Lexus ES 250 F Sport Review: Simpler is Better

What we like:

Most of the ES' great core values still intact.

What we dislike:

F Sport additions do not do much to add to the driving experience.

The Lexus ES has always been the calmer, more sedate option in the line-up. Front-wheel drive and a stretched wheelbase give stellar space especially for rear passengers, and it has never attempted to be a car for the driver - until now.

With a rear spoiler, F Sport badging, blacked out body parts and 19 inch glossy black wheels, the ES 250 F Sport looks menacing, a bit like a teddy bear festooned with a bulletproof vest and a helmet.

On the inside, it’s almost as shocking as the exterior. Splashes of red across the black interior immediately feel out of place in this car, but if you wanted something eye-catching, this is definitely up your alley. There is a new metallic trim called Hadori, unique to the F Sport, which was never used before on any Lexus. It has fluctuating wave patterns that give the cabin a three-dimensional look which varies depending on the viewing angle.

The ES 250 F Sport also comes together with a facelift across the whole range. Lexus being Lexus, they made a couple of minute changes hoping it will enhance the experience for you that bit more. Mechanically, there is a higher-rigidity rear suspension brace and an expanded contact area of the brake pedal pad. Inside, the touchscreen display has been moved closer to the driver by some 100 mm and titled around 5 degrees for easier access.

Overall, it feels very similar to drive compared to the pre-facelift ES. Which is to say, NVH levels remain exceptionally low, rear legroom is generous and the interior ambience is one of the best in the business. Is it a sportier drive as an F Sport? Apart from slightly sharper turn-in and a smidgen more harshness to the ride, it’s nearly identical to the standard car.

For that reason, I would much prefer the standard car. And if I were to pay a premium, it would be for the 300h variant, not the F Sport, for that suits the ES’ character much more.

Credits: Text by James Wong; Photos by Horizon Drivers' Club