The New Lexus ES Ditches the Grille and Adopts Electrification | Carscoops

      Curves are out and electric power is in for the eighth-generation ES that premiered at Shanghai this week.

      6 hours ago

      by Chris Chilton

      Lexus has unveiled a striking new design for its long-standing ES sedan.

      The four-door fastback takes design elements from the 2023 LF-ZL SUV concept.

      Two hybrid options are overshadowed by a pair of EVs that produce up to 338 hp.

      The 2025 Lexus ES emphasizes premium value while lacking in visual appeal and driving excitement. However, this week at the Shanghai Auto Show, Toyota’s luxury division aimed to strike a new balance with an eighth-generation sedan that features a modern, angular design along with the model’s first-ever electric powertrains.

      Inspired by the brand’s current RZ electric SUV, its RX internal combustion engine counterpart, and the 2023 LF-ZL concept, the ES adopts a more pronounced fastback profile than its predecessor, reminiscent of Audi's style. However, you wouldn’t find the bold door creasing typical of Audi, and the front end clearly retains Lexus's distinctive identity.

      Related: Lexus Plans 3-Row Electric SUV to Compete with the Kia EV9

      Not only has the design of the ES changed, but it has also grown in size. The wheelbase measures 116.1 inches (2,950 mm), which is 3.2 inches (80 mm) longer than the current sedan, while the overall length now stands at 202.4 inches (5,140 mm), increasing by 6.5 inches (165 mm).

      A nuanced variation in front-end design indicates what type of powertrain is under the hood. Hybrids include a cooling slot below the Lexus emblem, whereas the EV models have a sleeker front end. Both versions do away with the previously oversized bobbin-shaped grille.

      Minimalist interior

      The interior has undergone a contemporary redesign that minimizes physical buttons while maximizing screen presence: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen come standard, with some trims offering an additional touchscreen for the passenger. New features include ‘L-E-X-U-S’ lettering on the steering wheel, replacing the traditional logo, and modern bamboo wood accents.

      Most markets will see base hybrids powered by a 2.0-liter engine that provides 194 hp (197 PS) to the front wheels and takes a leisurely 9.4 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). However, America will skip this variant and move directly to the 2.5-liter AWD ES 350h hybrid, which has 244 hp (247 PS) and improves the sprint time to a more respectable 7.8 seconds. Both options utilize inline fours, as there are no six-cylinder engines in the new lineup.

      Electric, but not electrifying

      Looking for more performance? It seems that the entry-level of the two available EV options may not deliver. This variant generates 221 hp (224 PS / 165 kW) at the front wheels, with the ES 350e reaching 62 mph in 8.9 seconds, while Lexus claims an optimistic range of 300 miles (483 km) based on the Chinese CLTC cycle. Upgrading to the dual-motor ES 500e reduces the range to 379 miles (610 km) but increases power to 338 hp (343 PS / 252 kW), allowing it to reach 62 mph in 5.9 seconds.

      The ES is set to launch in 2026, likely as a MY27, and we will need to wait until closer to that date for pricing details in North America. What are your thoughts on the ES’s new angular design, and do you consider the powertrains lacking? Share your opinions with us in the comments.