INTRODUCTION

The all-new Lexus ES makes its European debut, ahead of the new generation global luxury sedan being brought to market in the region early next year.

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.

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 is the first Lexus to benefit from a fully digital driver’s cockpit in which multimedia, instrument display and Lexus Link+ app functions are seamlessly integrated. The technology innovations also include the Lexus-first “Hidden Switches”.

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’ technical centre SHIMOYAMA 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 European Premiere, 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 17 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 Switches

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

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

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

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.

Data on cruising range and charging times are still to be finalised, but we anticipate a range up to 530 km* (WLTP standard) and a charging time of about 30 minutes* for fast charging up to 80%.

The ES 350e’s lithium-ion battery has a 77 kWh capacity. This is expected to support acceleration from rest to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds*.

The all-wheel drive ES 500e raises the performance bar, using a 75 kWh battery unit, enabling 0-100 km/h in 5.7 sec*.

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.

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

Lexus ES provisional technical specifications

(    ) indicates comparison with previous model

*1  : Approximate charging time from the illumination of the drive-battery Charging Warning Lamp to approx. 80% State of Charge (SOC).

Actual charging time may vary depending on factors such as ambient temperature and charger specifications.

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.

DIGITAL COCKPIT WITH NEW LEXUSCONNECT MULTIMEDIA

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

LexusConnect

LexusConnect contributes to making driving easier and more comfortable with clearly rendered maps with Google points of interest and live information for efficient navigation such as speed camera locations and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) notifications.

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.

There is further convenience in the electric ES models with the system adding charging stations to the route and updating recommended charging locations in line with changes in the battery level and the driving conditions as the journey unfolds, removing any range anxiety.

In all ES models, the driver can also make use of a new generation voice assistant to update their destination, check on the available driving range at any time and adjust the cabin temperature.

Regular over-the-air software updates will ensure the multimedia functions are kept perfectly up-to-date with no interruption to driver’s use of the car.

New LexusConnect home screen concept

The 14-inch multimedia screen is the largest yet featured in a Lexus model. It introduces a new home screen concept that gives the driver multi-domain information at-a-glance. It has been developed with leading input from Lexus’ European designers. Its flexible design gives the driver the freedom to personalise the screen with shortcuts and widgets, giving them control over the content and reducing the number of “clicks” required to access their prioritised information.

In the BEV models, the screen has a dedicated EV domain where the driver can view data such as vehicle range and live charging information, and adjust the settings for scheduled charging. The screen can also be used to operate a new battery pre-conditioning function. This brings the battery up to optimum temperature prior to charging, reducing the charging time. This is of particular benefit in colder climates.

Charging solutions seamlessly accessed with the Lexus Link+ app

Lexus provides two principal charging solutions: the Lexus Charging network for charging when on the move; and Lexus HomeCharge for domestic charging.  Both are integrated with the Lexus Link+ app to provide a unified and convenient charging experience for BEV owners.

The Lexus Charging Network gives access to more than 870,000 charging stations across Europe. Users can check availability, charging speed and pricing and unlock charging points using the Lexus Link+ app or an RFID card.

The app can also be used to set the start and stop times when using Lexus HomeCharge, making it easy for customers to take advantage of off-peak energy prices.

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 System (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.