Next-Gen Lexus ES Launch Tomorrow: What To Expect

Lexus is gearing up to launch the ES in India tomorrow. Likely to be offered as a CKD (completely knocked down), the ES will be the sole sedan offered by Lexus in India. The luxury sedan made its global debut in April last year. Ahead of its India launch, let us look at what to expect from the next offering by Toyota’s luxury arm.

Lexus ES: Expected Dimensions & Design

The India-spec Lexus ES is expected to be identical to the global-spec model which is larger than its predecessor in every dimension. The new eight-gen ES measures 5,140 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,560 mm in height, making it 165 mm longer, 55 mm wider, and 115 mm taller than the outgoing model. Its wheelbase measures 2,950mm, which is 80 mm longer than the old ES.

The new ES will feature a sharper design, drawing inspiration from the LF-ZC concept. Up front, it will get angular LED DRLs, while the projector headlamps are positioned lower on the bumper. The traditional grille will be omitted, replaced by air intakes integrated into the bumper. Along the sides, the sedan will maintain a clean yet defined profile, highlighted by a strong beltline. The roofline will gently slope toward the rear, giving it a coupe-like silhouette. At the rear, a slim light bar will connect the taillights, reinforcing the car’s modern and futuristic appearance.

Lexus ES: Expected Interiors & Features

The interiors are also expected to be familiar to the international-spec ES that means a minimalist design layout with a dual-tone black and tan theme. Most of the features are integrated into the 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, which gets OTA updates. Further, the centre console sports an array of touch-capacitive buttons. Another highlight are the ‘hidden’ switches beneath the touchscreen, which light up when the car is turned on.

On the feature front, the upcoming Lexus ES will pack a host of creature comforts, including an electric sunroof, leather upholstery, a Mark Levinson sound system, and more. On the safety front, expect to see multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and the Lexus Safety System+, bringing advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, driver monitor system, blindspot monitor, lane departure warning, and more.

Also READ: Inside Exicom’s Hyderabad Plant: Automation, EV Charging Tech, and Global Expansion

Lexus ES: Expected Powertrain

The Lexus ES in India is likely to be offered with two strong hybrid variants – ES 300h and ES 350h. Both versions are powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain The ES 300h draws power from the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid engine that develops 198 bhp. Meanwhile, the 350h version pushes out 244 bhp. Depending on the variant, it could be available with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, both employing an eCVT as a gearbox. The India-spec model is likely to receive the former.

Lexus ES: Expected Price & Rivals

The Lexus ES is set to launch later this month, with expected pricing around ₹70 lakh. For reference, the outgoing ES 300h is currently priced between ₹62.65 lakh and ₹68.23 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, the new sedan will compete with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, both of which are now offered in long-wheelbase versions in the Indian market.