One of the biggest debuts at Auto Shanghai 2025 is the new eighth-generation Lexus ES, replacing its seven-year-old predecessor. Once one of the brand’s most conservative models, the front-wheel-drive executive sedan has been radically redesigned, including the addition of a pure electric option.
The sharp exterior has been inspired by the LF-ZC concept and features distinctive Twin-L LED daytime running lights flanking the “spindle body” front graphic, with the shrunken main headlights now integrated into the blacked-out bumper corners.
Along the side, the six-window glasshouse has been extended towards the rear, giving the sedan a more fastback-like profile, while the doors feature a plunging L-shaped graphic that connects the shoulder line to the side sills. Capping off the car’s polarising looks is a tapered rear end with slim full-width taillights and L-shaped “signature” lights in the bumper corners. The ES will be offered in seven colours, including a new light blue hue called Sou.
The comprehensive revamp continues on the inside, where the ES has clearly been designed with the demanding Chinese market in mind. That much is evident in the tech on board, which includes not only a 12.3-inch digital instrument display but also a widescreen display panel housing large infotainment touchscreens on both the centre and passenger side.
Below the centre display sits a row of hidden-until-lit buttons for the temperature controls and certain vehicular functions; they look like capacitive switches but actually offer up a tactile click when pressed to prevent accidental operation. Also on offer are an electrochromic panoramic glass roof, a Mark Levinson surround sound system and a reclining rear seat option, the latter featuring a passenger-side ottoman and a one-touch folding front passenger seat to increase rear legroom.
The interior design of the ES draws plenty of inspiration from bamboo, including the new Aotake light green upholstery option and 3D-printed layered trim with see-through ambient lighting. Spaciousness has been improved by extending the length by some 165 mm, with the wheelbase also growing by 80 mm.
Built on a redesigned Global Architecture – K platform (GA-K), the new ES is available with the usual range of hybrid powertrains. The ES300h pairs a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 197 PS, with all-wheel-drive versions instead gaining a 2.5 litre NA mill for a total of 201 PS. The ES350h gets an uprated 2.5 litre powertrain with a total output of 247 PS.
New to the ES is a pair of fully electric powertrains. The front-wheel drive ES350e produces 224 PS (165 kW) and has a range of around 685 km on China’s ridiculously lenient CLTC cycle, while the ES500e delivers dual-motor all-wheel drive and 343 PS (252 kW), with a slightly shorter range of 610 km.
Safety-wise, the ES’ Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver assists has been upgraded with a new eco function for the adaptive cruise control, navigation-based curve speed reduction, smoother lane change assist, increased junction support for the autonomous emergency braking, a camera-based driver attention monitor, an emergency stop assist and high-definition adaptive high beam.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.