Lexus Levels Up: The All-New ES is Sleek, Smart, and Seriously Electrified

The new Lexus ES has officially touched down in Europe, and it’s not just another saloon—it’s a sophisticated showcase of luxury, tech innovation, and electrified engineering. Whether you’re a hybrid devotee or ready to plug in, the eighth-generation Lexus ES is set to redefine what it means to ride in elegance.

Intelligent Inside and Out

The ES debuts with Lexus’ first fully digital driver cockpit, seamlessly blending the 14-inch LexusConnect multimedia display with the 12.3-inch instrument panel and Lexus Link+ app. This means everything from real-time charging info to cabin temperature control is at your fingertips—literally. Plus, with voice command and over-the-air updates, you’re always in sync without lifting more than a finger.

And let’s talk about those “Hidden Switches”—Lexus’ way of saying, “Why clutter when you can class it up?” These tactile controls stay concealed until needed, glowing softly like magic under the dash. It’s minimalist, it’s clever, and it’s oh-so-Lexus.

Power Meets Purpose

In its mission toward carbon neutrality, Lexus now offers the ES in both self-charging hybrid and full battery-electricflavours. Take your pick:

ES 300h / 350h Hybrids: Refined 2.5-litre four-cylinder powerhouses with up to 247bhp and both FWD and AWD options.
ES 350e / 500e EVs: Fully electric stunners pushing up to 338bhp, with up to 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds.

With a range-enhancing low-slung battery design and access to over 870,000 charging stations across Europe, range anxiety is so last season.

Clean Tech x Elegance

“Clean Tech x Elegance” isn’t just a design philosophy—it’s a lifestyle. Outside, the ES’s spindle body and twin-L LED signature lights scream sophistication. Inside, it’s a cocoon of calm: reclining rear seats, ottoman-style leg support, ambient Bamboo Layering light effects, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround system deliver a first-class experience, whether you’re behind the wheel or being driven.

And yes, it’s larger than the previous ES—longer, wider, and taller—but it’s also more nimble thanks to platform updates from Lexus’ Shimoyama facility. This means it handles like a dream while giving passengers serious stretch-out space.

Smarter, Safer, Sharper

The all-new ES goes big on safety with the latest Lexus Safety System+. Highlights include:

Driver Monitor System that can detect yawning or phone use
Emergency Response System that stops the car and calls help if you’re unresponsive
Blind Spot Detection for cyclists and motorcycles
Adaptive High-beam System with vertical and horizontal control for extra night-time precision

Where to Find the Lexus ES

Discover more about the new electrified luxury of the Lexus ES on the official Lexus UK website
Want to hear what we think about it? Check out the podcast on How To Kill An Hour