Sedan set for NZ in 2026
Lexus has unveiled the all-new ES at Shanghai Auto Show ahead of its arrival in New Zealand during early next year
Alongside the flagship LS in 1989, the ES has been a core model for the marque, and is sold in more than 80 countries and regions worldwide.
The brand says it will continue with its focus on petrol hybrids, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids.
The ES is the second of three Lexus BEVs scheduled to debut by March next year, while a “reimagining” of the brand will revealed at the Japan Mobility Show this October.
The eighth-generation ES is described as a “forerunner” in its next-generation electrified line-up. In pursuit of carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach, the petrol hybrid and BEV powertrains aim to meet a “diverse range of mobility demands”.
Its design draws inspiration from the next-generation BEV concept, the LF-ZC, revealed at 2023’s mobility show in Japan.
Lexus innovations include the world’s first “responsive hidden switches”. These blend physical controls into the interior for functionality, while the sedan is built on the newly developed TNGA GA-K platform.
Additionally, the ES integrates next-generation multimedia for enhanced connectivity and the latest Lexus Safety System+ for advanced safety.
Kohei Chiashi, Lexus’ international chief engineer, says the new model has been structured with three distinct sections – engine or motor, cabin and boot – while the sedan’s “key engineering advantages” include high body rigidity and a low centre of gravity.
“These attributes contribute to ride comfort, handling stability and quietness,” he adds. “Building on these strengths, the new ES evolves the sedan by combining a flowing silhouette with a spacious interior achieved by thoughtful design and packaging innovations.
“Its development was centred at the Toyota Technical Centre Shimoyama where teams from planning, design, engineering and evaluation collaborated under one roof.”
The petrol hybrid will have two front and all-wheel drive (AWD) variants – the ES 300h and ES 350h. Both boast inline four-cylinder engines, two litres for the 300h and 2.5l with the 350h.
The petrol hybrid 300h will make the 0-100kph dash in 9.4 seconds, while the ES350h’s time will be in the range of 7.8 to eight seconds.
The fully electric FWD ES 350e will get from 0-100kph in 8.9 seconds while its cruising range is expected to be 685km. The figures for the AWD ES 500e will be 5.9 seconds and 610km. All these specifications are prototype values.
