My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Lexus ES 300h F Sport
It’s that synergy of design, performance, engineering, comfort, ergonomics, space, quality, and proven reliability. Some vehicles have this. Some don’t.
You know what a good car feels like.
It’s that synergy of design, performance, engineering, comfort, ergonomics, space, quality, and proven reliability.
Some vehicles have this. Some don’t.
The former fits perfectly with the Lexus ES – in particular, this current generation of its mid-sized premium sedan. As one of the original Lexus models, it continues to fulfill its mission as a more comfortable sedan that does not carry the kind of price tag found on its rivals.
You could say that this Kentucky-produced vehicle is a pleasant sedan. It is exactly that. Pleasant to drive with a ride quality some luxury cars wished they had. The type of car that is equal to a bubble bath with Calgon.
This time around, I was sent a 2023 ES 300h F Sport. In the past, I would’ve given you a Scooby-Doo like and response (refer to the V&R Machine intro video for that reference). However, this is normal considering the push towards electrified vehicles across the Lexus lineup. Not to mention that Lexus has been a leader in offering hybrid gasoline-electric drivelines in the luxury car field.
The F Sport part is also a Lexus hallmark. With its rival brands offering a sporty trim level with enhancements matching its ambitions, offering an F Sport version of a hybrid sedan is not strange. It is expected. And, welcomed.
Come to think of it, would you rather “run silent and run deep”?
Before I address the ES 300h F Sport itself, I must draw your attention to the large 12.3-inch touchscreen perched on top of the instrument panel. It is now powered by the Lexus Interface infotainment system. This makes things much more livable, as the center console has been relieved of its track pad controller. You may all relax now.
While that may be the only change that is significant on the 2023 ES, it is a rather important one for those of us wanting ease of operation with our Lexus vehicles.
The gray color makes this ES 300h F Sport mysterious. That, along with the 19-inch black alloy wheels gives it a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” vibe. The cool factor is off the scale here.
The “sheep” part of this sedan should be ignored. While the 215-horsepower hybrid driveline may not induce increased heart rates, it is still one silent powertrain. The combined 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor set-up runs through an electronic continuously variable transmission. It is only front-wheel drive…but, so what? This is a proven driveline that befits the ES 300h with smooth delivery and easy highway cruising.
One look at this ES F Sport may not spell out its willingness to consume mass quantities of petroleum. Instead, it returned an average of 43.1 MPG. Impressive? Perhaps, expected based on past runs in the hybrid ES.
Ride quality continues to be smooth. If you put the ES 300h F Sport into Sport S+, you will find a slight change in suspension feel. Handling is fine across all drive modes but be beware of a bit of roll and lean when pushing the car beyond limits in Normal and Eco modes. To match the pleasantness of the driveline, the ES delivers on an equally serene and tranquil drive out on the highway. It defines luxury to the point – even in its sportiest trim.
A slight improvement to on-center feel and steering action is also felt in Sport S+ mode. Back into Normal and Eco modes, the steering is well weighted and turns very well. The braking system is just fine overall. Pedal feel is good, yet there is an occasional “hybrid lag” that occurs sometimes. It does well in normal and panic situations.
The driving experience is augmented by the ES F Sport’s sport-luxury atmosphere. Two-tone perforated leather seats offer plenty of bolstering and support, despite being on the firm side. Rear seat room is exceptional, and you do get plenty of headroom even with that sleek-ish roofline. Trunk space is ample, with 13.9 cubic feet that will hold a rollator, and plenty of other items for your journey.
The price for all of this is not exactly shocking. With most of its competitors scaling over $60,000, it is refreshing that you can get hybrid sports-luxury sedan for less than that. To be exact, $54,255 is the sticker price of this 2023 Lexus ES 300h F Sport. Hybrid ES models start at $44,490, while the entire ES lineup starts at $43,090.
I’ve always liked the Lexus ES – especially in V6 and Hybrid form. However, I have to wonder how long this model will still be around. I know we live in an SUV world, but there is still a market for premium and luxury sedans. One would hope that the next generation ES would be retained into the future.
Why? Because it’s worth it. It is a good car that deserves more praise and love. It is an enjoyable way to get around town, as well as to take long trips in. It also gives you everything you want in a single package.
The Lexus ES is serenity on wheels.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America
All photos by Randy Stern