2019 Lexus ES (7th Generation)

To be honest, I can't quite understand what the point is of the F-Sport ES line - there are other far more exciting cars if that's your thing. People who choose a Lexus knowingly choose a boring reliable luxury Toyota in which to putter about on a magic carpet. Here in the Dallas I have a Series 6 ES350 with the normally-aspirated 2GR-FE V6 mill and a silky smooth 6-speed box. It's perfect for toppies like me who prefer gliding along in relative comfort rather than a frantic noisy machine (been there done that). This is one of the most reliable cars around - apart from tyres and the usual consumables, all it needs is an oil change every 5000 miles, and ATF drain-and-fill every 60K miles. I'm at 103K miles and it's like new. Expect it to easily hit 400 000 miles.
 
Watch out BMW 5 Series: this is the brand new Lexus ES

Eighth-gen saloon ushers in electric and hybrid power, and… striking new looks

Good news: Lexus hearts saloons. “The sedan offers key engineering advantages including high body rigidity and a low centre of gravity,” it said, upon the reveal of this, the rather striking new four-door ES.

It’s the eighth generation of a car first launched at the tail-end of the 1980s that has been trying – and failing – to beat the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class ever since. This new effort wants to turn the tide.

Partly by looking nothing like the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Typical Lexus. Except it’s not, because the new ES ushers in a fresh design language that’ll be rolled out across the range in due course.

In an age where the traditional has been upended, the new ES offers a sleek, sharply cut fastback-esque take on the humble three-box. Squint, and it looks like a sporty coupe given a dash of practicality: that swooping roofline, slim headlights almost razored into the protruding bonnet, the line raked across the sides, and squat rear end. Looks… interesting.


1745415784104.png

1745415811542.png

1745415903934.png
 
Lexus launches its electric flagship sedan ES EV in China

Lexus just pulled the wraps off a brand-new generation of its well-regarded ES sedan at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, and the big news is its electric transformation. Joining Lexus's growing lineup of electric cars, the new ES introduces a fully electric version alongside significant updates to its design.

Drawing inspiration from the sleek LF-ZC electric concept car, the latest ES showcases Lexus's evolved design philosophy. It still keeps the elegant shape expected of a luxury sedan, but it sports a fresh look. The familiar spindle grille has been reimagined with lines that flow smoothly from the hood down to the corners of the bumper. Eye-catching dual L-shaped headlights now feature integrated daytime running lights and turn signals.

The side profile reveals a stylish, coupe-like silhouette, quite a departure from the traditional three-box design often seen in sedans. A graceful roofline blends seamlessly into the body, creating a sense of fluidity. At the rear, the new ES gets full-width taillights, making the car instantly recognizable. Buyers will have seven premium exterior colors to choose from.

Inside, the new ES embraces Lexus's "Time is Luxury" concept with a clean and sophisticated design. There are four interior color options available, including a unique bamboo-inspired green. The driver's area features displays with a special coating to reduce glare and improve visibility. The door panels feature an innovative bamboo-layered translucent trim. Finally, a Mark Levinson surround sound system with a carefully designed speaker layout and ambient lighting creates an immersive experience.

Built on an enhanced GA-K platform, the new ES has undergone significant structural improvements. It's now longer by 165 mm compared to the previous model, and the wheelbase has been extended by 80 mm. This increase in size directly benefits rear passengers, who gain more legroom thanks to the "Premium Seat" package, which includes adjustable seats, leg supports, and front passenger seats that can fold forward to create even more space.

Lexus hasn't released all the detailed specifications yet, but they have confirmed two electric models: the ES 350e and the ES 500e. Both will feature large-capacity, and the ES 500e will come equipped with DIRECT4, an intelligent all-wheel drive system. The front-wheel-drive 350e will have a 165 kW electric motor, while the 500e will get a 252 kW dual-motor powertrain.

 
New Lexus ES sedan confirmed for South Africa

The 8th-generation Lexus ES has been revealed in China and the Japanese firm’s local division has already confirmed this fresh sedan for South Africa…

Meet the new Lexus ES. Officially unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025, the 8th-generation sedan has already been confirmed for South Africa.

Exactly when it will make local landfall is not yet clear, with Lexus SA saying only that it will “confirm specifications, model variants and available technologies” closer to the new model’s “official launch timing”.

However, the Toyota-backed brand’s international press material says a “phased rollout across various regions is scheduled to begin in the middle of 2026”, so we certainly wouldn’t expect to see the new saloon in Mzansi before then.

The new model measures 5 140 mm from nose to tail, making its some 165 mm longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase, meanwhile, grows 80 mm to 2 950 mm, with overall height and width both up, too.

While the current Lexus ES portfolio comprises purely petrol-powered and hybrid derivatives, the 8th-gen version will be offered in certain markets in both hybrid and – for the first time – fully electric form. That’s thanks to an updated version of the TNGA GA-K platform.

Interestingly, the new ES 300h switches from the old 2.5-litre hybrid system to a version built around a 2.0-litre petrol motor. Peak power for this front-driven derivative comes in at 145 kW, based on the brand’s listed prototype values.

 
Lexus unveils eighth generation ES at Shanghai Auto Show and it’s coming to SA

Lexus has lifted the covers off the all-new eighth-generation Lexus ES at the Shanghai Auto Show, including a fully electric version.

It’s assembled on the company’s reimagined TNGA GA-K platform that is purpose built to accommodate both hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrains.

Drivetrains

For the first time the ES 300h uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine combined with an electric motor for a total output of 145kW.

The ES 350h features an upgraded 2.5-litre hybrid engine with an all-wheel drive option delivering 183kW or 148kW.

The BEV ES 350e produces 165kW with a claimed range of 685km.

All variants are all driven by the front wheels except the electric ES 500e that gets a motor on the rear axle and produces 252kW with a range of 610km.

All variants are fitted with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Exterior and interior

The ES gets a new Twin L-Signature headlamp and tail lamp designs, alongside Lexus’ evolved Spindle Body front-end to improve aerodynamics.

It’s grown in size which has improved legroom and also allows a higher seating position.

The panoramic sunroof does away with a blind and is electronically dimmable with Low-E glass for heat and UV protection.

In keeping with the eco-friendly theme the interior is fitted with synthetic leather and what they call Bamboo Layering and has a fragrance system featuring bamboo-based scents.

Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and it’s fitted with a 14-inch infotainment system linked to a Mark Levinson sound system.

 
The 2026 Lexus ES finally embraces the future with all electric version

The Lexus ES has always been the sensible shoe of the luxury car world. It was the sedan you bought when you wanted peace, quiet, and reliability, but didn't necessarily care about flashiness. That changes with the upcoming 2026 model. Lexus is giving its long-running sedan a massive overhaul. The biggest news is not just a new look, but what lies underneath the metal. For the first time, this best-seller will offer fully electric powertrains alongside a hybrid option.

First unveiled in China earlier this year, the 2026 ES is physically larger than the car it replaces. It sits on a redesigned version of the brand's architecture known as the GA-K platform. This new structure is stiff and strong, designed to handle both gas engines and heavy battery packs.

The car has grown in every direction. The total length now stretches to 5.14 m, which is about 16.5 cm longer than before. The wheelbase has also expanded by nearly 8 cm to a total of 2.95 m, promising a lot more room for people sitting in the back.

Drivers looking for electric cars will have two distinct choices when the ES arrives. The entry point into the world of electrons is the ES 350e. This model drives the front wheels only and produces 220 horsepower, which is enough to propel the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds. Lexus estimates this version will travel about 483 km on a full charge when fitted with 19-inch wheels.

If you want more speed and grip, there is the ES 500e. This model uses two motors to provide all-wheel drive. It delivers a much punchier 339 horsepower, and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a much quicker 5.4 seconds than the entry-level model. The trade-off for that extra power is a slightly lower estimated range of 402 km.

 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X