All-new Lexus ES partially revealed before scheduled debut

The new ES borrows many sharp design elements from the flagship LS.

In an official teaser, Lexus has revealed the front three quarter design of its upcoming seventh-generation ES saloon. The car is set to debut on April 25 at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show.

The pictures confirm that the brand new ES will move past the outgoing model’s sedate design and instead, takes inspiration from the LS saloon. Therefore, the front is dominated by a huge, polarising spindle grille that’s flanked by edgy headlamps with integrated LS-derived DRLs. While the rear hasn't been fully revealed, the new sharper tail lights with L-shaped LED signatures is teased.

While not yet revealed, it is likely that the flamboyant new design will hide Camry/Avalon underpinnings - as it has been the case since ES’ inception. So, expect the car to be based on Toyota’s new modular TNGA platform, which currently underpins many new Toyotas like C-HR, Prius, Camry, Avalon and all-new Corolla.

Hybrid powertrains are Toyota/Lexus’ forte, and the new ES will built on this by offering an updated version of the outgoing model’s 4-cylinder hybrid setup. However, the conventional, naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine is also likely to be offered in markets where demand exists. Also offered will be semi-autonomous driving abilities.

In India, the ES is imported through the CBU route, which results in a rather inflated price tag of Rs 59.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new model is expected to make it to be launched here eventually, although it’s hard to give a concrete time frame of exactly when.