INTRODUCTION

An all-new Lexus ES makes its world first appearance today, signalling the introduction later this year of an eighth generation of the global luxury sedan.

Its development has focused on the concept Experience Elegant & Electrified Sedan, introducing new technologies and advanced comfort, connectivity and safety to sustain the build the model’s global reputation. The aim has been to ensure the ES can be enjoyed by all occupants: a connected, rewarding experience and sense of always being in control for the driver and first class comfort for everyone on board. The advantages the ES has always enjoyed in ride quality, comfort and quietness have been taken to a higher level.

The information provided here relates specifically to the ES range that will be available to European customers, including model range, provisional outline performance data and principal equipment features.

A new sedan for a new era

The all-new ES has been conceived as a model that addresses the priorities and concerns of today’s customers. The Lexus approach of “making luxury personal” is central to its strategy for keeping pace with people’s changing values and fulfilling their search for meaningful experiences.

This includes producing multiple solutions towards achieving carbon neutrality, giving people different technology solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. With the all-new ES, this is demonstrated in an extended model range that includes both full hybrid and battery electric powertrains, with different power options and the choice of both front and all-wheel drive.

To deliver on its “making luxury personal” promise, Lexus’ new car programme focuses on Electrification, Intelligence and Diversification, qualities that are central to the all-new ES.

The Electrification programme brings battery electric technology to Lexus’ premium sedan for the first time. Where Intelligence is concerned, the model benefits from technology innovations such as the Lexus-first “Hidden Tech” switches – made possible by Lexus’ Arene software platform – and the latest sophisticated multimedia and safety systems. With the Diversification of its model range, Lexus is designing products that can fulfil multiple roles; the ES may be a sedan in the classic style, but it has character, style and performance to appeal to customers across both the private and business sectors.

A Lexus original

The ES is an “original Lexus,” having been a fixture in the model range since the brand’s launch in 1989. In its latest iteration, it builds on its long-established reputation for luxury and refinement while increasing customer choice in electrified powertrains, in line with the Lexus Electrified vision and multi-pathway strategy towards carbon neutrality. Both self-charging hybrids and the first ES battery electric models will be offered in a line-up that will also include front and all-wheel drive options.

While the ES has been a key model for Lexus in North America and Asia for more than three decades, its arrival in Europe was more recent. It was launched in Eastern European markets with the sixth generation model in 2010, and in Western Europe with the current model in 2018.

Although the all-new ES is a larger car in every dimension than its predecessor, its Clean x Tech design delivers a sleek and elegant look, both inside and out. The investment made in comfort, refinement and luxury moves it closer to the quality, spaciousness and specifications associated with larger F-segment models. At the same time, its performance and handling, both in hybrid and battery electric versions, delivers the high levels of comfort, confidence and control that define the Lexus Driving Signature.

The development programme was based at Lexus’ Shimoyama technical centre in Japan, where planning, design, engineering and evaluation teams were able to collaborate under one roof to systematically test and refine the car.

Following its world premiere at Auto Shanghai in China today, the all-new ES will be launched in Europe with the start of sales from spring 2026.  Details of local specifications will be announced in due course.

DESIGN: CLEAN TECH x ELEGANCE

Exterior: elegance with a simple and clean design aesthetic

The ES has been developed with a new Lexus design concept – Clean Tech x Elegance.

Elegance has been a defining characteristic of successive ES generations and in this all-new model it has been further refined to blend functional elements with a greater emotional quality to produce a simple and clean design aesthetic.

The exterior styling combines a bold presence with a minimalist approach, advancing Lexus’ vision for next generation battery electric vehicle design.

In a further evolution of Lexus’ spindle-shape design hallmark, the car has a new spindle body that evokes electrified power. Overall height, width and length were calculated to produce elegant and striking proportions, while ensuring the car is comfortable to enter and exit. The positioning of the tyres underwent millimetre-level adjustment to obtain an ideal wide and low stance.

The frontal of the car presents a sharply defined spindle shape that extends across the bonnet to the bumper edges. The spindle body rises from the low-set nose and takes in the horizontally aligned front wings to give the ES a strong and distinctive appearance. The hybrid models additionally feature a grille with upper apertures to secure optimal cooling performance.

The front lights create a twin L-signature that will become a new Lexus icon detail for the electrification era. This pairs inward-facing L-shaped daytime running lights with outward-facing L-shaped turn indicators, creating a distinctive Lexus identity while also improving visibility and functionality.

The car’s side view is sleek and streamlined, projecting sense of stability and a low centre of gravity. The flowing silhouette has a “trunkless” look, with the cabin tapering sharply to the rear. It contrasts sharply with the lower body, which is defined by contrasting planar and sculpted surfaces, and powerfully contoured and aerodynamically efficient shoulders.

The rear embodies the ES’s signature elegance with a sculpted flow from the rear tyres to the boot, creating a sleek but dynamic presence. The tapering cabin accentuates the low centre of gravity, giving a sporty and athletic impression.

L-signature rear lights have been introduced, making the car instantly recognisable as a Lexus. The single light bar is seamlessly integrated with the illuminated LEXUS logo and incorporates the tail and stop lights, with other lamps moved to the outer edges. This emphasises the car’s wide stance and enhances the sculpted rear profile, while also contributing to aerodynamic performance.

Interior: simple, clean and sophisticated

Further applying the Clean Tech x Elegance design concept, Lexus has refined the ES’s interior, removing excess detail to create a simple, clean and sophisticated space. The upper cabin section is open and spacious to enhance visibility, while the lower area wraps around the occupants.

Luxurious comfort is assured with the availability of a package of features to enhance the passenger experience. 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. The front passenger seat has a forward-folding function to maximise rear leg room and improve the view.

Two new Lexus-first design elements make their debut in the new ES. Bamboo Layering uses advanced printing techniques and light transmission technology to create a surface illumination effect that synchronises with the cabin’s ambient illumination. Synthetic Leather Embossing produces a precise embossed pattern which combines with ambient lighting to produce a clean and modern aesthetic. The level of sensory quality is further raised by the optimal placement of the Mark Levinson Surround Sound System’s speakers to create a three-dimensional sound stage and a harmonious blend of sound and lighting in the cabin.

 The cockpit is based on Lexus’ Tazuna principle, focusing the driver’s attention on the road ahead by arranging controls and information sources so they can be operated and recognised with just the slightest movement of hand and eye.

The upper section is wide open to prioritise the driver’s view, while the instrument combimeter is presented in an asymmetrical 12.3-inch digital array, allowing for a lower meter hood to be used. Material quality is raised with soft leather-like accents and dynamic lighting effects.

Comfort taken to a higher level

Lexus’ goal was to design a cabin that exceptionally comfortable and relaxing, further refining the ES’s already high levels of quietness and ride quality.

The front seats have been redesigned, helping the driver maintain a comfortable posture so they can respond intuitively to the car’s behaviour and feel more involved in the experience of driving. Support for the shoulder blades reduces muscle strain when steering while the seatback gentle cradles the body.

Noise reduction was prioritised with improved door sealing and the use of glass with high sound insulation quality in the front doors. The way sound is distributed within the cabin has been carefully managed to deliver and more natural and harmoniously balanced acoustic experience.

Lexus-first Hidden Tech switches

The high quality of the ES’s interior is supported by a new Lexus technology, Hidden Tech switches.

This new design reflects the Lexus hospitality principle of Omotenashi, with a minimalist, unobtrusive design that blends seamlessly with the interior. When the car is turned off, the switches are not visible beneath the dashboard upholstery; when the driver switches the car on, they light up and are revealed.  While having the sleek look of a touch-panel, the switches give satisfying tactile feedback when used. 

POWERTRAINS: THE LEXUS MULTI-PATHWAY STRATEGY

ES 300h and 350h self-charging hybrids

The ES 300h features a redesigned self-charging hybrid system with a 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder engine, producing maximum power of 201 DIN hp/148 kW *. Both front and all-wheel drive versions will be available.

This powertrain will be available in western European markets while in the east ** the hybrid offer will be the ES 350h. This also uses a 2.5-litre gasoline engine, but with maximum output of 247 DIN hp/ 182 kW *. Again, both front and all-wheel drive models will be introduced.

The hybrid battery has also been upgraded for higher output.

The system uses a bespoke control logic to deliver a combination of strong acceleration and fuel efficiency. As an additional benefit, the power unit’s increased rigidity helps suppress vibrations, contributing to a quieter and more refined cabin atmosphere.

** Eastern European markets: Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Moldavia

Battery electric ES 350e and 500e

Two battery electric ES versions will be available: the ES 350e front-wheel drive model delivering an output of 224 DIN hp / 165 kW *, and the all-wheel drive ES 500e, with an output of 343 DIN hp / 252 kW *. Both benefit from Lexus’ expertise in advanced electrification to unlock the full potential of the new Lexus global architecture-K platform, including new eAxles which integrate both the power control unit and transaxle. Their new design is lightweight with compact packaging that helps optimise cabin and load space. The high-capacity battery is located beneath the floor, lowering the car’s centre of gravity.

The ES 500e is equipped with Lexus’ DIRECT4 intelligent electric all-wheel drive system. This provides continuous adjustment of drive torque distribution to all four wheels, according to driver inputs and the road conditions. This can vary from 100:0 to 0:100, based on data from sensors monitoring acceleration, wheel speed and steering angle. This delivers both handling stability and an engaging driving experience.

*Provisional data

Lexus ES outline technical specifications

All data relate to the ES prototype model and remain provisional prior to homologation.

CHASSIS AND HANDLING

Lexus seeks to deliver the Lexus Driving Signature – comfort, confidence and control for the driver at all times – consistently, across its entire model line-up. To help achieve this in the new ES, it applied insights from its driving refinement programme, including increasing the rigidity of the car’s front end, floor and rear. These extensive reinforcements minimise vibration and contribute to sharp, intuitive steering, smooth acceleration and braking response, all faithful to the driver’s intentions. At the same time, the car has an agile, responsive feel that belies its size.

The new ES is constructed on a redesigned Lexus global architecture-K platform to accommodate both self-charging hybrid and battery electric powertrains. Starting from the platform, the vehicle’s structure was thoroughly re-examined, resulting in a 165 mm increase in overall length and an 80 mm longer wheelbase than the previous model. The front and rear tracks were increased by 64 mm and 82 mm respectively. As a result, the front to rear seat couple distance has been extended by 77 mm to 1,102 mm, creating a more spacious cabin. Higher seating positions make for easier vehicle entry and exit.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut arrangement while at the rear a multi-link system is used for the first time in an ES with the aim of enhancing the transmission of power to the road and smooth vehicle posture control.

Detailed measures were applied to refine ride quality, including optimised bushing of the suspension arms to achieve a smooth stroke and more composed drive.

The steering system uses a variable-gear rack which supports stability at high speed, quick response when cornering and easier low-speed manoeuvrability.

NEW DIGITAL COCKPIT

The ES features a brand-new digital cockpit experience which seamlessly integrates the 12.3-inch combimeter, the new 14-inch LexusConnect multimedia (making its market debut) and the LexusLink + app.

LexusConnect

Thanks to the integration of the navigation map and Advanced Safety Features in the combimeter, the driver can follow directions while keeping their focus on the road.

For additional comfort of driving, the LexusConnect navigation system in the electric ES models will add charging stations to the route. The system will also monitor your live state of charge and automatically update your charging stations removing any range anxiety.

LexusConnect Multimedia will benefit from regular Over-The-Air wireless software updates to ensure constant features improvement.

Connected services and the LexusLink+ app

The user-centric approach of LexusConnect goes beyond the in-car experience. With the LexusLink+ app, the customer can customise their digital experience by subscribing to connected services.

Details of local specifications will be announced in due course.

ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES

The new ES benefits from further enhancement of the Lexus Safety System + technologies and features, marking further advances towards Lexus’ goal of zero traffic accidents.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

The ACC now integrates map data to support deceleration when approaching stop signs, roundabouts and motorway toll booths. Map data also helps optimise deceleration into bends, helping adjust speed in line with the road conditions.

Pre-Collision Safety (PCS)

The PCS automatic braking function has been expanded to detect and respond to a wider range of driving scenarios, including electric scooters.

Driver Monitor System

This is the first ES to be equipped with a Driver Monitor. A camera mounted above the steering wheel keeps a constant check on the driver’s condition. If it detects that they have lost concentration through being tired or unwell, it triggers visual and audible alerts. The latest revisions to the technology mean that it can now also recognise phone use and yawning. 

The system is linked to the car’s active safety systems, so that should the driver fail to respond, the car can be brought smoothly to a controlled halt with the hazard lights activated.

Driver Emergency Response System

The Driver Emergency Response System has been enhanced so that it can operate on general roads as well as highways. If the system detects significant change in the driver’s posture, indicating difficulty in continuing to operate the vehicle, it will activate the hazard lights and gradually bring the car to a stop in its traffic lane. It will then automatically unlock the doors and send an alert to the emergency services via eCall.

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

The scope of the BSM now includes detection of bicycles and motorcycles moving alongside the vehicle, helping prevent accidents when making left and right turns.

Lane Departure Alert (LDA)

The LDA is now able to detect roadside structures such as utility poles and median barriers, further helping prevent unintended lane departures. Lane Change Assist and Front Cross Traffic Alert are also introduced into the Lexus Safety System + package for the new ES.

The new generation model is also the first ES include Lane Change Assist and Front Cross Traffic Alert functions within its Lexus Safety System + package.

High-definition Adaptive High-beam System

The new High-definition Adaptive High-beam System, provides enhanced light control that can now be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. The gives more precise shading than the conventional AHS, giving clearer illumination of objects such as road signs.

^{Final specifications of the model range in Europe may differ from the photos}

The global unveiling will take place at Auto Shanghai, the Shanghai Automobile Industry Exhibition. At the same time, Lexus Europe will reveal the first details of the specific models, powertrains and principal technology features that will be available to European customers.

In anticipation of the world premiere, Lexus has released a teaser image and a video to give a first hint of the new ES’s design.

The experience can be accessed on the following site: https://www.lexus.eu/car-models/es/#ai-experience.

Utilizing the expertise of facial recognition specialists MorphCast, the ad features a unique patented technology using facial analysis to adapt content in real-time.

Using the viewer’s camera, the “Emotional AI” technology is able to read facial expressions. As the viewer engages with the AI, the advertisement responds accordingly with visual and musical changes to the content depending on the viewer’s perceived emotional state. The edit picks up or slows in pace, music gets more exciting or calm, colors become more or less vibrant, and montages with “emotion sequences” are introduced.

While watching, the viewer has full freedom to experiment with the reaction content they receive via the AI by changing facial expressions, and the AI will adapt and react instantly. Each “scan point” along the storyline triggers a different edit from the AI, combining campaign material and hand-selected footage approved by a panel of psychologists. This can result in as much as 3,125 possible combinations.

Working alongside award-winning global production partner Unit9, which is comprised of a specialized team of innovation architects, software engineers and creatives, a panel of psychologists and scientists were hand-selected to bring the campaign to life.

Led by emotion-based design specialist Prof. Mohammad Soleymani, whose research involves developing automatic emotion recognition and behavior understanding methods using psychological signals and facial expressions, the panel helped develop and hone the audiovisual content designed specifically to elicit an emotional response from viewers. The panel also includes Germany-based color psychologist Prof. Dr. Axel Buether and the Founder of IV Audio Branding, sonic alchemist Steve Keller, who is a leading expert in the impact of sound on human emotion. Both Prof. Dr. Axel Buether and Steve Keller have published research into their respective disciplines and given TedTalks on its applications in the real world.

In the search for a driving experience with sensory elevation, Lexus engineers and designers have crafted, in the Lexus ES, a vehicle with intelligent features that recognize and respond to the driver. A prime example is Lexus Climate Concierge which creates a perfect cabin climate by automatically controlling the seat heaters, steering wheel heater and seat ventilation in synergy with the air-conditioning system. An in-car sensor also detects cabin humidity and cabin/windscreen temperature to ensure the windscreen does not fog up. Lexus Climate Concierge also features an updated nanoe^TM X system which discharges mildly acidic nano ions from the centre of the air conditioning register to combat dry skin.

Driving feel has also been enhanced by improved rear suspension, brake pedal design and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), while the evolution of redefined ride comfort and improvement in “linear responsiveness” is aligned with the brand’s new dynamic performance benchmark: Lexus Driving Signature.

Drawing on these features for inspiration, in 30 seconds the advertisement will attempt to shift viewers’ emotions using multiple levels of audio-visual stimulation, which reflects the sum of all things that make you “Feel Your Best” in the ES.

Spiros Fotinos, Director of Lexus Europe: “We’re excited to share this innovative experience with audiences worldwide. As consumers are seeking more personalized experiences from brands, we wanted to explore the usage of AI to make advertising that responds to the viewer. It’s a first step to show how small, real-time changes to the ad can have a positive impact on how you feel. This logic is also present in the Lexus ES which provides exceptional levels of comfort by controlling a series of sensorial factors. So there is a natural synergy between product and campaign – the advert responds to the viewer’s emotions just as the car responds to the driver’s behavior and needs.”

Prof. Mohammad Soleymani, Affective Computing Expert: “Now more than ever we’re noticing the impact that image, color and sound can have on a viewer’s emotions. These findings are certainly not new, but they are becoming increasingly relevant with the advancements and developments in the field of emotional AI. In our day-to-day lives, we are bombarded by an array of audio-visual stimulation that impact our emotional states, so it’s both refreshing and reassuring that an iconic brand like Lexus is exploring the possibility of bespoke content that aims to leave viewers feeling more positive than they did at the start.”

Zlaten del Castillo, Unit9: “When we were approached with the request of developing the technology for a one-of-a-kind advertisement that utilizes state-of-the-art facial recognition software, we knew instantly that it was a challenge we couldn’t turn down. In 2021, we’re still at the beginning of the journey into the possibilities that AI can help us achieve and given our previous work with Lexus in the field, we couldn’t wait to be involved in making history with the brand for a second time.”

The Lexus ES 300h luxury sedan leads the ranking in the ‘upper middle class’ segment, being the only model reaching 4 stars out of a possible 5 in this 2019 ADAC Ecotest.

Looking more specifically at CO₂ emissions, which are in direct proportion to fuel consumption, ES achieved outstanding results. Fuel consumption was assessed as low as 5.5 litres per 100km in the overall test which combines test-bench and road measurements. It even decreased further to 4.3l/100km in urban driving conditions, where the benefits of Lexus’ self-charging hybrid powertrain can be fully leveraged.

The new Lexus ES 300h has been launched in Europe at the start of 2019. Its self-charging hybrid powertrain features an ultra-efficient 2.5l petrol engine combined with an electric motor which together deliver a total output of 160kW or 218 DN hp.

Lexus self-charging hybrids can be driven in zero-emissions mode for up to 50% of the total driving time in urban driving conditions – whatever the duration of the trip, and without ever any need to plug and recharge the vehicle.

For more details about the new Lexus ES, please visit the following page: https://newsroom.lexus.eu/european-dynamic-press-launch-press-kit-lexus-es-january-2019/

ADAC is Germany’s leading automobile club. Founded in 1903, it is presently the largest association of its kind in Europe, with more than 20 million members. Full results of the 2019 Ecotest can be found here: https://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/eco-test/

Tokyo, Japan - Continuing growth in China (including Hong Kong) of 26% to 46,759 vehicles; and 16% across Europe and Russia to 36,405 vehicles, 26% in Japan to 28,420 vehicles; and 19% in East Asia and 37percent in the Latin America markets supported the global expansion of the Lexus brand.

Weakening demand for large premium sedans contributed to a decline of 4% across North America to sales of 162,493, and a soft luxury vehicle market across the Middle East markets led to a drop of 1% to 22,484 sales in those countries.

Lexus International executive vice president Yoshihiro Sawa said, “Our designers and engineers have been working to further enhance the styling, performance and emotion of our already well-respected products, and I’m grateful that people are noticing – and appreciating – a new experience with our brand. The bold styling of our newest luxury utility vehicles, the LX and RX, has been particularly well-received.”

BRAND INITIATIVES

Lexus has continued its ten-year presence at the world’s largest design event, the Salone del Mobile di Milano (Milan Design Week). The Lexus Design Award is an annual collaboration with world-renowned designers that encourages up and coming designers to create unique installations that express luxury in unique interpretations of design.

Lexus continues to support and nurture a new generation of emerging filmmakers around the world by producing Lexus Short Films in partnership with The Weinstein Company. For the third season the theme of “Anticipation” was selected as a provocative thought-starter providing an innovative platform for filmmakers’ imaginations. Director submissions were received from the worldwide filmmaking community, with four filmmakers being invited to interpret the meaning for their own narrative and tell a story based around their vision.

The INTERSECT BY LEXUS luxury culture and cuisine brand experience space and design gallery in Tokyo is celebrating its third anniversary this summer. A second INTERSECT BY LEXUS gallery opened in Dubai UAE at the end of last year for guests to enjoy Lexus experiences outside of their cars, and a third Intersect By Lexus gallery is expected to open in New York in mid-2017.

Lexus is racing the RC coupe in Japan’s Super GT500 series and in the German VLN endurance racing series at the famous Nürburgring circuit. In North America, Lexus USA is developing a GT3 spec RC F to enter in the IMSA GTD series of pro sports car racing next year.

PRODUCT NEWS

The Lexus line-up of hybrid models expanded in 2016 to offer a range of ten different high-efficiency, low-emission, luxury vehicles in markets throughout the world:

1. CT 200h

2. HS 250h (Japan only)

3. ES 300h

4. IS 300h

5. RC 300h

6. GS 300h

7. GS 450h

8. LS 600h

9. NX 300h

10. RX 450h

2016 saw the release of two limited-production, high-style, high-performance cars, the RC F sport coupe and the GS F sport sedan. They share a unique 5.0 litre V8 engine with advanced double-overhead cam (DOHC) cylinder heads incorporating Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligence, Wide range (VVT iW).

Lexus also introduced a new 2.0 litre turbocharged engine in the NX, RX, RC and GS models and replacing the previous 2.5 litre V6 engine in the IS line. This all-new double-overhead cam (DOHC) and Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligence, Wide range (VVT iW) four-cylinder engine is designed around an proprietary twin-scroll turbocharger integrated into the exhaust manifold.

AWARDS

At the North American International Auto Show, the LC earned two “Eyes on Design” awards for Best Production Design and Best Interior Design.

Lexus was recognized as the Best Brand in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

A separate study of residual value by online automotive data collector Edmunds.com identified a number of Lexus models as retaining high relative value in their classes: IS, ES, GX, LS and LX.

In the UK, the annual Autocar Awards recognized the Lexus IS with the coveted Autocar Used Car of the Year 2016 award.

Lexus has also dominated the Auto Express 2016 Driver Power Survey, with three Lexus models topping their categories for the UK’s most reliable used cars: IS, RX and GS. #

Brussels, Belgium - Lexus Europe sold 36,405 vehicles in the first six months of 2016, an increase of 16% compared to the first half of 2015, in a premium market which increased at a slower pace (+12%).

Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe, commented: “Over the last couple of years, Lexus has completely renewed its line-up, and expanded its range with new models such as the NX and the RC. We also remain by far the leading manufacturer of luxury hybrid vehicles, globally and in Europe. This provides a solid foundation for continued sales growth in the future.”

Following enthusiast market response for its all-new, fourth generation model, sales of RX more than doubled in the first half of 2016 (+123%) to reach 8,815 units. Overall, NX was the best seller in the Lexus range, with 12,689 units sold, keeping the pace with 2015 when the new model was in full launch.

The RC coupe, launched at the start of 2016, also gained a strong foothold with already 972 units sold in the first half of the year.

Sales in Eastern markets were boosted by the new LX (3,067 units, +143% vs. H1 2015) and the revised ES (986 units, +19%).

Hybrid vehicles represent 98% of Lexus sales in Western Europe. Including Eastern markets, about two-thirds of total Lexus Europe sales are hybrids, reaching 23,021 units (+12%). The most popular hybrid models are NX 300h (8,788 units), RX 450h (4,715 units), CT 200h (4,452 units), and IS 300h (3,182 units).

There was substantial sales growth in all parts of the region managed by Lexus Europe, with increases in excess of 20% in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Central Europe (Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia), Balkans, Belgium, Ireland and Iceland.

In Russia, Lexus sales increased by 17% in a premium market down by 6%. With 11,089 units sold in the first half of 2016, Lexus has now a premium market share of 14.4% in Russia (+2.8ppt).

Ukraine is currently the fastest growing market for Lexus Europe (+256%; market share increasing by 3.2ppt to reach 8.9%).

Brussels, Belgium - Lexus Europe sold 18,058 vehicles in the first three months of 2016, an increase of 16% compared to the first quarter of 2015, in a premium market which increased at a slower pace (+10%).

Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe, commented: “The second half of 2015 was marked by an intensive string of new model introductions, including RX, GS F, RC and GS in all European markets as well as LX and ES in the Eastern markets, and we are delighted to see such positive customer response. We are committed to further increase the strength of the Lexus brand in Europe and we look forward to a very successful 2016.”

This quarter marked the start of sales of the all-new, fourth generation RX, which recorded a 114% sales increase over Q1 2015 to reach 4,024 units. Overall, NX remained the best seller among the Lexus range, with 6,315 units sold, sustaining the level of sales reached in Q1 2015 in full launch period.

Also launched in Eastern markets at the end of 2015, the new LX achieved an impressive 165% sales growth to reach 1,456 units, while sales of the revised ES increased by 19% to 475 units.

Hybrid sales continued to attract more customers, reaching 12,141 units (+14%) or about two-thirds of Lexus sales, led by NX 300h (4,672 units), CT 200h (2,445 units) and RX 450h (2,362 units).

Last year also marked the roll-out of a line-up of models equipped with Lexus’ new 2.0L turbo engine: NX 200t, RX 200t, GS 200t, IS 200t and RC 200t. In total, these models already represented 12% of Lexus sales during the first quarter of 2016, with Russia and Poland being the largest markets.

There was substantial sales growth in all parts of the region managed by Lexus Europe, with increases in excess of 20% in several markets including France, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Poland, Israel, Ukraine as well as Russia (+23%) – the latter despite challenging market conditions (premium market down 14% during the quarter).

Brussels, Belgium - Sales in Europe increased 20 percent to approximately 64,000 vehicles, the most for a major market in percentage terms; including a 31 percent gain in Western Europe. Sales in China increased to approximately 88,500 vehicles, a 14 percent increase; and North America sales increased to approximately 368,000 vehicles, a 12 percent gain. Accentuating its luxury hybrid leadership, with almost 1 million hybrid Lexus vehicles sold to date, hybrid sales globally were approximately 149,000 vehicles and accounted for 23 percent of sales.

Mark Templin, Executive Vice President at Lexus International said: “2015 was an amazing year for Lexus International. In addition to the new and redesigned models in our stable, we began rolling out our most advanced vehicle safety portfolio – Lexus Safety System +, and began ES production in North America. Our entire vehicle line-up design has evolved to be more bold and emotional, and our brand initiatives are resonating as an extension of the Lexus ownership experience. We appreciate luxury consumers taking notice and honoring us with a fourth straight year of double digit percentage growth.”

At Lexus, we believe growth is the product of doing the right things for our customers and building brand advocacy. The following are just some of the activities we undertook and industry honors received in 2015.

Initiatives

The first INTERSECT BY LEXUS luxury brand experience space outside Japan opened in Dubai, UAE. This new two story space is located in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

Lexus named the first automaker winner ofthe Milano Design Award for Best Entertainingfor its "Lexus – A Journey of the Senses" exhibit at Milan Design Week, the world's largest design exhibition. Additionally, the first-ever Lexus Design Award Grand Prix winner was announced.

The third Lexus Short Films Series winners announced at the Napa Valley Film Festival. In 2013, Lexus Short Films was launched with the goal of supporting and nurturing a new generation of emerging filmmakers.

Lexus partnered with leading super conductive technology experts to create one of the most advanced Hoverboards ever. The Lexus Hoverboard is part of the global ‘Amazing in Motion’ campaign.

Lexus Safety System +, a portfolio of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds package began rolling out in Europe, Japan and North America.

Honors

Lexus named the Luxury Brand with the Best Resale Value in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value Awards. This is the fifth year in a row Lexus has been named the luxury brand with the best projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership. Six 2016 Lexus models were honored with Best Resale Value for their perspective vehicle categories: RC 200t/RC 300/RC 350, ES 300h, GS 200t/GS 350, RX 450h, GX 460, and LX 570.

The NX 200t was awarded ‘Best Compact Premium SUV’ at the 2015 Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY).

CT was the overall winner in the Car Environmental List, an annual evaluation by the Traffic Association Germany (VCD).

Lexus topped the largest car satisfaction surveys, Autoindex, in Sweden and Norway, for the fourth time.

Lexus dominated the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey, receiving six awards including those for best manufacturer and – for the IS sedan – best car. The IS also took the top spot in the best compact executive car category and was the highest­ rated model for ease of driving. The NX was named best car for build quality within its first six months on the road in the UK.

The independent German institute for environmental research ‘Ökotrend’ (Ecological Trend) and the car magazine ‘Auto Test’ recognized the GS 300h as the most ecological car in the premium middle class. The evaluation of the vehicle’s environmental performance was conducted based on its fuel consumption and emissions for its entire life cycle, including production, logistics and recycling.

RX achieved the best-ever pedestrian protection score out of all large SUVs ever tested by Euro NCAP and achieves a 5 –Star rating.

CT , ES, RC, and NX, earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+, IIHS’s highest recognition for crashworthiness and front crash prevention.

Lexus ranked highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for a fourth consecutive year in the 2015 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The ES ranked highest in the Compact Premium Car segment and the GX was awarded among Midsize Premium SUVs. The ES was the highest ranked model among all vehicles in the study.

Sales by Region

North America: Approximately 368,000 vehicles, 12 percent increase

China: Approximately 88,500 vehicles, 14 percent increase

Europe: Approximately 64,000 vehicles, 20 percent increase

Japan: Approximately 48,000 vehicles, 9 percent increase

Middle East: Approximately 44,400 vehicles, 5 percent increase

East Asia and Oceania: Approximately 30,000 vehicles, 10 percent increase

Other markets combined: Approximately 9,400 vehicles, 26 percent increase

For more information, please visit the following:

newsroom.lexus.eu

lexus-int.com

intersect-by-lexus.com

lexusshortfilms.com

lexusdesignaward.com