This Lexus Wagon Appears So Impressive It’ll Frustrate You That It's Not Authentic | Carscoops

      An ES Sport Cross could serve as a suitable competitor to both the BMW 5 Series Touring and the Mercedes E-Class Estate.

      July 12, 2025, 19:17

      by Thanos Pappas

      The new Lexus ES has been envisioned as a wagon, drawing design inspiration from the electric RZ crossover.

      This concept features wraparound glass while maintaining the wheelbase of the standard sedan.

      A Sport Cross variant of the new-generation ES is unlikely to be included in production plans.

      Although wagons are nearly extinct in the current automotive market, overshadowed by the popularity of SUVs, they still generate excitement among certain enthusiasts. A notable example is the Lexus IS SportCross, which remains the only wagon in the brand’s 36-year history.

      The five-door model existed for only one generation before being discontinued, yet it continues to be cherished by wagon aficionados. One such enthusiast, digital artist Theophilus Chin, has recently reimagined what a modern Lexus wagon might look like in today’s range.

      Rather than utilizing the aging IS sedan as a starting point, Theottle opted for the larger and more modern Lexus ES for his design. The familiar sedan silhouette has been altered with a taller, more vertical rear, incorporating design elements from the all-electric RZ.

      In this reimagining, the rear glass seamlessly wraps around into the side windows, which visually narrows the D-pillars and creates a sleeker rear profile. The roofline is not as steep as that of the regular ES, transitioning into a set of aerodynamic fins that replace the standard rear spoiler.

      The tail's lower section is directly taken from the regular ES, including the slender LED bar, integrated ducktail spoiler, and rear bumper. The wheelbase and rear overhang remain unchanged, ensuring that the ES Sport Cross retains the dimensions of the sedan.

      Illustrations: Theottle

      The new Lexus ES utilizes Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, compatible with both self-charging hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The top ES 500e variant with all-wheel drive would be most suitable for the Sport Cross model, producing 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) from its zero-emission powertrain. Additionally, the 75 kWh battery provides a WLTP range of approximately 530 km (329 miles).

      If it were to go into production, the ES Sport Cross would compete against premium wagons such as the BMW i5 Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate. However, while the concept may intrigue wagon fans, Lexus seems much more focused on sedans and SUVs these days, making its realization quite improbable.

      Nevertheless, a glimmer of potential surfaced in late 2021 when Lexus showcased a compact EV concept with various body styles, including a sedan, shooting brake, crossover, and convertible. At that time, many speculated that these prototypes hinted at the next-generation IS, which now appears likely to offer more than just battery-electric powertrains upon its eventual release.