New Lexus ES first impressions: we get hands on with Japan’s answer to the BMW i5
May 21, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
This is the new Lexus ES, and it’s the first time this executive saloon has been offered as a pure EV. We’ve had a poke around an early pre-production car to get some initial impressions.
- New Lexus ES revealed
- We get up close and personal with new luxury saloon
- Striking new exterior design
- Luxurious, high-tech interior
- Available as an EV for the first time
- On sale next year
If you’re bored of German luxury cars, but still want a posh saloon, then good news. The new Lexus ES is here to offer a left-field alternative to cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes EQE.
It’s available as an electric car for the first time ever, but a petrol hybrid is also still on offer. We flew to Brussels to watch the covers get pulled off this car and have a look around.
New Lexus ES design
In a world dominated by SUVs, it’s quite refreshing to see the new Lexus ES soldier on as a three-box saloon car. That’s not to say it looks old-fashioned though – it’s actually quite the opposite.
It has a coupe-esque sloping roofline which makes it look more sporty and youthful than the old car, but one thing which strikes you standing next to it is just how tall it is. Cars which are designed to accommodate both electric and petrol power tend to suffer from this because the EV batteries need to go underneath the floor, raising the driving position.
Lexus has done a pretty good job of disguising this though, because the ES doesn’t look as bulky as our long-term Volkswagen ID7. The low-slung front end and sleek LED headlights help, but this car’s best angle, in our opinion, is the rear three quarters.
That LED lightbar with the Lexus script hidden within looks really cool, and the zig-zag vent running down the side is an interesting touch.
New Lexus ES interior and infotainment
The first thing you notice when you step inside the new Lexus ES is just how light and airy it feels. This is thanks in part to the light leather in this car, as well as the panoramic glass sunroof.
The car we went to see was an early pre-production example, so there were bits of the cabin which weren’t quite up to production standard yet. Despite this, initial impressions were good. All the leather feels super soft and subtle, and everything feels suitably solid. Once the last few details are polished, we reckon this cabin will give the Mercedes EQE a real run for its money.
We’re also happy to see at least some physical climate controls, although they’re well-hidden. A bit like in the Nissan Ariya, they light up from behind the centre console trim when you turn the car on. It makes the cabin look sleek, but a few knobs for things like fan speed would probably be easier to use on the move.
All ES models get an impressive-looking 14.0-inch touchscreen in the centre console, although being a pre-production model this one wasn’t working as it will on the final car. You’ll have to wait for the finished product to find out how easy it is to use.
So what about the practical stuff? Well, as we’ve come to expect from Toyota and Lexus, the driving position is spot on. There’s loads of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel to get comfortable, and there’s also ample storage space for your bits and bobs. That said, the glovebox is on the small side.
You also get loads of rear head and legroom as well, and the boot is a good size – although Lexus hasn’t given the exact dimensions just yet. What we can tell you is it’s not quite as practical as a Volkswagen ID7 because that car has a massive hatchback tailgate, whereas the ES has a saloon boot.
New Lexus ES engines and motors
This is the first Lexus ES to be offered as a pure EV, and two versions will be offered from launch. The ES 350e has a single electric motor powering the front wheels with 224hp, or you can have the ES 500e which has dual motors and 343hp.
Exact range figures for European cars are yet to be confirmed, Lexus reckons it’ll do around 300 miles on a charge.
Then there are two hybrid engine options, although it’ll only be available in the UK with one. We’ll get the ES 300h, which has a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor. You can choose between front- or all-wheel drive, but both have 201hp. Eastern European markets will get the ES 350h which uses the same basic engine and hybrid system but has 247hp.
When can I buy the new Lexus ES?
The new Lexus ES will go on sale towards the middle of next year, however it’s a bit too early to put a price on this car yet.
You can expect to see it priced in line with alternatives like the BMW 5 Series and i5, so around £50,000 for the hybrid and £70,000 for the EV.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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