The New Lexus ES: A Bold Competitor in the Executive Saloon Market
The Lexus ES is set to make a grand entrance into the competitive executive saloon segment, ready to take on the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 with its eighth-generation model. This new version boasts a bold new look and introduces an electric option for the very first time.
Unveiled at the prestigious Shanghai motor show in China, where it holds the top spot as the number one imported vehicle, the new Lexus ES is set to hit UK shores next spring, becoming the Japanese luxury brand’s sole saloon offering following the discontinuation of the larger LS flagship earlier this year.
Lexus promises significant advancements in ride quality, comfort, and quietness with this new generation ES, emphasizing a luxurious experience for all occupants. The interior design takes a minimalist approach, featuring a sleek cockpit with a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen as the central control interface, catering to the preferences of the Chinese market.
Based on the same GA-K platform as the NX SUV, the new ES boasts enhanced chassis rigidity for improved refinement and responsiveness. Despite its larger dimensions, with a 165mm increase in length over its predecessor, Lexus touts the ES for its agile and responsive handling characteristics.
For the UK market, the hybrid ES 300h will be available with either 200bhp or 245bhp from its ‘self-charging’ petrol-electric powertrain, capable of driving the front or all wheels. Additionally, the electric ES lineup includes the front-wheel-drive ES 350e with 222bhp and the four-wheel-drive ES 550e with 338bhp, offering a compelling alternative in the electric luxury saloon segment.
While specific details on battery capacities and ranges are yet to be revealed, Lexus aims to deliver a range exceeding 350 miles per charge, aligning the electric ES closely with its German rivals in terms of performance and efficiency.
