The eighth generation of the Lexus ES arrives with a completely new design along with hybrid and electric powertrains

Important news in the Lexus lineup, which is being renewed with the arrival of the eighth generation of the ES following its presentation at the Shanghai Auto Show, with a completely refreshed look that will be accompanied by new and updated technology as well as a range of hybrid and electric powertrains. Beyond that, the new Lexus ES will remain an elegant and luxurious saloon, which the Japanese brand has developed under the concept Experience Elegant & Electrified Sedan.

As you can see in the images, its exterior design changes completely, although it presents an evolution of the double arrowhead design that is characteristic of Lexus. Its front features a new long, streamlined bonnet, with the double arrowhead shape extending along its length to reach the bumper, interrupted only by the new headlights in a double “L” shape that give it a new light signature. The lower part of the front stands out for its new horizontal air intake, finished at the ends with diamond-type geometric shapes; and let’s not forget that the hybrid versions include an upper air intake to improve cooling.

From the side of the new Lexus ES we can see a coupé-style silhouette, as the roofline gently and smoothly slopes down towards the rear, finishing with an elegant boot lid. From this angle we will also notice an increase in length of 165 mm together with a wheelbase 80 mm longer. At the rear, the changes are equally radical, with lines that flow elegantly so as not to clash with the rest of the design, not forgetting a new light cluster, also in an “L” shape, joined by an illuminated central strip that includes the illuminated Lexus nameplate.

As expected, the interior of the Lexus ES also changes radically, and I suspect not for the better, with a design that follows the trend of other brands towards almost extreme minimalism, broken only by the inclusion of huge floating screens in the centre of the dashboard. Specifically, the Lexus Advance Multimedia System uses a 14-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus Digital Cockpit instrument cluster is run by a 12.3-inch screen. In the central area of the dashboard you will find the buttons Hidden Tech, invisible when the vehicle is switched off and which light up on start-up. They are obviously touch-sensitive, although according to the brand they have a pleasant feel.

Occupants of the new Lexus ES will benefit from a more comfortable and quieter cabin thanks to improvements that help reduce noise, together with redesigned front seats that provide better support while allowing especially the driver to maintain a comfortable and relaxed posture. Depending on the trim level and chosen extras, you can have higher-end equipment such as reclining rear seats with footrests on the front seats, inserts with bamboo wood veneers interlaced with each other, a Mark Levinson surround sound system among others, not forgetting the driver assistance and safety systems grouped in the Lexus Safety System+ package.

As regards its mechanical offer, the new Lexus ES will continue to offer hybrid powertrains with the 300h version, consisting of a 2,500 cc four-cylinder inline petrol engine and a new battery whose capacity is not specified, although the brand states that it has increased. The ES 300h produces a power output of 201 CV, managed through an eCVT gearbox that sends power to the front axle, although this version will also be available with four-wheel drive.

The following mechanical options are fully electric powertrains. On one hand we have the ES 350e with front-wheel drive and a power output of 224 CV, and on the other hand the ES 500e with all-wheel drive and a power output of 343 CV. For now, Lexus is not providing more specific details on these two powertrains, such as their battery, which is located under the floor to lower the centre of gravity and optimise stability.

To learn all the details we still lack, as well as the prices in our country, we will have to wait a few months, since Lexus has confirmed that sales of the new ES will not begin in Europe until spring 2026.