One of the longest serving Lexus models the ES350 is back after a six year sabbatical from our market, and returns as an even more refined and desirable fully-sized luxury sedan.

Until the arrival of the compact Lexus CT three years ago, it was the only front-wheel drive member of the Lexus family. This latest generation ES350 is built on a similar platform as the current Camry/Aurion sedans and shares the same engines and power trains. However, quality and equipment levels are in a whole different stratosphere, as you would expect in a vehicle carrying the coveted Lexus badge and $80,000 plus price tags that go with it.

In many ways the ES is tailored to cater for the tastes of North American buyers.

Even the most fastidious prospective owners of this car would be stretched to find fault with the features Lexus have managed to pack into this roomy front drive sedan. Strong performance, impeccable fit and finish and list of cosseting creature comforts fit for a king or a queen for that matter, have under pinned the success of the ES for over twenty years in the USA. Hardly surprising then the company hasn’t any appetite for deviating too much from that winning formula with this newest iteration. It delivers more of the same, but in a far more sophisticated and polished package. A softer riding demeanor means the ES lacks the agility and responsive handling of other offerings in the Lexus range, particularly the Is250 and 350.

Clearly it’s the ES350’s other attributes that have made it a hit. Apparently those who own earlier version of the ES sold in this country are reluctant to switch to other models in the Lexus range, or swap to other brands. It’s this extraordinary loyalty that was one of the factors in the decision to bring the ES back to our market.

This vehicle doesn’t need its highly regarded badge alone to win over customers. However, the prestige associated with a particular brand in the minds of luxury buyers, still plays a significant part in where they put their cash. Visually the ES350 makes a pretty compelling case for consideration to would-be buyers with its smart albeit conservative styling, wrapped around a practical yet deceptively roomy four-door sedan.

Prices start at $80,995 for the 204kw 3.5 litre V6 and four-cylinder hybrid petrol/electric and in lavishly appointed Limited form, this duo cost an additional $14,000. This is a fairly steep premium to pay to hold the tiller of the flagship model. It was something I was able to experience, but without the big cash outlay during a test drive of an ES350 Limited spec hybrid sedan.

Leading the performance charge is a newly developed 2.5 litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with a proven Hybrid Synergy Electric Drive system. It brings a new found vitality and energy of the car. The larger and more modern 2.5-litre engine and revamped electric motor combine their collective might to produce a fairly respectable power output to 151kW. This is sufficient to shunt the ES350 from 0 to 100km/h time in a purposeful 8.5 second, that’s only a second or so slower than the 3.5 V6.

An EV (Electric Vehicle) mode allowed the test car to travel on the electric motor only. This mode only operated effectively in urban situations, where the electrical motor was able to literally take charge and run solo on flat terrain for fairly lengthy periods, without having to summon any assistance from the petrol engine.

A dedicated ECO drive mode switch also helps the driver to drive in a more fuel efficient way. Lexus claim consumption of 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres, almost 40% better than the V6 model. Like other hybrids I have driven, this one never got close to replicating that impressive fuel consumption number in real world driving.

Gear changing is taken care of by an efficient computer controlled continuously variable automatic. It’s hard to fault, but from a drivers perspective it feels just a bit remote and sterile and doesn’t provide the same engaging gear changing experience of a good conventional automatic.

A spacious cabin comfortably seats five adults although the boot compartment is less generously endowed. This is because some load carrying capacity had been traded off so the battery packs that help power the car can be fitted under the boot floor.

The ES350 is packed with every imaginable safety feature including; 10 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and vehicle stability control and LED day time running lights. Perhaps one of the most useful safety features in every-day driving is a system that warns you when there is a vehicle in a blind spot on either side of the vehicle.

The Blind Spot Monitor system uses radar to detect other vehicles the drive cannot see in nearby lanes and can spot vehicles larger than an average size motorcycle. This extra set of eyes for the driver reduces the risk of them hitting a vehicle that is out of their view, by alerting them of it presence via a symbols that appear in the rear vision mirrors. These stay illuminated as long as close by vehicles are being detected by the on board radar that kicks in from around 40km/h.

Bump absorbing capacity seems to have improved over earlier ES models I have driven. The suspension has been tuned to provide slightly more aggressive handling and feels more confident through the corners. Part of this is due to body roll being more effectively contained when you quicken the pace over undulating terrain. The steering while occasionally veering into the light and vague space is generally well weighted and quick to react to the driver’s commands, something I haven’t always experienced in any great abundance in other hybrids I have sampled.

What’s the verdict? The ES300h is a smooth and classy way to save both fuel and the planet, and it’s just one of the smartest looking hybrid petrol-electric luxury sedans you can buy.