Introduced in 2018 at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, the current Lexus ES has been around for quite some time. So, with a lifespan of seven years, it seemed only a matter of time that the Japanese premium automaker will release a new iteration. Well, the time has now come, with Toyota’s luxury arm unveiling the eighth generation, coincidentally making its debut at another Chinese motor show, Auto Shanghai.
Looks stunning, doesn’t it? Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the age-old adage goes, the new ES’s bodywork undoubtedly cuts a striking figure. The eighth model in the ES lineage’s pencil-sharp sheet metal measures 5 140 mm long, front to rear, 1 920 mm wide and 2 950 mm between the front and rear axle. Compared to the seventh iteration, that’s increases of 165 mm, 55 mm and 80 mm, respectively.
The new ES is underpinned by the marque’s TNGA GA-K architecture and, aligning with Lexus’ future-focused approach, is exclusively available with new-energy powertrains: hybrid (HEV) or battery-electric (BEV).
The HEV options include the 300h and 350h, which employs naturally aspirated four-cylinder (145 kW) 2.0-litre and (182 kW) 2.5-litre petrol-electric setups, respectively, and equipped with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
The BEV options include the (front-wheel-drive) 350e and (all-wheel-drive) 500e. The former variant’s front-mounted electric motor produces 165 kW, while the latter’s twin electric-motor arrangement is good for a combined 252 kW, allowing for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds, making it three seconds quicker than its FWD emissions-free sibling to the 100 km/h marker.
However, occasionally, with more power comes decreased operating range. Though a still-respectable figure, the 500e’s 610 km is 75 km less than the 350e’s (685 km, “approximately”).
Will the new Lexus ES come to South Africa?
Yes, the new ES has been confirmed for South Africa, with Lexus’ international press material stating, “A phased rollout across various regions is scheduled to begin in the middle of 2026.” The variants, including their respective trim grades, we’ll receive in Mzansi will be announced closer to the local launch date.