All-new Lexus ES sedan revealed

The new Lexus ES will be offered in hybrid and all-electric versions.

Lexus has unveiled the all-new eighth-generation ES sedan at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show. The unveiling will be followed by a launch in Europe.

The new Lexus ES has been developed with a new Lexus design concept – Clean Tech x Elegance. Up front, the trademark large spindle grille has been replaced by a new design that extends across the front bumper. The spindle body rises from the low-set nose and takes in the horizontally aligned front fenders. The hybrid models additionally feature a grille with upper apertures for optimal cooling. The bonnet has a flat surface, while the nose tapers down into the spindle grille.

The headlights feature a new L-shaped signature design that Lexus says will become a new iconic detail for the future. The headlights are flanked by inward-facing L-shaped daytime running lights with outward-facing L-shaped turn indicators. 

From the side, the sedan features a notchback design. Overall length has increased by 165 mm, and it has an 80 mm longer wheelbase. The ES measures 5,140 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,555 mm (1,560 mm BEV) in height. It has a 2,950 mm wheelbase. The front and rear tracks are increased by 64 mm and 82 mm respectively. As a result, the front-to-rear seat distance has been extended by 77 mm to 1,102 mm.

At the rear, the new ES gets L-shaped signature tail lamps. A single light bar seamlessly integrates with the illuminated LEXUS logo and incorporates the tail and stop lights, with other lamps moved to the outer edges.

Lexus has applied the Clean Tech x Elegance design concept to the interiors as well. Passenger comfort is the focus of the new car. The rear can be fitted with reclining seats, while an ottoman leg support is offered for the seat behind the front passenger. The front passenger seat has a forward-folding function to maximise rear legroom and improve the view.

The front seats have been redesigned and get support for the shoulder blades. This reduces muscle strain while steering.

The new ES features two new Lexus design elements. 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 look. The placement of the Mark Levinson Surround Sound System’s speakers creates a 3D sound stage effect inside the cabin.

There is a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch screen for the infotainment system.  This is connected to the LexusLink + app. Lexus has also introduced a new tech called Hidden Tech switches. In this, 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.

The new Lexus ES will be offered in hybrid and all-electric versions.

The ES 300H hybrid will feature a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine putting out 198 BHP, while the same engine in the ES 350H will develop 244 BHP. Both will be offered in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. The hybrid battery has also been upgraded for higher output.

Two variants will be available in all-electric spec: The ES 350e will be front-wheel-drive and will develop 221 BHP, while the ES 500e with all-wheel-drive will put out 338 BHP. Both are built on the new Lexus global architecture-K platform, which includes new eAxles which integrate both the power control unit and transaxle. The ES 500e is equipped with Lexus’ DIRECT4 intelligent electric all-wheel drive system.

Safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Safety, Driver Monitor System, Driver Emergency Response System, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert and High-definition Adaptive High-beam System.