Rendered: The Next-Generation Lexus ES Sedan

Posted by Kevin on December 13th, 2017

Mag-X in Japan did a bang-up job of rendering the next-generation Lexus ES sedan in their latest issue.

This looks to be a continuation of the LS design, with a coupe-like roof line and bold body lines. The thick trunk and sculpted sheet metal show an ES much different that the current model — not surprising, given the ES looks to be getting its first F SPORT package.

While on that topic, here’s a Mag-X rendering of an ES F SPORT:

Lexus ES Next-Gen Front

The high spindle grille and fender flares are interesting, but the proportions seem off — a design like this would be impressive, but it looks the same size as the IS sedan.

The next-generation ES is a very significant model for Lexus, as rumors swirl that the car will become the default global midsize sedan in the lineup.

Lexus ES: Fifth GenerationPhotochops
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Comments
bogglo
Gecko
Not sure... GR V6 is due for a Dynamic Force replacement and Toyota and Lexus both need a new "workhorse" V6 with something like 300-350 horsepower. I am not sure if that would be NA, single turbo or twin turbo. The 3.5L TT V6 surely seems like overkill for this car. I would like to see them debut a 3.0L turbo V6 with ~325hp mated to the 10AT. Such an engine would be great in the ES, RX, GX, RC, GS and IS. I think we will also see a new Dynamic Force 2.0T, hopefully with something like 265-275hp and 290-300lb-ft of torque.

300+ horsepower seems like a bad idea in FWD, especially if it's turbo with high torque output as well... We always talk about this, but if ES is going to replace GS and there's going to be that much horsepower on tap, an AWD option will be necessary. Issue is that DTC AWD is not a great system for this type of application because it defaults to FWD and only engages AWD once there is a loss of traction. Essentially, you must have torque steer and traction loss before the system engages to become AWD... not ideal. I would really like to see Lexus come up with a new AWD system that has an active torque split between front and rear, as that would give them much more capability and greater flexibility with FWD platforms, similar to how Audi structures their cars.

An ES F Sport V6 would surely need to have AWD standard, but I assume you could get away without AWD on non-F Sport trims considering the audience. ~325hp AWD F Sport ES and RX would satisfy a market of buyers that Lexus is currently losing.

I think ES will receive a hybrid 4 cyl and not the new direct multi stage power plant. That seems to be a flagship powertrain for Lexus.
I agree with you one engine Lexus needs the most right now is a 3.0L turbo v6. That would be the perfect engine to replace the outdated 3.5 NA engine. I hope they are working on one. Especially with likes of Infiniti, BMW, Genesis, Mercedes, and even a KIA having such engines right now.
mikeavelli
If anyone has really looked at the Camry, they really got proportions right and it looks rather Alfa ish in some angles. While the grill might be a turn off overall its pretty good looking. The ES should hopefully carry these things over to a cleaner and more luxurious look.

Also excited to see the new Avalon which debuts soon...
S
Gecko
Issue is that DTC AWD is not a great system for this type of application because it defaults to FWD and only engages AWD once there is a loss of traction. Essentially, you must have torque steer and traction loss before the system engages to become AWD... not ideal. I would really like to see Lexus come up with a new AWD system that has an active torque split between front and rear, as that would give them much more capability and greater flexibility with FWD platforms, similar to how Audi structures their cars.
If Ford can do it with the Fusion Sport/Taurus SHO, and Audi can do it with the RS3, there's no way Lexus can't do it. TMC has transverse-AWD rally cars with 380hp already, so AWD technology shouldn't be far from their reach.
Y
According to a recent report from this Japanese tabloid site, the next-gen ES is set to make its debut in the Detroit Auto Show on 1/14/2018 and is indeed going to adopt the GA-L platform.
http://car-report.jp/blog-entry-1253.html

It's a good move IMHO. Selling a propped up mainstream car has helped Lexus get its footing on the ground but it's time for Lexus to transition into a truly premium car maker for further long-term growth, and by essentially renaming the GS to the more popular ES, and by hopefully re-introducing the next-gen GS as a four-door coupe, Lexus will finally have what it needs to compete with with the Germans on all levels.
Gecko
ydooby
According to a recent report from this Japanese tabloid site, the next-gen ES is set to make its debut in the Detroit Auto Show on 1/14/2018 and is indeed going to adopt the GA-L platform.
http://car-report.jp/blog-entry-1253.html

It's a good move IMHO. Selling a propped up mainstream car has helped Lexus get its footing on the ground but it's time for Lexus to transition into a truly premium car maker for further long-term growth, and by essentially renaming the GS to the more popular ES, and by hopefully re-introducing the next-gen GS as a four-door coupe, Lexus will finally have what it needs to compete with with the Germans on all levels.
I read that article and it doesn't seem very reputable to me. Furthermore, we have seen the spy shots and the car is pretty clearly FWD looking at the proportions. A lot of these articles seem to throw "TNGA/TNGA-L" in together and not do a great job of clarifying what they are or how they differ.
maiaramdan
January is knocking the doors and everything will be clear at NAIAS

M