Zen master

Singapore — When is a big luxury sedan not a big luxury sedan? When it’s a big luxury sedan. This sounds like something from a Zen koan, so it’s fitting that Japanese marque Lexus provides the answer with its new ES.

Lexus already has an offering in the segment — the GS, a new version of which debuted last year. By European standards, it’s a strange move to offer two cars of ostensibly the same size, but Lexus said the ES is focussed more on comfort, leaving the GS to compete with the likes of the BMW 5 Series, or even Infiniti’s very quick M37h.

It also helps that the ES costs much less than the other three cars mentioned — even less than an IS, in fact, which in car terms is one size smaller.

Trial by origami

So, it’s a Japanese luxury sedan with no outright rival. How Japanese? Lexus likes to boast how skilled its upholstery artisans (called takumi) are. They are required to fold an origami cat in less than 90 seconds — with their non-master hand.

That’s all fine on paper, but in real life, it’s very hard to find a stitch (or anything else) out of place in the cabin. It does not have the verve or style of its indirect rivals, but there’s nothing to fault in terms of quality or ergonomics.

It’s a simple interior that’s very comfortable and has lots of leg-room. The Lexus Remote Touch infotainmentsystem does not have the graphical or technical complexity of German systems, but even your mother could use it without assistance.

Dual power

Being a hybrid, it’s silent at low speeds and can reach up to 45kmh using just the power from its boot-mounted battery, which is charged when braking or coasting.

When more power is needed, the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine kicks in seamlessly. It’s not exactly generously powerful, and the engine sounds buzzy at high revs, but it gets the job done. That also describes its dynamic qualities too — accessible, simple, but a less-than-willing participant in handling hijinks.

While the base ES 250 model is S$10,000 cheaper, the Hybrid model is faster, cheaper and much more fuel efficient. It’s even cheaper than something like a BMW 328i.

What’s less tangible is the sort of calm and insulation the ES provides its driver and passengers — whisper- quiet comfort and driving ease that has an eco-conscience.

Lexus ES 300h

Engine: 2,494cc i4, 156bhp & 211Nm

Electric Motor: 141bhp, 270Nm

Battery: 1.6kWh (est), NiMh

Performance: 180kmh, 0-100km/h 8.5s, 5.4L/100km, 127g/km CO2

System total: 204bhp

Price: S$257,000 with COE

+: Lots of space, down-to-earth but oh-so-comfortable

- : Not quite dynamically enjoyable

Also Consider: Infiniti M37h