The Lexus ES is a soothing traveling companion that’s happy to let other luxury sedans fight over lap times and top speeds. For buyers looking for a spacious sedan that silently goes about its business, the Lexus ES is a superb choice.

The ES wears radically benign styling, combining controversial elements like Lexus’ “spindle grille” and sharp L-shaped details on a well-proportioned body. Like the color beige, the ES offends no one, but doesn’t inspire much raw enthusiasm either. Lexus

With a starting price of nearly $40,000, the ES is a bargain basement kind of vehicle. Yet, compared to rivals—like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6—the ES is priced many thousands of dollars less. That’s likely because all six ES 350 trims offer only one available engine and transmission: a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a seamless eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s comes configured only with a front-wheel drivetrain. The sole powertrain is a sweet combination, however. It has no problem getting the ES up to speed on a highway or during any quick passing maneuvers.

A fuel-sipping ES 350 hybrid variant is also available, but where it excels in efficiency it lacks in speed. The slower ES 300h relies on a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder teamed with a pair of electric motors.

A strong, silent 302-horsepower V6 sits under the ES 350’s hood and sends power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The pillowy suspension and numb steering make it clear that the ES is no sports car, even in the ostensibly sporty “F Sport” trim. Lexus

There’s no bellowing exhaust or a sport-tuned suspension because the ES speaks to luxury car shoppers that prefer a softer ride and less aggressive engine tuning. There is absolutely nothing wrong that route. 

Inside, the ES delivers plenty of space for front and rear passengers. The dashboard layout is elegant and features quality materials that look built to last. That’s not surprising since the ES has a great reputation for long-term reliability and resale value.

Despite another round of improvements for the 2020 model year, including the overdue introduction of Android Auto compatibility, the ES’s infotainment system is still controlled via a maddening mousepad-like controller on the center console. At least having standard Apple CarPlay (and now Android Auto) helps take the sting out of this system.  Other than the tech complaint, everything else boils down to taste. 

Standard features on the base 2020 Lexus ES Premium trim include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, in-car WiFi and much more. Stepping up to the Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims brings more decadence at a surprisingly low cost. Lexus

Some shoppers might be put off by the lack of an all-wheel drive option, but the ES is alert and soothing in city traffic and delivers ample power. The suspension takes the edges off even the worst bumps.

For a little more sparkle, the F-Sport trim includes a stiffer suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels and distinct cabin and exterior styling. It’s a fine choice, though it doesn’t bring along any additional horsepower. And the more than $44,000 price tag for the F-Sport version makes the value quotient of the ES 350 less compelling. This Lexus luxury sedan proves that scaling the heights of an options sheet isn’t necessary to get the best from a premium car.