The All-NewLexus ES

The goal in designing the cabin was to achieve an outstanding sedan package. The TNGA GA-K platform was re-engineered from the ground up, with key structural elements redesigned. Compared to the previous ES, overall length is extended by 165mm and wheelbase by 80mm, allowing for a more spacious cabin.

In addition, the seating position is set higher to improve ease of entry and exit, while also providing a wide field of vision. To further enhance the sense of openness, seats and trim elements are made as slim as possible, with the lower edges of the front and side window frames lowered to increase the glass surface area.

The panoramic roof, designed to enhance the open cabin feel, features an adjustable dimming function that allows for instant shading based on passenger preferences. By eliminating the centre roof reinforcement and maximising the opening width, the design helps blur the boundary between inside and outside.

The use of Low-E glass – which offers heat insulation, thermal protection, and 99% UV reduction – ensures ample overhead space while maintaining a comfortable cabin environment, even under harsh sunlight and UV exposure.

A newly developed dimming film with exceptional light reduction and transparency properties is adopted. When dimmed, it helps reduce the sensation of heat, while in its clear state, offers a sharper view and enhances the cabin’s sense of space.

To create a cabin experience that feels like a living room, the front passenger seat is equipped with features such as an ottoman, vanity mirror, and dual monitors¹ . Rear seat occupants will also enjoy new levels of comfort with a seat relaxation function using air bladders embedded in the cushions which gently press from the thighs to the back. The rear seat package also includes seat reclining, an ottoman, and a full-forward folding front passenger seat, all of which work together to create an even more spacious and relaxing environment.¹

Three ornamentation options for the instrument panel will also be offered. Bamboo Layering recreates the depth and flow of natural bamboo using 3D printing. Modern Bamboo presents a clean, minimalist look, while Micro Geometric features fine geometric patterns that convey a refined, modern feel.¹

Further Lexus innovation includes a surface-illuminated door trim that synchronises with light, sound, and fragrance, made possible by advanced printing and light-transmission technology.¹

The cabin’s elegance may be further enhanced with newly adopted Synthetic Leather Embossing that pairs sharp embossing with ambient lighting. The Mark Levinson Surround Sound System^®2  completes the immersive experience with optimised speaker placement and 3D sound, also harmonised with ambient lighting.¹

As with every Lexus, all vehicle controls are built around the driver through the human- centred Tazuna concept. Forward visibility for the driver with an unobstructed view is optimised with a 12.3-inch LCD asymmetrical instrument display that allows for a lower dashboard line.

The new ES features a diverse lineup of powertrains, designed to support carbon neutrality and accommodate the evolving needs of customers through the Lexus multi-pathway approach. Each electrified powertrain is carefully optimised to leverage its unique characteristics while staying true to the ES driving philosophy of smooth and refined performance.

For HEV models, the ES 300h adopts a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder hybrid system for the first time. The lineup is further expanded with the addition of the ES 350h, which offers enhanced power performance through the newly updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder hybrid system, along with the availability of an AWD model.

The new 2.5-litre hybrid system features an integrated eAxle combining the power control unit and transaxle, contributing to a more compact and lightweight powertrain, while also achieving higher battery output. Paired with the 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and exclusive control logic, this setup delivers an outstanding combination of strong acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. Additionally, the reinforced rigidity of the power unit helps suppress vibrations, contributing to a quieter, more refined cabin experience.

The BEV lineup offers two models: the ES 350e, a front-wheel-drive variant with an estimated range of approximately 685 km³, and the ES 500e, an AWD version.

By unlocking the full potential of the newly developed TNGA GA-K platform, designers were able to position the large-capacity battery (designed specifically for BEVs) beneath the floor to lower the centre of gravity and enhance driving stability.

The ES 500e takes the electrified driving experience further with DIRECT4, a sophisticated all-wheel drive force control system developed by Lexus that finely adjusts torque distribution to all four wheels, regardless of road surface or driving conditions.

This system strikes a balance between the superior handling stability made possible by electrification and the pure enjoyment of driving. Using data from wheel speed, acceleration, and steering angle sensors, DIRECT4 continuously controls front-to-rear torque distribution between 100:0 and 0:100. This enhances acceleration from a standstill, improves handling stability, and contributes to greater energy efficiency. It also underlines the Lexus Driving Signature with dynamic vehicle responses that are predictable and faithful to the driver’s input to enhance driving enjoyment and safety.

The new ES is built on a redesigned TNGA GA-K platform, developed specifically to accommodate both HEV and BEV powertrains. To ensure a consistent driving character across the Lexus lineup, insights from the cross-model Aji-Migaki⁴ driving refinement program were applied.

Rigidity is significantly increased at the front, floor, and rear, resulting in a thoroughly reinforced structure. This enhancement reduces body vibrations and enables sharp, intuitive steering, along with smooth acceleration and deceleration that respond faithfully to driver input – the essence of the Lexus Driving Signature. The result is an agile and responsive driving feel that defies the vehicle’s size.

The new ES is equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension and, for the first time in an ES, a multi-link rear suspension, enhancing both power delivery to the ground and seamless vehicle posture control.

To further refine ride quality, Lexus has optimised suspension-arm bush characteristics, allowing for smoother suspension stroke and a more composed driving experience. The new ES is also equipped with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS)¹, which turns the rear wheels by up to four degrees — opposite to the front wheels at low speeds and in the same direction at higher speeds — enhancing agility and manoeuvrability in low-speed corners while improving vehicle stability at higher speeds.

In models equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)¹, a linear solenoid system with superior damping force response is adopted. This achieves an exceptional balance between precise steering response and refined ride comfort.

The use of sound-insulating door glass, along with improved sealing components, reduces the intrusion of external noise to improve cabin comfort. Sound-absorbing, sound-blocking, and vibration-damping materials of various thickness and volume are placed throughout the cabin to create a quiet, well-balanced acoustic environment.