The ES badge will always hold a special place in history for Lexus, but few in the UK are likely to be familiar with it.

When the Lexus brand was launched globally in 1989, the ES was one of two cars designed to allow Toyota's luxury vehicle division to take on premium rivals.

Despite enjoying success in the US and Asia, it hadn't previously been seen on these shores – until now.

The newly-arrived ES has effectively replaced the GS, which survived four generations in the UK without making spectacular inroads into the market.

On the face of it, the ES has more potential to increase sales because it can compete financially with the fleet-heavy lower end of the executive sector, most notably the four-cylinder German rivals.

The front-wheel drive platform found on the ES has been adapted from the Toyota Camry, helping to reduce build costs and perhaps allowing Lexus to deliver a greater volume of sales.

This vehicle also brings about some brand firsts for Lexus, including a new 2.5-litre petrol engine forming part of a revamped hybrid system.

Meanwhile, new safety assistance technologies make the ES into a highly-intelligent vehicle.

This 300h version of the ES, tested here, can develop 215bhp when the power of the petrol and electric motors is combined.

Torque is rated at 221Nm for the internal combustion engine and 202Nm for the electric motor.

A CVT gearbox has a pleasing habit of responding swiftly to throttle inputs, all of which allows the ES to reach 60mph from a standing start in under nine seconds.

On the down side, heavy acceleration is accompanied by a rather high-pitched whine, which isn’t too easy on the ear.

While straight-line acceleration isn’t exactly blistering, there’s certainly enough grunt available to get a move on when necessary.

The ES has a well-crafted and composed chassis, handling with excellent poise through tighter corners, with its agility aided by the fact its kerbweight is less than the outgoing GS.

Meanwhile, the steering is weighty and direct, allowing for a certain amount of driving pleasure on country roads.

But it’s on the motorway where many Lexi really come into their own - and the ES is no exception.

The cabin is so well sound-proofed as to be virtually silent at motorway speeds, while the ride quality is simply superb. If you’re planning on eating up a few hundred motorway miles a day, it’s a refined and relaxing way to do it.

In general terms, this car is at its best when the pace is eased down a bit, perhaps driving at 70 to 80 per cent, at which point the ride compliance and general relaxing demeanour come to the fore.

Speaking of the cabin, it’s everything you’ve come to expect of this brand - comfortable, classy and elegant.

Plush materials are to be found at every turn, including sumptuous leather seats and steering wheel.

Interior space is plentiful, with space in the back offering loads of legroom, even for taller adults. The Boot offers 454 litres of space.

In terms of looks, the ES has a sleek silhouette with subtle and slightly understated design flourishes.

The large spindle-style grille dominates the front end and ensures the ES is unmistakably part of the Lexus family.

Residual values and low running costs may come into consideration for those who opt for the ES.

Indeed, the car is an excellent alternative option for motorists who desire hybrid efficiency.

Emissions are 103g/km, while fuel economy comes out at 52.9-59.3mpg on the combined cycle.

All in all, the ES is an excellent luxury vehicle and, relatively speaking, it's at the more affordable end of the market, starting at just over £35,000.

It looks the part, has a tremendous interior, and offers decent fuel economy and a swift turn of pace.

Lexus ES300h ES Takumi

PRICE: £45,650 on the road

ENGINE: 2.5-litre petrol hybrid

TOTAL POWER: 215bhp

TOP SPEED: 112mph

0-62MPH: 8.9 seconds

EMISSIONS: 103g/km

FUEL ECONOMY: 52.9-59.3mpg combined

TRANSMISSION: Electric CVT