Emotional Flair Meets Electric Efficiency: The Luxurious Lexus ES Debuts in Europe
Luxury sedan Lexus ES unveiled in Europe, showcasing its vibrant color schemes and aesthetically pleasing design.
By Patrick Broich
The latest business-class offering from Lexus, the ES sedan, is not just a comfortable vehicle with practical features anymore. It's an emotionally engaging ride that leaves you longing for more under the hood. But let's hope that its soulful design translates to a satisfying driving experience.
Europe might not be the focal point for Lexus, but the powertrains tell a different story. With the U.S. turning its back on V8 engines, it seems Japan is following suit. Even ardent Lexus enthusiasts, accustomed to high-displacement powerhouses, seem to be staying quiet. The large luxury boat LS has given up on V8s, so it's no surprise the ES series has taken the spotlight instead.
And the fresh ES, with its captivating design, makes you yearn for an exhilarating powertrain. The name "ES 500e" alone sparks excitement. Mercedes made the "500" synonymous with power, and Lexus has adopted this moniker since 1989. However, the ES 500e is no brute—it boasts 343 hp, which is impressive even if it's not over the top for this segment. Though Lexus keeps quiet about the top speed. At least, the all-wheel-drive car is said to have a WLTP range of 530 kilometers.
For those who prefer a more measured approach (and presumably a lower price point), the ES 350e provides a quieter 224 hp to the front wheels and a 77 kWh battery pack. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 8.2 seconds, while the WLTP range for this base model hasn't been announced yet.
Range-anxious buyers can depend on the hybrid ES 300h, which dishes out 201 hp from a 2.5-liter gasoline engine. You can opt for all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The standard sprint to 100 km/h should take around eight seconds. But, it's typical for Lexus to integrate all drives into the power-split system for a smooth automatic transmission.
While the powertrains might seem a bit tame compared to the competition, Lexus leaves no stone unturned when it comes to comfort. The ES, measuring an astonishing 5.14 meters in length, is nearly as large as luxury class vehicles and even outdoes the current 5 Series BMW in terms of length. However, the BMW offers a more impressive wheelbase of three meters, while the ES settles for 2.95 meters.
Spacious on the Inside
On the inside, the ES provides a generous amount of space, especially in the rear legroom, which feels almost royal compared to the primarily compact BMW. The credit for this can be attributed to the compact design of the ES's axles. The engineers on the K-platform prioritize space-saving electric components. To add icing to the cake, the novelty comes equipped with a rear seat in Ottoman style, complete with a footrest, and a foldable front passenger seat backrest for adequate stretching room during rides.
Regardless of whether you're being driven or taking the wheel, Lexus aims to elevate the driving experience with enhanced comfort and handling. A new rear axle construction with a multi-link suspension and variable ratio steering ensure a smooth ride. But only time will tell if the new ES is more comfortable and agile than its predecessor.
One thing that's clear is that the interior designers have undergone a radical overhaul. The once cluttered console has been replaced with a clean design featuring a large central touchscreen, bamboo accents with fancy lighting, and touch-sensitive surfaces instead of buttons. The infotainment system sports an interface designed by European designers with shortcuts, widgets, and an EV menu to manage charging information. The Optimization of battery temperature can also be initiated manually as a prequel to charging. The maximum charging power remains at 150 kW. Lexus estimates the charging time from 10 to 80 percent at 30 minutes.
Would-be buyers of the emotionally designed and grown Lexus ES will have to wait until spring 2026 to get their hands on one.
Source: ntv.de
- Lexus Models
- Automotive Industry
Enrichment Data:
Performance and Range Details:
Lexus ES 350e:
- Battery Capacity: 77 kWh.
- System Output: 224 HP (165 kW).
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.
- Range: Approximately 300 miles.
- Charging Time: Approximately 30 minutes at 25°C, 40 minutes at 0°C, and 60 minutes at -10°C for 10-80% charge at a 150 kW rate[1][2][4].
Lexus ES 500e:
- Battery Capacity: 74.6 kWh.
- System Output: 338 HP (252 kW), with a dual-motor setup providing all-wheel drive.
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.
- Range: Approximately 250 miles.
- Charging Time: Similar to the ES 350e, with the same charging capabilities[3][4].
Comparison with Competitors:
- Range Comparison: The BMW i5 has a usable battery capacity of 81.2 kWh, potentially offering a longer range than the Lexus models[4]. However, exact range figures for the BMW i5 are not detailed in the search results.
- Performance Comparison: The ES 500e offers quicker acceleration than most competitors in its class, thanks to its dual-motor setup and AWD capability[4]. The ES 350e provides stable performance with its single-motor setup but is slower than the ES 500e[2][4].
The Lexus ES electric models offer a strong mix of luxury, electric performance, and advanced technology, but specific competitor ranges and performance metrics may vary.
Key Features and Technologies:
- Lexus Interface Infotainment System: The new ES series features a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with improved voice controls[3].
- Lexus Safety System+ 4.0: This includes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with updated hardware and detection capabilities[3].
- The Lexus ES 500e, with its advanced technology and captivating design, promises to redefine luxury vocational training for those interested in the automotive industry, offering a 338 HP powertrain and a range of approximately 250 miles.
- A community policy on lifestyle changes could include programs for vocational training, such as learning about the latest financial technology and adaptable electric sports vehicles like the hybrid Lexus ES 350e, which provides a quiet, fuel-efficient 224 HP driving experience with a range of up to 300 miles.
