Lexus launches its electric flagship sedan ES EV in China

Lexus just pulled the wraps off a brand-new generation of its well-regarded ES sedan at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, and the big news is its electric transformation. Joining Lexus's growing lineup of electric cars, the new ES introduces a fully electric version alongside significant updates to its design.

Drawing inspiration from the sleek LF-ZC electric concept car, the latest ES showcases Lexus's evolved design philosophy. It still keeps the elegant shape expected of a luxury sedan, but it sports a fresh look. The familiar spindle grille has been reimagined with lines that flow smoothly from the hood down to the corners of the bumper. Eye-catching dual L-shaped headlights now feature integrated daytime running lights and turn signals.

The side profile reveals a stylish, coupe-like silhouette, quite a departure from the traditional three-box design often seen in sedans. A graceful roofline blends seamlessly into the body, creating a sense of fluidity. At the rear, the new ES gets full-width taillights, making the car instantly recognizable. Buyers will have seven premium exterior colors to choose from.

Inside, the new ES embraces Lexus's "Time is Luxury" concept with a clean and sophisticated design. There are four interior color options available, including a unique bamboo-inspired green. The driver's area features displays with a special coating to reduce glare and improve visibility. The door panels feature an innovative bamboo-layered translucent trim. Finally, a Mark Levinson surround sound system with a carefully designed speaker layout and ambient lighting creates an immersive experience.

Built on an enhanced GA-K platform, the new ES has undergone significant structural improvements. It's now longer by 6.5 inches compared to the previous model, and the wheelbase has been extended by 3.15 inches. This increase in size directly benefits rear passengers, who gain more legroom thanks to the "Premium Seat" package, which includes adjustable seats, leg supports, and front passenger seats that can fold forward to create even more space.

Lexus hasn't released all the detailed specifications yet, but they have confirmed two electric models: the ES 350e and the ES 500e. Both will feature large-capacity, and the ES 500e will come equipped with DIRECT4, an intelligent all-wheel drive system. The front-wheel-drive 350e will have a 165 kW electric motor, while the 500e will get a 252 kW dual-motor powertrain.

The new ES gets an advanced suspension system that features a MacPherson strut front suspension with an optimized rear suspension design. The Dynamic Rear Steering system can adjust the rear wheel steering angle by up to four degrees, depending on the vehicle's speed, allowing for both sharper handling at lower speeds and greater stability at higher speeds.

The suite of advanced safety features in the new ES includes an enhanced adaptive cruise control system with improved deceleration support and a driver monitoring system that assesses the driver's condition to optimize vehicle responses.

Lexus has a wholly-owned plant in Shanghai scheduled to begin production in 2027, but it is not yet known if the ES series will be manufactured at this facility. What is known is that the ES is coming to Europe - Lexus confirmed the European debut will take place in spring 2026.

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