Lexus has officially lifted the veil on its all-new, eighth-generation ES sedan, marking a bold new chapter for the premium saloon. Fully reimagined from the ground up, the next-gen ES introduces a dramatic new design, cutting-edge features, and enhanced performance — and it’s been confirmed for a South African debut.
While Lexus South Africa has yet to reveal specific launch dates or detailed local specifications, the company has assured that this information will be announced closer to the vehicle’s official release.
Bold New Design Language
Taking clear inspiration from the futuristic LF-ZC Concept Car, the new ES sports a sleek, modern aesthetic with finely sculpted surfaces that not only elevate its visual appeal but also improve aerodynamic performance. At the front, Lexus has introduced a more refined iteration of its iconic “Spindle Body” design, flanked by distinctive Twin L-Signature LED headlights. Around the back, a new wraparound lightbar and squared-off bumper complete the contemporary look.
Dimensionally, the new ES has grown substantially. It now measures 5,140mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,555mm in height — representing increases of 165mm, 55mm, and 110mm, respectively — allowing for greater interior space and road presence.
Luxury and Comfort Elevated
Inside, the ES continues to deliver on Lexus’s hallmark of opulence. The extended body translates to improved rear legroom and a more spacious cabin feel, bolstered by a higher seating position and larger glass areas for better visibility.
Materials and finishes have also seen a major upgrade. New options include Bamboo Layering and Micro Geometric trims, while premium synthetic leather not only adds luxury but also aligns with Lexus’s sustainability goals. Additional touches like reclining rear seats with ottoman features, an electronically dimmable panoramic sunroof, and a bamboo-infused fragrance system underscore the ES’s commitment to both comfort and cultural refinement.
Ambient lighting and the new Sensory Concierge system — which harmonizes scent, lighting, temperature, and audio — help create a deeply personalized and serene driving experience, which Lexus believes is especially well-suited for South African preferences.
Key Features of the New Lexus ES
| Category | Feature |
|---|---|
| Design | New “Spindle Body” front design, sculpted body profile, LED lightbar |
| Dimensions | Length: 5,140mm • Width: 1,920mm • Height: 1,555mm |
| Interior | Reclining rear seats, ottoman functions, panoramic roof, bamboo scent system |
| Trims | Bamboo Layering, Micro Geometric detailing, premium synthetic leather |
| Comfort Systems | Sensory Concierge (light, scent, sound, temperature), advanced ambient lighting |
| Safety | Upgraded Lexus Safety System+ with broader sensor coverage and clearer alerts |
| Platform | TNGA GA-K (supports hybrid and EV powertrains) |
| Powertrains | 300h (145kW), 350h (182kW, FWD/AWD), 350e (165kW EV), 500e (252kW EV) |
| Performance (0–100km/h) | 9.4s (300h), 7.8s (350h), 8.9s (350e), 5.9s (500e) |
| Electric Range | Up to 685km (350e), 610km (500e) |
Advanced Safety and Powertrain Options
The next-gen ES also features the most advanced version of Lexus Safety System+ to date, incorporating improved object detection, expanded sensor coverage, and clearer driver alerts to enhance confidence and avoid collisions.
Underpinning the ES is the TNGA GA-K platform, specifically designed to support hybrid and battery-electric powertrains. The sedan will be available with a range of powertrains, including:
- 300h: A 2.0-litre hybrid delivering 145kW, with a 0–100km/h time of 9.4 seconds.
- 350h: A more powerful 2.5-litre hybrid generating 182kW, cutting acceleration to 7.8 seconds. Offered in both FWD and AWD.
- 350e: An all-electric variant with a front-mounted motor producing 165kW, capable of reaching 100km/h in 8.9 seconds and traveling up to 685km on a single charge.
- 500e: The range-topping EV featuring dual front motors for a combined 252kW, sprinting to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds and offering a range of 610km.
These figures are based on Japanese specifications, and final numbers for the South African market may vary once the vehicle is homologated for local roads.
Coming Soon to South Africa
With a bold new design, cutting-edge tech, and a focus on luxury and sustainability, the new Lexus ES is poised to redefine executive sedans in South Africa. Lexus South Africa has promised to reveal local specs, model variants, and features in due course — setting the stage for a highly anticipated launch.
Related article: Lexus Launches New GX in South Africa: Luxury SUV Starting at R1.77 Million
