The Emotional, Enlarged Lexus ES: Elevating Luxury and Performance
Premiere of the Colorfully and Sleekly Designed Lexus ES in Europe
By Patrick Broich
Let's dive into the world of luxury sedans, where Lexus is about to turn heads with its redesigned ES. Forget about the old metal box with comfort features; this sedan is getting an emotional makeover, aiming to captivate not just with its sleek design but its performance as well.
The truth is, Germany isn't a big market for Lexus, a fact reflected in the powertrains. It seems North America has moved on from V8s, and even die-hard Japanese fans don't seem to object. Intriguingly, Lexus has chosen to evolve the ES series instead of the GS, making the ES available in Europe for the first time.
And this latest ES, with its exceptionally striking design and 'ES 500e' model name, stirs anticipation for a powerful powertrain. It offers a silent, electric drive with a 343 hp engine, powerful, but perhaps not brutally so. Lexus remains coy about the car's top speed, though promised WLTP range of 530 kilometers for the all-wheel-drive model.
For those seeking subtler power, the ES 350e offers 224 hp and front-wheel drive, reaching 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. The WLTP range of this electric base model has yet to be announced. For hybrid lovers, the ES 300h provides a combined output of 201 hp, with all-wheel or front-wheel drive options. The sprint to 100 km/h is around eight seconds, typical for the class.
Competing in Comfort and Space
Where the powertrains may seem slightly outmatched compared to competitors, Lexus focuses on comfort and space. At 5.14 meters long, the ES almost rivals upper-class sizes, surpassing even the current 5 Series BMW (G60) with a length of 5.06 meters. Yet, the Munich-based company offers a more spacious interior, boasting a wheelbase of three meters compared to the ES's 2.95 meters.
But it's not just the interior space that impresses; Lexus goes the extra mile by offering an Ottoman-style trunk seat with a foldable footrest for ultimate comfort. Whether you're a chauffeur or a solo driver, Lexus enhances your driving experience with a new rear axle construction and variable ratio steering, aiming to bring precision to luxury.
Embracing Modernity and Technology
The cabin transformation brings a near-radical change in interior architecture. Say farewell to the cluttered button layout of yesteryears. A clean console with a large central touchscreen and innovative bamboo applications illuminated by fancy lighting provide a distinctly luxurious aesthetic.
However, Lexus doesn't entirely abandon physical buttons; touch-sensitive surfaces are strategically placed to replace them. The infotainment system is designed by European designers, ensuring user-friendly menus and widgets to reduce operational steps. The electric models also boast a dedicated EV menu for easy access to charging information, with the option to manually optimize battery temperature before charging.
One potential improvement could be the charging time for the electric models. With a maximum charging power of 150 kW and an estimated charging time from 10 to 80 percent at 30 minutes, competitors in the market have made significant advancements.
Keep an eye out for the new Lexus ES in Spring 2026. Experience luxury redefined, combining captivating design, elevated performance, and innovative technologies.
- In an effort to elevate luxury and performance, the automotive industry might consider incorporating the Community policy in their vocational training programs to attract a wider range of skilled workers.
- As technology continues to advance, the finance sector may need to provide innovative solutions for seamless integration of gadgets like electric vehicle charging stations in everyday transportation.
- With the launch of the Emotional, Enlarged Lexus ES, the luxury market could witness increased competition, particularly in vocational training for expertise in cutting-edge automotive technology and design.
