Lexus is stepping up its game with the all-new 2025 ES sedan, aiming to bring more style, modernity, and performance to a model long known for comfort and value rather than excitement. Unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the eighth-generation ES marks a significant shift in both design and engineering, including the introduction of electric powertrains for the first time in the vehicle’s history.
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Visually, the 2025 ES adopts a bold and angular look that breaks from the model’s traditionally conservative styling. Drawing influence from Lexus’ own RZ electric SUV, the gasoline-powered RX, and the futuristic LF-ZL concept revealed in 2023, the redesigned ES showcases a sleek fastback profile that feels more aggressive and modern. Its silhouette and sharp lines even evoke a hint of European sophistication, somewhat reminiscent of Audi, though Lexus retains its own design identity with deeply sculpted door panels and a distinctive front fascia.
The new ES is also physically larger than its predecessor. Its wheelbase stretches to 2,950 mm, up by 80 mm, while the overall length grows to 5,140 mm, a 165 mm increase. These dimensions offer a roomier interior and a more imposing road presence. Design cues help distinguish powertrain options—hybrid models feature a subtle grille opening beneath the Lexus badge for cooling, while the fully electric variants come with a smoother, closed-off nose. Notably, the once-dominant spindle grille is now toned down, blending better with the ES's modern aesthetic.
Inside, the cabin has been thoroughly reimagined. Physical controls have largely been replaced by digital ones, creating a more streamlined, futuristic experience. Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen, with some trims even offering a second passenger-side screen. One notable change is the replacement of the traditional Lexus badge on the steering wheel with bold “L-E-X-U-S” lettering, further emphasizing the brand’s refreshed identity. Premium materials such as bamboo wood trim add to the upscale ambiance.
Performance-wise, the new ES offers a variety of powertrain options. Entry-level hybrid versions in most markets will feature a 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 194 horsepower, achieving 0–100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. The U.S. market, however, will start with a more powerful 2.5-liter all-wheel-drive ES 350h hybrid, rated at 244 horsepower and a 7.8-second 0–100 km/h sprint. The lineup also introduces two electric variants: the front-wheel-drive ES 350e, with 221 horsepower and a 0–100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds, and the dual-motor ES 500e, boasting 338 horsepower and a significantly quicker 5.9-second run to 100 km/h. The ES 500e sacrifices some driving range—610 km compared to the 483 km of the single-motor model—but delivers a far more dynamic experience.
Although pricing remains under wraps for now, the new Lexus ES is scheduled to hit the market in 2026, likely as a 2027 model year vehicle in North America. As Lexus transitions into a more electric and emotionally engaging future, the latest ES serves as a promising step toward redefining what its midsize luxury sedan can be.