Lexus has unveiled the eighth-generation ES at Auto Shanghai 2025. The company will launch the vehicle globally from mid-2026, and the it will come with hybrid (HEV) and fully electric (BEV) options, the latter being a first. During our time with the ES Hybrid, we felt that it was a highly recommendable mid-size sedan.
Our follower and friend Felipe Munoz (@carindustryanalysis) shared these exclusive images of the next-gen Lexus ES (350e and 500e models) with us from Auto Shanghai today, offering a closer look at the vehicle’s exterior.
Design
The new Lexus ES has a clean, aggressive front. The grille is slimmer, sitting just below the badge. Headlamps are narrow and sharply cut, with LED strips that point inward. The bumper has blacked-out corners with vertical elements and a textured pattern on each side. Air intakes are subtle and low, with the hybrid version getting an additional upper vent.
On to the side, it features a coupe-like shape with a fast roofline and clean, flush surfaces, and the charge port on the left fender. The doors have a bold L-shaped crease with piano black finish, and the black lower trim brings contrast. Flush door handles and aero-style wheels present it with a tidy look. At the back, the full-width taillight bar and integrated spoiler emphasize its width. The Lexus name is spaced across the tailgate, and there’s no exhaust finisher on show, maintaining the clean look.
Interior
The cabin of the new Lexus ES gets a triple-screen setup that spans across the dash, but buyers can deselect the passenger side screen. The steering wheel is minimalist, with a squared-off shape and what look like haptic buttons. The redesigned seats and door panels are finished in a light green tone, with wood accents running across the doors.
The dashboard is low and flat, which should improve visibility. It gets a knurled scroller for the volume and haptic buttons for the window defrosters on the center console, besides a slim gear selector, USB ports, deep storage, and an electric hand brake.
At the rear, we notice three tethers, a folding center armrest, powered footrests for added comfort, air-conditioning vent between the seats, retractable sun shades, a glass roof, and reclining seatbacks. Besides the next-gen multimedia system, another first is the Sensory Concierge system, which adjusts lighting, climate, and even fragrance to provide personalized comfort.
Specifications
The next-gen Lexus ES rides on a modified GA-K platform which can support EV powertrain. The structural rigidity has been improved to aid comfort and handling. The HEV variants encompass the ES 300h and ES 350h, while the BEV lineup features the ES 350e (FWD) and the powerful ES 500e (AWD).
Electric
The ES 500e, generating 252 kW, reaches 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a targeted range of around 426 miles (CLTC cycle). The ES 350e, developing 165 kW, reaches 0-62 mph in 8.9 seconds, with a targeted range of around 379 miles (CLTC cycle).
Hybrid
As for the hybrid versions, the ES 300h comes with a new naturally-aspirated 2.0L engine that generates 145 kW, completing the 0-62 mph sprint in 9.4 seconds. The high-end ES 350h gets the familiar 2.5L naturally aspirated engine that is available in 148 kW and 182 kW versions, with 0-62 mph times between 7.8 seconds and 8.5 seconds.
Dimensions
The ES grows noticeably in size, now measuring 202.4 inches in length (+6.5 in), 75.6 inches in width (+2.2 in), with a 116.1-inch wheelbase (+3.1 in). The added length boosts cabin space, especially for rear passengers. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 21 inches. It also comes equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System+, offering advanced driver assistance features.
TopElectricSUV says
The ES remains central to Lexus’ global lineup, and the sedan is available in over 80 global markets. Concurrently, electrified vehicles accounted for 52% of Lexus global sales in 2024. The big news is that the TNGA-K can now be used to generate all-electric vehicles, which opens the door for variants like the RAV4 Electric wherever there is demand.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
