by the sloping roofline which results in a narrow rear window. This is mitigated somewhat by the standard safety equipment, though, which includes a reversing camera as standard.

Size

At 4,975mm, the Lexus ES is one of the longest cars in the executive saloon car class, 36mm longer than the Audi A6. It also has the lowest roof height in the sector, but crucially it has the shortest wheelbase, which translates to a smaller cabin overall. In terms of width, the ES sits somewhere in the middle of the class at 1,865mm. That’s narrower than the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series, but wider than a Mercedes E-Class.

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Leg room, head room & passenger space

Although cabin space is smaller overall than in its key rivals, the room on offer for its occupants is generally impressive. Legroom is good for both front and rear passengers, and while headroom for front seat occupants is good, in the rear the sloping roofline impacts on the space available to the point where taller passengers may find it uncomfortable. Isofix points are fitted to the two outer seats in the rear.

Boot 

The Lexus ES has the smallest boot amongst its key rivals, measuring 454 litres. That’s 76 litres down on the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series and 96 litres less than a Mercedes E-Class. The boot space itself is accessed through a relatively narrow opening with a significant lip at its base, while the rear seat backs are fixed in place, so longer loads can’t be threaded through into the cabin.