New-generation Lexus ES luxury sedan set to launch in India on March 20
Lexus has confirmed that the latest generation of its ES luxury sedan will be launched in India on March 20. The model made its global debut nearly a year ago at the Shanghai Motor Show and will now arrive in the Indian market as the brand’s entry-level luxury sedan.
The ES is now in its eighth generation and introduces several updates in terms of design, dimensions and technology. For the first time, the model has also been introduced globally with a fully electric powertrain alongside the hybrid version. It remains unclear which powertrain options will be offered in India when the sedan is launched.
Compared to its predecessor, the new ES has grown in size. The sedan is around 165 mm longer and has an 80 mm longer wheelbase. It is based on the TNGA GA-K platform, which allows support for multiple powertrain options including hybrid and electric configurations.
The exterior design has also been revised with inspiration drawn from the LF-ZC concept. At the front, the sedan features angular daytime running lights, horizontally arranged projector headlamps and a sculpted bonnet. The rear design stands out with a coupe-like sloping roofline and a slim light strip connecting the tail lamps.
Inside the cabin, the ES receives several updates in terms of features and layout. The interior includes a freestanding 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A Mark Levinson sound system is also available. Lexus has also integrated illuminated touch-based switches around the touchscreen and driver’s area that become visible when the vehicle is powered on.
The sedan is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which includes advanced driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, a driver monitoring system, blind spot monitoring and lane departure alert.
Globally, the hybrid range includes the ES 300h and ES 350h variants. Both are powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an e-CVT transmission. The ES 300h produces 198 BHP while the ES 350h develops 244 BHP. Depending on the variant, both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations are offered.
The fully electric version is available internationally as the ES 350e and ES 500e. The ES 350e produces 221 BHP, while the more powerful ES 500e generates 338 BHP and can be configured with single or dual electric motors.
Once launched in India, the new-generation ES will compete in the luxury sedan segment against models such as the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, both of which are available in long wheelbase form in the Indian market.
