New-gen Lexus ES Revealed: Top 5 Things You Need To Know

While Auto Shanghai continues in China, Lexus has caught everyone's attention with the unveiling of the new-gen ES. The sedan now features a heavily reworked exterior and a cleaner interior that’s sure to appeal to buyers in its segment. Notably, for the first time, Lexus will offer the ES with a fully electric powertrain option as well. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Design

If you've ever seen the current-gen ES, you probably remember its bold front dominated by a massive grille. That’s now gone. Lexus has given the new-gen ES a striking makeover with sharper styling throughout. The front profile boasts a cleaner, more refined look flanked by sleek LED DRLs. The electric version further stands out with a closed-off front design, though it shares its overall styling with the ICE-powered ES.

The real transformation, however, is seen in the silhouette. Designed with aerodynamics in mind, the new ES features a coupe-like roofline, flush door handles, and newly-designed alloy wheels. Around the back, the sedan gets a completely redesigned styling with a connected LED light bar and an illuminated LEXUS lettermark at its center.

Interior

Inside, the minimalist theme continues as the new-gen ES features a more sophisticated cabin with touch-sensitive controls. The dashboard is highlighted by a large 14-inch infotainment screen, while the centre console offers a cleaner look and integrates useful storage spaces. Overall, the cabin gives off a luxurious feel with premium leatherette seat upholstery and plenty of soft-touch materials throughout.

Features

Apart from 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the new-gen ES comes equipped with amenities such as, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, Mark Levinson sound system, electrochromatic panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging, and powered seats. Safety-wise, the new ES gets ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, driver monitoring system, pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and an adaptive high beam system.

Powertrain Options

Lexus will offer the next-gen ES with three petrol engine options paired with hybrid technology, along with two electric powertrain choices. Notably the battery capacities of the EV variants of the ES have not been revealed.

The ICE-powered ES will be available in two variants: the ES 300h and the ES 350h. The former can be had with either a 197 PS 2.0-litre petrol engine or a 201 PS 2.5-litre petrol unit. Meanwhile, the ES 350h will be offered only with a 2.5-litre petrol engine producing 247 PS. Both variants offer the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drivetrains.

As for the all-electric ES, the variants include the ES 350e and ES 500e. The ES 350e features a 224 PS electric powertrain paired with front-wheel drive, delivering a claimed range of around 685 km. The more powerful ES 500e is equipped with a 342 PS electric motor and all-wheel drive, offering a claimed range of 610 km.

Expected India Launch

Lexus is yet to reveal its plans to launch the new-gen ES in India. Given the updates and the range of powertrain options it will offer, the new ES is expected to command a significant price premium over the current model, which starts from Rs 64 lakh (ex-showroom).

Upon launch, it will renew its rivalry with the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. While the electric ES will take on the BMW i4, and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric.  

With the extensively updated changes all around, Lexus is aiming to capture the premium sedan segment with a more appealing design and a variety of powertrain options. While we await news of its India launch, what do you think of the new Lexus ES? Let us know in the comments below.