The all-new eight generation 2025 Lexus ES has made its global debut at the Auto Shanghai 2025. The new Lexus ES is built on a redesigned Lexus global architecture-K platform to accommodate hybrid and battery electric vehicle (BEV) platforms.
It is 165 mm longer, with an 80 mm longer wheelbase than the previous model. As a result the cabin is more spacious while higher seating positions make for easier vehicle entry and exit.
A lot has been done to deliver ‘comfort, confidence and control for the driver’. This includes increasing the rigidity of the car’s front end, floor and rear. These extensive reinforcements minimise vibration and results in sharper, more intuitive steering while ensuring that the car feels agile despite its size. The Lexus ES is equipped with MacPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear system for the first time.
The ES has been developed with a new Lexus design concept – Clean Tech x Elegance. Headlining it is a new spindle body where height, width and length have been calculated not just for elegant proportions but for easy vehicle entry and exit. Even the tyre position has been tweaked at millimetre level for a nice stance.
At the front, the twin L-signature lighting represents a new Lexus signature for its upcoming vehicles. The hybrid models additionally feature a grille with openings to secure optimal cooling performance. The interior is also based on the Clean Tech x Elegance concept with simple, clean and sophisticated space. The rear seats are reclinable and specifically for the seat behind the front passenger, there is an ottoman leg support for a chauffeur-driven experience.
The 2025 Lexus ES also debuts Bamboo Layering that uses advanced printing techniques and light transmission technology to create a surface illumination effect that synchronises with the cabin’s ambient illumination. The Synthetic Leather Embossing produces an embossed pattern which combines with the ambient lighting for eye-pleasing aesthetics.
The 2025 Lexus ES also debuts the Hidden Tech switches – a company first – that reflects the Omotenashi principle of minimalism. When the car is turned off, the switches are not visible beneath the dashboard upholstery. When the car is turned on, they light up and reveal themselves.
The cockpit is based on Lexus’ Tazuna principle, where vehicle controls and information are placed strategically to allow the driver to operate the car efficiently while focussing on the road. Elevating the digital cockpit experience is the debut of a new, larger 14-inch LexusConnect infotainment display. A Mark Levinson Surround Sound system is tasked with playing the tunes while the driver gets a 12.30-inch digital instrument cluster for driving information.
The front seats have been redesigned for a comfortable posture while offering a more engaging drive. Support for the shoulder blades reduces muscle strain when steering while the back rests gently cradles the body. Noise reduction has been done via improved door sealing and the use of sound insulation glass for the front doors.
For the first time, the 2025 Lexus ES comes with both hybrid and battery electric powertrains. Hybrid models include the ES 300h and ES 350h, both use a 2.5-litre petrol engine and are available with front or all-wheel drive. The electric models are the ES 350e and the more powerful ES 500e, also offering front and all-wheel drive options.
- ES300h front-wheel drive – 197 hp (0-100 km/h 9.4secs)
- ES300h all-wheel drive – 201 hp (0-100 km/h 8.3 secs)
- ES350h front and all-wheel drive – 247 hp (0-100 km/h up to 8 seconds)
- ES350e front wheel drive – 224 hp (0-100 km/h 8.9 seconds)
- ES500e all-wheel drive 343 hp (0-100 km/h 5.9 seconds)
Two electric ES variants are available; the ES350e front-wheel drive offering 685 km of range (CLTC) and the ES500e all-wheel drive 610 km range (CLTC). Charging from 10-80% takes around 30 mins. No information on battery size were given.
The ES500e is equipped with the Lexus’ DIRECT4 intelligent electric all-wheel drive system. This controls power distribution to all four wheels, according to driver inputs and the road conditions. This can vary from 100:0 to 0:100, making it fully front or all-wheel drive based on the driving condition.
The LexusConnect navigation now shows charging stations along a set route. The system also monitors the car’s state of charge in real-time and automatically updates the charging stations to reduce range anxiety. The LexusLink+ app on the other hand allows customers to stay in touch with and operate their vehicles via a smartphone.
Following its world premiere today, the all-new 2025 Lexus ES will be launched in Europe with the start of sales from beginning 2026.
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