{"id":62084,"date":"2025-04-22T23:18:06","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T03:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/lexus-es-revamped-a-bold-hybrid-and-electric-saloon-to-challenge-german-rivals\/"},"modified":"2025-04-22T23:18:06","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T03:18:06","slug":"lexus-es-revamped-a-bold-hybrid-and-electric-saloon-to-challenge-german-rivals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/lexus-es-revamped-a-bold-hybrid-and-electric-saloon-to-challenge-german-rivals\/","title":{"rendered":"Lexus ES Revamped: A Bold Hybrid and Electric Saloon to Challenge German Rivals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Lexus ES is gearing up for its eighth generation, and it&#8217;s bringing some exciting changes to the table. This sleek executive saloon is set to take on heavyweights like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, and it\u2019s doing so with a fresh look and new power options, including an electric variant for the first time. Let\u2019s dive into what makes the new ES stand out and what you can expect when it hits UK roads next spring.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s New in the Lexus ES?<\/p>\n<p>First off, the design has undergone a significant transformation. Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, where it\u2019s already a top seller, the new ES boasts a bold aesthetic that\u2019s sure to turn heads. Lexus has focused on enhancing ride quality, comfort, and quietness, aiming to provide a first-class experience for all passengers. <\/p>\n<p>Inside, the cockpit has been completely reimagined. Gone are the cluttered controls of the past; instead, you\u2019ll find a minimalist layout heavily influenced by the preferences of the Chinese market. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen takes center stage, serving as the main control interface. This shift not only modernizes the interior but also simplifies the driving experience, making it more intuitive.<\/p>\n<p>How Does It Drive?<\/p>\n<p>The new ES is built on the GA-K platform, which it shares with the Lexus NX SUV. However, Lexus has increased the chassis rigidity, which enhances both refinement and responsiveness. The result? A driving experience that feels agile and responsive, despite the car&#8217;s larger size\u2014165mm longer than its predecessor, now measuring 5.14 meters in total.<\/p>\n<p>Powering the new ES are two options: a hybrid and an electric model. The hybrid ES 300h will feature a self-charging petrol-electric system, offering either 200bhp or 245bhp, with the capability to drive either the front wheels or all four, depending on the configuration. <\/p>\n<p>For those leaning towards electric, the ES 350e comes with a front-driven setup producing 222bhp, while the more powerful ES 550e boasts a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration with an impressive 338bhp. While Lexus hasn\u2019t disclosed specific battery capacities or ranges yet, it\u2019s expected that the electric ES will aim for over 350 miles on a single charge to compete effectively with its German rivals.<\/p>\n<p>What Does This Mean for Buyers?<\/p>\n<p>The introduction of the electric variant is a significant move for Lexus, especially as the automotive industry shifts toward electrification. With the ES being the only saloon in the UK lineup following the discontinuation of the LS, it\u2019s crucial for Lexus to make a strong impression. <\/p>\n<p>The combination of a stylish design, advanced technology, and a range of powertrains positions the new ES as a compelling choice for those in the market for a premium saloon. Whether you\u2019re looking for the efficiency of a hybrid or the performance of an electric vehicle, the ES promises to deliver on both fronts.<\/p>\n<p>As we await its arrival, it\u2019s clear that the new Lexus ES is not just about keeping up with the competition; it\u2019s about setting new standards in comfort and technology. <\/p>\n<p>The big takeaway? The Lexus ES isn\u2019t just about luxury\u2014it\u2019s about smart choices that cater to modern drivers. If you\u2019re considering a new saloon, keep an eye on this one; it might just redefine your expectations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"\/car-news\/new-cars\/new-lexus-es-brings-choice-hybrid-or-electric-power\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/lexus-es-revamped-a-bold-hybrid-and-electric-saloon-to-challenge-german-rivals.jpg\" width=\"190\" height=\"125\" alt=\"Lexus ES350e 2026 front quarter\" title=\"Lexus ES350e 2026 front quarter\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series-rivalling saloon is due to arrive in the UK next year with up to 338bhp<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>The <a href=\"\/car-review\/lexus\/es\">Lexus ES<\/a> is returning to battle the <a href=\"\/car-review\/bmw\/5-series\">BMW 5 Series<\/a> and <a href=\"\/car-review\/audi\/a6\">Audi A6<\/a> for an eighth generation, with a bold new look and an\u00a0<a href=\"\/car-news\/best-cars\/best-electric-cars\">electric<\/a>\u00a0option for the first time.<\/p>\n<p>The new version of Lexus&#8217;s\u00a0executive saloon was revealed at the <a href=\"\/car-news\/shanghai-auto-show\">Shanghai motor show<\/a> in China,\u00a0where it&#8217;s the number one imported vehicle, ahead of a UK launch next spring.<\/p>\n<p>It will be the Japanese premium brand&#8217;s only saloon on sale here, following the <a href=\"\/car-news\/new-cars\/lexus-drops-ls-uk-line-after-35-years-sale\">axing of the larger LS<\/a> flagship earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p>Lexus said this new generation of ES makes advances in &#8220;ride quality, comfort and quietness&#8221; over its predecessor\u00a0and has been designed to offer &#8220;first-class comfort for everyone on board&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The minimalist cockpit marks a complete departure from the previous car\u00a0and has clearly been designed with heavy influence from the Chinese market:\u00a0physical controls are few and far between\u00a0and a large 12.3in touchscreen takes centre stage as the primary control interface.<\/p>\n<p>The new ES is based on the same GA-K platform as the <a href=\"\/car-review\/lexus\/nx\">NX SUV<\/a>, but Lexus claims\u00a0to have increased rigidity throughout the chassis to boost refinement and responsiveness, resulting in an &#8220;agile, responsive feel that belies its size&#8221; &#8211; which is also increased over the previous car, by 165mm in length, to take the ES to 5.14m overall.<\/p>\n<p>The hybrid ES 300h that&#8217;s coming to the UK uses a familiar &#8216;self-charging&#8217; petrol-electric arrangement that produces either 200bhp or 245bhp and can drive either the front or both axles.<\/p>\n<p>The new electric ES, meanwhile, can be had in front-driven ES 350e form\u00a0with 222bhp\u00a0or dual-motor, four-wheel-drive ES 550e form\u00a0with 338bhp.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lexus hasn&#8217;t yet detailed battery capacities or ranges, but no doubt the electric ES will target a maximum of more than 350 miles per charge to keep pace with its German rivals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":62085,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-featured","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62084"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62084\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}