Auto Shanghai 2025: The all-new Lexus ES embraces electrification
Do you remember the Lexus LF-ZC concept that made its debut at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show? Well, it turns out, that specific car was a preview of the eighth-generation Lexus ES, which is now a battery electric vehicle.
Measuring 5,140mm long, 1,920mm wide, and 1,55mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,950mm, it grows in almost all dimensions, allowing for an even more spacious cabin.
It features the Next-Generation Spindle Body, which has a sleeker, more distinct design with more dramatic lines compared to the likes of the RZ, with the HEV variant featuring a slim grille for added cooling.
The new Twin L-Signature Lamp headlight design and Rear L-Signature Lamp light bar, which will soon be making an appearance on other Lexus models in the future. Wheel sizes range from 18 inches all the way up to 21 inches.
Seven colors are on offer, including a new bluish-gray color also called “Sou”.
Lexus has taken a dramatic shift in terms of interior design in the new ES.
One might think that they’ve bit the bullet and gone for the all-touch interface with a massive touchscreen for everything, but Lexus has cleverly integrated separate climate controls within the dashboard with tactile clicks, which is called Responsive Hidden Switches.
This works in tandem with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and up to two passenger-facing screens, and the Mark Levinson surround sound system.
Other new elements within the cabin are the panoramic glass roof that uses dimmable Low-E glass for improved thermal performance and UV rejection, new trim options such as 3D-printed “Bamboo Layering”, “Modern Bamboo”, and “Micro Geometric” for various textures to accentuate the cabin, and also a fragrance system.
Of course, upholstery options include leather and Ultrasuede, and there are even two new color options such as Aotake (a Bamboo-inspired green shade), and an ultra- bright white.
The seats also get additional features such as an ottoman (front and rear passenger side), air bladders for a form of massaging, and even reclining with a full-flat folding front seats.
As for powertrains, the hybrids include the ES 300h with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine with a total output of 197 horsepower (FF) or 201 horsepower (AWD), or the ES 350h with a more powerful 2.5-liter engine that pushes out 247 horsepower (both FF and AWD).
As for the electric variants, the ES 350e with a single front-mounted electric motor capable of 224 horsepower and up to 685km of range on a single charge, or the most powerful, dual-motor ES 500e with 342 horsepower and up to 610km on a single charge, but this can do the 100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
Other driving improvements include refinements and tuning done to the TNGA-K platform (also called the Lexus Driving Signature), the inclusion of a multi-link rear suspension, and dynamic rear steering, alongside the latest iteration of Lexus Safety Sense.
Following the Lexus RZ, this is the second of the three battery electric vehicles to be revealed from the brand, with the third to be revealed in March 2026, with the reimagining of the Lexus brand to be revealed at this year’s Japan Mobility Show.
Photos from Sam Surla and Lexus
