The all-new Lexus ES, available in the Spring this year, has been conceived as a model that addresses the priorities and concerns of today’s modern motorists, according to the premium Japanese brand. Their thinking for this model is one of “making luxury personal” and is central to its strategy for keeping pace with changing automotive values, climate, sustainability and the like.
This thinking includes producing multiple solutions towards achieving carbon neutrality, giving people different technology solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. With the all-new prestige ES, this is demonstrated in an extended model range that includes both full hybrid and battery electric power-trains, with different power options and the choice of both front and all-wheel drive.
The ES is an ‘original Lexus’, having been a fixture in the model range since the brand’s launch in 1989. In this latest iteration, it builds on its long-established reputation for luxury and refinement while increasing consumer choice in electrified power-trains, in line with the ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision.
The Modern Exterior
The exterior styling combines a pleasingly bold presence with a minimalist approach, indicating the direction of design for the company’s next generation of battery-electric vehicle design.
Overall height, width and length were calculated, we learn, 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. Attention to detail seems to be a hallmark of Lexus.
The front of the car presents a sharply defined ‘spindle’ shape that extends across the bonnet to the bumper (fender) 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 design detail for their electrified 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 a sense of stability and a low centre of gravity. The flowing silhouette has an original 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 specifically 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 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. In short, this is a very attractive car that really moves this brand’s design strategy forward.
The Premium Interior
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 will be an option. 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 light. Synthetic leather embossing produces a precise pattern which combines with the ambient lighting to produce a clean and modern aesthetic. Infotainment is augmented by the optimal placement of the bespoke ‘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 focuses 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 cluster is presented in an asymmetrical 12.3 inch digital array. Material quality is raised with soft leather-like accents and dynamic lighting effects.
Lexus’s appear to have succeeded with their goal to design a cabin that is exceptionally comfortable and relaxing, further refining the ES’s already high levels of quietness and ride quality. The front seats have been redesigned from earlier models, 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 seat back cradles the body.
Noise reduction is 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 a more natural and harmoniously balanced acoustic experience.
An Intriguing Development
The high quality of the ES’s interior is supported by a new Lexus technology called ‘Hidden Switches’. This very new technology offers 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 still give satisfying tactile feedback when used.
The Power
Power options vary according to model and there are a few choices, so briefly as an example: The ES 300h features a redesigned self-charging hybrid system with a 2.5 litre in-line four-cylinder engine, producing maximum power of 199BHP (201PS/148kW). Both front and all-wheel drive versions will be available.
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. Two battery electric ES versions will be available: the ES 350e front-wheel drive model delivering an output of 221BHP (224PS/165kW, and the all-wheel drive ES 500e, with an output of 338BHP (343PS/252kW).
All 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 trans-axle. 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 350e’s lithium-ion battery has a 77kWh capacity. This is expected to support acceleration from rest to 62MPH (100 km/h) in 8.2 seconds.
The all-wheel drive ES 500e raises the performance bar, using a 75kWh battery unit, enabling 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. This model features 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.
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. Two battery electric ES versions will be available: the ES 350e front-wheel drive model delivering an output of 221BHP (224PS/165kW, and the all-wheel drive ES 500e, with an output of 338BHP (343PS/252kW).
All 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 trans-axle. 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 350e’s lithium-ion battery has a 77kWh capacity. This is expected to support acceleration from rest to 62MPH (100 km/h) in 8.2 seconds.
The all-wheel drive ES 500e raises the performance bar, using a 75kWh battery unit, enabling 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. This model features 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.
About MHH International
MHH International offer new and used cars, from prestige manufacturers including Lexus, from the UK to twenty-seven different global destinations, including New Zealand and Kenya. Our featured model will be available to order in the Spring but in the meantime please get in touch to enquire about the many premium brands and models we offer. There are full listings on our website Home Page, which also features details on VAT-free options. We look forward to hearing from you in 2026.
