Lexus commits to saloons with new EV and hybrid ES that’s as long as an LS

The Lexus ES is returning to battle the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 for an eighth generation, with a bold new look and the option of EV power for the first time.

The new version of the premium marque's executive saloon was revealed at the Shanghai motor show in China, where it is the number one imported vehicle, ahead of a global launch in 2026.

Going forward it may be Lexus's only saloon, as the current IS (pictured) and LS haven’t got replacements lined up.

Lexus says this new generation of ES makes advances in "ride quality, comfort and quietness" over its predecessor, and has been designed to offer "first-class comfort for everyone on board".
The minimalist cockpit marks a complete departure from the previous car, and has clearly been designed with heavy influence from the Chinese market; physical controls are few and far between, and a large 12.3in touchscreen takes centre stage as the primary control interface.

It is based on the same GA-K platform as the NX SUV (pictured), but Lexus says it has increased rigidity throughout the chassis to boost refinement and responsiveness, resulting in an "agile, responsive feel that belies its size".

Length has also been increased over the previous car, by 165mm, to take the ES to 5.14m (202in) overall. That’s almost as long as the 5.24m (206in) of the current LS (pictured).

The hybrid ES300h and ES350h use a familiar 'self-charging' petrol-electric arrangement that produces either 150kW (200hp) or 183kW (245hp) and can drive either the front or both axles.

The new electric ES, meanwhile, can be had as the front-driven ES350e, with 165kW (222hp), or the twin-motor ES550e, with 252kW (338hp).

Lexus has not yet detailed battery capacities or ranges, but no doubt the ES EV will target a maximum of more than 600km (375 miles) per charge to keep pace with its German rivals.