When put against luxury SUVs, mid-sized luxury sedans provide a better mix of opulence and practicality. With the modern consumer demanding both luxury and value, manufacturers have had to comply. Fortunately, automakers in this segment continue to push the boundaries of performance, design, safety, and value. Top brands such as Mercedes, Audi, and BMW offer a variety of options that feed different tastes and preferences. The brands strive to meet the demands of the modern discerning consumer.

Unsurprisingly, Lexus, a recognized premium brand, continues to prove to be a worthy contender competing against German competition. While luxury is the standard in this segment, Lexus has intricately designed cars with balanced performance, cutting-edge technology, comfort, and crucially, competitive prices. One such testament is the 2023 Lexus ES 250.

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2023 Lexus ES

It is no surprise that the ES was Lexus' second most popular car of 2022. It offers buyers features of a mid-sized luxury sedan at a lower cost as compared to other popular competitors such as Audi A6, Volvo S90, BMW 5 Series, and the Mercedes E-class. For 2023, Lexus has made a number of updates to its ES line, making it an even fiercer competitor to the German mid-size luxury sedans.

The luxury brand unveiled three powertrains that include the base model ES 250, the hybrid ES 300h, and the sportier ES 350. Though the new updates make it pricier as compared to the 2022 Lexus ES, the changes offer an improved driving experience. Of the ES models released for 2023, only the ES 250 has an all-wheel drive powertrain. Drivers who have to contend with snowy conditions will appreciate the all-wheel drive traction. Having said that, the Lexus ES 250 is down on power when compared to the 2022 ES 350.

It packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds, is rather modest for a luxury sedan of its class. Though it is not as sporty, it is stable around corners given that it is fairly light. Clearly, the focus here is more on luxury.

Specifications

The fact that the ES 250 is underpowered is regrettable, however, its fuel consumption at 28 mpg combined is fair, obviously when not comparing it with its sister, the Lexus ES 300h.

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Unveiling The Diverse Trims Of The Lexus ES 250

While Lexus released two new sporty trims for the 2023 ES line, the ES 250 only got the F Sport Design trim. It is available in four trim levels, and they include:

• Base
• F Sport Design
• Luxury
• Ultra Luxury

The all-wheel drive feature sets the ES 250 base apart. However, the other 2023 ES releases have more on-board luxuries and performance specs. The ES 250's all-wheel drive capability, spacious interior, comfort, and fair pricing should excite potential mid-size luxury SUV category consumers.

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Explore The Features Of The 2023 Lexus ES 250

The changes include an improved center console, a new multimedia system, and upgraded F Sport Models. Thankfully, the frustrating Remote Touch interface and controller were replaced with the Lexus Interface. It includes a higher resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, antiglare, and Drive Connect Capability with Cloud Navigation. An advanced voice assistant ensures an intuitive experience. It is important to note that ES is eligible for the new 10-year trial period for Lexus' connected services plans.

Another notable update on the inside is new trim options. The new ES features new Ash Bamboo trim replacing the previous open-pore brown walnut and open-pore black options, and a new Macadamia upholstery in place of Rich Cream. The updated center console comes with a sunglass holder, improved cupholder location, and wireless charging.

For enthusiasts keen on high-quality sound, quick response, power, and a sportier look, the Lexus introduced a new F Sport Handling option in the ES 350 and ES 300h, similar to the Sport Handling option that was available in the 2022 ES 350 F Sport Models. The F Sport Handling package features adaptive suspension with Sport + and custom drive modes. In the 2023 ES models, the engine and safety features remain standard.

The Lexus ES 250 still remains a car of choice for luxury sedan admirers, as it is feature-rich. It has a range of features that include:

• High-Resolution Infotainment Display: The latest multimedia system in the ES 250 has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus clock on the top left, making it even more appealing. The new voice control feature makes for an interactive experience. The Remote Touch interface and controller are no longer a feature, probably because of the prior outcry about it being fussy.
• Spacious and Comfortable Seating: The spaciousness and comfort of the ES 250 has been a major selling point over the years. The legroom for the 2023 Lexus 250 base model is solid and luxurious, especially in the back seat, the 39.2 inches of legroom comfortably accommodating even a six-foot passenger and leaves enough space. The extensive use of soft-touch materials affirms that it is a premium vehicle.
• NuLuxe Leatherette Upholstery: This high-quality artificial leather ensures a sense of comfort and durability. Lexus guarantees that the material is environmentally friendly with its manufacture, resulting in 65 percent less CO2 emissions compared to other synthetic materials. Additionally, it is very easy to clean.

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2023 Lexus ES 250 Trim Prices: Luxury For Every Budget

Trims And MSRP

With a relative price difference between the Lexus ES 250 and the other releases, it remains a better buy for a discerning executive sedan buyer. The weaker 2.5 liter-V-6 weighs the ES 250 down, bearing in mind that the ES 350 is much more powerful and sportier while the ES 300h is more fuel-efficient and shares similar standard and optional features. The trade-off with the 350 is the lack of all-wheel drive, even as an option.

Lexus ES250 Price

However, when you consider that you're getting a mid-size luxury sedan with all-wheel drive, starting below $45,000, the value proposition of the ES250 starts to make a lot more sense. To draw some context, a base model 5 Series starts at $55,795. So essentially, you're paying 3 Series money for a 5 Series car. So, if comfort and space are a priority, then the base ES for what it offers is simply unbeatable in the mid-size luxury sedan segment.