- New Lexus ES revealed
- Exec saloon gets a much sportier look
- Coupe-like tapered rear creates ‘dynamic presence’
- Gets fully-electric powertrain option for first time
- Available to lease early 2026
This is the sleek and sporty new Lexus ES - an executive saloon that gains a fully-electric powertrain for the very first time.
The ES has been around since 1989 and has been a core model for Lexus since the firm’s inception.
It has long traded blows with cars like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series and in recent years it has been known for its frugal self-charging hybrid powertrain.
This all-new, eighth-generation Lexus ES, however, moves the needle considerably.
First of all, there’s the new styling. While the outgoing ES is slightly understated in its design (maybe even a touch vanilla…) the new ES looks much more like a svelte coupe than your typical saloon ferrying someone to a business meeting.
The front nose has been sharpened and honed, appearing more angular and less slabby than before, while the rakish rear tapers sharply for an almost fastback-like look.
It’s also bigger (in all respects) than the existing ES.
Lexus describes that silhouette as something that creates a ‘sleek but dynamic presence’, and you can’t really argue with that assessment.
Besides the way the new Lexus ES looks, there’s also big news when it comes to the available powertrains.
For the first time ever, the new ES will be available as a fully-electric vehicle. Two main versions will be up for grabs; the ES 350e and 500e.
The ES 350e is front-wheel drive and develops 221 bhp. The ES 500e is all-wheel drive and gets 338 bhp. There’s no precise details about battery and range but the BMW i5 Saloon can travel up to 374 miles between trips to the plug, so Lexus will be hoping to match that.
Besides the fully-electric Lexus ES, you’ll still be able to enjoy one with a self-charging hybrid engine.
The ES 300h and 350h models get a bigger battery than before with a higher output (though we don’t yet know what the output actually is).
The ES 300h enjoys 199 bhp, thanks in part to a 2.5-litre engine. The 350h gets the same mill but power goes up to 244 bhp and front and all-wheel drive models will be introduced.
The cabin has been swanki-fied, too. The rear cabin can be fitted with reclining seats and, for the seat behind the front passenger, an ottoman leg support for an exclusive chauffeur-driven style experience.
You can also have a Mark Levinson (high-end American audio pioneer) Surround Sound System which is able to ‘create a three-dimensional sound stage and a harmonious blend of sound and lighting in the cabin’.
A new 12.3 digital cockpit is married to a 14-inch multimedia screen.
Order books are due to open early next year, with prices and UK spec still to be confirmed.
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