目次
To accommodate both an HEV with an internal combustion engine and a BEV with a battery pack laid across the floor, the overall height of the new ES was increased. To maintain proportional balance with this added height, both the length and width were also expanded, resulting in a significant increase in the vehicle’s three-dimensional footprint.
Compared to the current model, the new ES has an increased overall height of 1555–1560 mm (up by 110–115 mm), a 165 mm longer body reaching 5140 mm, and a 55 mm wider stance at 1920 mm. Correspondingly, tire sizes have also grown larger, now offered in 235/55R19 and 235/45R21. The wheelbase has been extended by 80 mm.
In terms of styling, Lexus announced that the new ES draws inspiration from the design language of the next-generation BEV concept [LF-ZC], which was unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show (JMS). It was positioned as the starting point of a new design era for Lexus, with the new ES embodying this fresh expression.
Why Lexus Chose China for the Global Debut
Wang Honghao, Editor-in-Chief of Car Styling China (hereinafter referred to as Wang):
Today, we are also joined by Mr. Osamu Namba, Editor-in-Chief of Japan’s Car Styling. Through this conversation, we hope to dive deeper into the subject. Mr. Namba, please go ahead.
Osamu Namba, Editor-in-Chief of Car Styling (hereinafter referred to as Namba):
This was my first time seeing the new Lexus ES here at the Shanghai Show. To begin, I’d like to ask about the significance of the fact that the vehicle was unveiled in China.
Koichi Suga, General Manager of Lexus Design (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Suga):
As presented earlier today (April 23, at the world premiere) by Mr. Li Hui, Executive General Manager, this launch reflects the idea of “In China / For China.” Among all Lexus models, the ES sedan currently sees the highest customer demand in the Chinese market. The vehicle was developed with a strong focus on the unique characteristics of the Chinese market from the early stages. Holding its world premiere here in Shanghai was a strategic decision fully aligned with that intent.
Namba : Given that, would it be fair to say that both the exterior and interior designs were created with a strong focus on the Chinese market?
Mr. Suga : Yes, at present, the market environment in China is arguably the most intense and competitive in the world. Creating a vehicle that can compete in this market ultimately leads to a product that can succeed globally. That’s why we developed this model with full awareness of the powertrain needs and broader market conditions specific to China.
Namba : Just my impression, but I noticed details and press lines that seem like new design experiments—elements we haven’t seen in previous models. Were those aspects also part of your consideration?
Mr. Suga : Absolutely. As I mentioned earlier, with so many diverse vehicles on the road, it’s crucial that we don’t get lost in the crowd. We wanted people to sense that Lexus is taking on something new. Even if the number of vehicles on the road is small, we aimed to make it instantly recognizable as a Lexus. That’s why we paid particular attention to how the lines are presented.
Especially in China, recent EVs have evolved to feature very bold proportions and structures. So we knew the car needed to have a certain physical presence. Within that, we felt it was important to connect Lexus’s long-standing pursuit of “L-Finesse”—that sense of sharpness and precision—with a new sensibility. That was something we placed great value on.
The lightning bolt-shaped character line on the hood is particularly striking. It appears to draw from the sculptural treatment of the hood seen on the LF-ZC concept unveiled at JMS 2023, though the interpretation here seems slightly different in intention.
At the front end, the new twin-L signature headlamps, combined with the body-colored center section and blacked-out edges, form a reinterpretation of the spindle shape. Perhaps the term “spindle grille” has already become a thing of the past.
The body color options also suggest a more colorful and forward-looking direction for the brand. The version shown here is one of two new hues—this one in a distinctive copper tone.
Namba: I haven’t had the chance to see the interior yet, so I’d appreciate it if you could show it to me later. But when it comes to infotainment, China is evolving at a tremendous pace. I imagine it must be difficult to keep up, but is that an area you’ve especially focused on?
Mr. Suga: That part is being addressed by the Chief Engineer, particularly through collaboration with the new Harmonious system. However, for Lexus, it’s not just about “being able to watch YouTube,” but rather about how to enrich the time spent inside the vehicle. That’s been a central focus in our development.
Namba: Could you also tell me about the body colors? What is the meaning behind the two colors used on the show cars?
Mr. Suga: The new ES was developed “for China” and marks a new direction for Lexus that sets it apart from the past. In that sense, we intentionally avoided conservative colors and instead proposed two more colorful, forward-looking shades.
One is Copper — a color also used on the RX, though some may be surprised to see it applied to a sedan. The other is “SOU (蒼),” a newly developed blue tone created specifically for this car, inspired by nature and the environment. Both represent a challenge to break from the traditional color schemes of sedans.
Toward the Next 10 Years
Wang : Mr. Namba, as a third-party Japanese car designer, what was your impression when you saw the design of the new Lexus ES?
Namba : My first impression was, of course, the excellent proportions, but more than that, I was struck by the details. As Mr. Suga mentioned earlier, I felt there were clever design elements that immediately set the car apart from others.
For example, the lightning-shaped press line on the hood, and the distinctive side graphics created with garnish on the body.
In the past, exterior design emphasized form through surface transitions, and presenting design graphically was almost a taboo. But this time, I felt Lexus intentionally challenged that convention.
As a sedan in this class, I think it achieves a unique expression and clearly differentiates itself from competitors.
Wang : Lexus is a brand that always strives for bold innovation. This is especially clear in design. The Lexus of today has clearly surpassed what it was 10 years ago, and I believe it will continue to evolve in the next 10 years.
How do you think your design team will surpass today’s design in a decade? And how do you personally plan to grow beyond your current self?
Suga (Head of Design, Lexus) : At Toyota, we have the philosophy of “continuous improvement.” This applies equally to design. What we’ve created now already belongs to the past—we must constantly strive to improve. That mindset is well established within our team.
Over the last 10 years, Lexus has significantly expanded its global lineup. So now, we are stepping back to ask: “Why does Lexus exist, and what kind of brand should it be?” We are discussing this seriously, together with Simon Humphries (Chief Branding Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation).
Historically, Lexus has had several epoch-making models—like the first-generation LS, which set new standards for quietness and customer value; the RX, which pioneered the luxury SUV segment; the LFA, which was exceptional; the LC; and more recently, the compact luxury LBX.
What these four models have in common is that each was based on a completely new vehicle concept.
For example, the LS redefined what a sedan could be, and the RX and LC also introduced unique ideas.
We call this process of finding something no one else is doing “discovery.”
We believe the value of Lexus lies in discovering something new. That act of discovery is at the core of what Lexus stands for today.
Wang : Currently, Chinese customers have a wide variety of demands, with expectations for every possible feature. How do you balance these diverse needs with Lexus’s core DNA?
Suga : That’s definitely a difficult challenge. Chinese startups are extremely bold and always experimenting.
Of course, we continue to study customers’ needs carefully, but our final decision is always based on two things: safety and quality.
We don’t know exactly how customers will use certain features, so if there’s even a small chance that something could lead to an accident or danger, Lexus and Toyota won’t implement it—no matter how trendy it may be.
Wang : One final question—at this year’s Japan Mobility Show (October 30 onward), can we expect something new from Lexus?
Suga : Lexus is a brand of “discovery.” Please come to Japan and discover what’s next for Lexus.
Interior of the ES
The Design Concept is Clean Tech × Elegance
Thanks to the 165 mm increase in total length and 80 mm longer wheelbase, the cabin offers a clean, open, and panoramic interior space.
The raised roofline—designed to accommodate underfloor batteries—results in a higher seating position, making ingress and egress easier.
At the same time, a dark-tinted, light-adjustable glass roof (with shading, heat insulation, and 99% UV protection) maintains ample headroom while creating a premium atmosphere.
The meter hood is kept low thanks to the use of a 12.3-inch irregularly shaped LCD display, while a large, wide infotainment display in the center conveys a sense of modernity—an equipment choice clearly made with the Chinese market in mind.
Fewer switches look cooler. However, trying to control everything via a screen can actually make things less user-friendly. That’s why switches deemed essential are retained as physical ones. The idea of the responsive hidden switch—normally concealed but appearing when your hand approaches—was born from this thinking.
The front seats are newly designed with a thin profile to ensure more space. The trim features a bamboo-inspired pattern, and the color “Aotake” represents the bamboo motif that Lexus has long embraced.
This time, we had the opportunity to view the actual vehicle under the lighting of the motor show venue. However, it is extremely difficult to carefully observe a newly unveiled, high-profile vehicle amidst the large crowds at such an event.
We hope to conduct a more detailed styling report when the chance arises to see the new ES under natural light conditions in the near future.
