Currently reading: New Lexus ES may be sold in UK exclusively with electric power

Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series-rivalling saloon is due to arrive in the UK next year with up to 338bhp

The Lexus ES is returning in eighth-generation form as a rival to the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series – but, unlike its German competition, it could do away with petrol power entirely in the UK.

In Western Europe, the ES will be offered with a 199bhp hybrid powertrain as well as two battery-electric options.

However, Autocar understands that the brand's British arm is currently evaluating whether to offer exclusively the electric powertrains, given the greater proportion of EV sales in the UK compared with those in Europe.

A final decision has yet to be made, but it is highly likely the hybrid will not come to the UK.

That decision, if taken, would leave the front-driven ES 350e and four-wheel-drive ES 500e as the only versions bound for UK showrooms. The former packs a single 221bhp motor and a 77kWh lithium ion battery, yielding a range of around 329 miles between charges and a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.2sec. The 500e, meanwhile, has 338bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.7sec, but its range – which has yet to be revealed – will be reduced compared with that of the 350e.

The new version of Lexus's executive saloon was first revealed at the Shanghai motor show in China, where it is the number one imported vehicle.

Lexus said 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 that of the previous car and has been designed with a 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. Hidden beneath the screen is a row of haptic switches which illuminate when the car is powered on.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

This Japanese entrant aims to gatecrash the German-controlled executive saloon market in a way the GS could never manage

Back to top

The new ES is based on the same GA-K platform as the NX SUV. Lexus says the structure's rigidity has been increased throughout the chassis to boost refinement and responsiveness and resulting in an "agile, responsive feel that belies its size" - which is also increased over the previous car, by 165mm in length, to take the ES to 5.14m overall.

 

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Staff Writer

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, creating content for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

He is the proud owner of a Mk4 Mazda MX-5 but still feels pangs of guilt over selling his first car, a Fiat Panda 100HP.

Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

Join the debate

Comments
4
Add a comment…
FastRenaultFan 23 April 2025
Gorgous. A pity the dash loses some of the unique design featurea on current Lexus cars though.
Peter Cavellini 23 April 2025

A  lean design, no bulges and creases on the body,and the interior is tidy uncluttered no basks of buttons but I don't think it's a car for the West.

tuga 23 April 2025
Do you know what a crease is?
ricequackers 23 April 2025

> 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.

And I'm immediately out. Also the RWD GS was a far better car, bring that one back Lexus. Especially the GS F.