Teased: The Next-Generation Lexus ES Sedan


Lexus has released the first teaser image of the upcoming next-generation ES sedan, here it is in full-resolution:

Whether by coincidence or strategy, the released image is from nearly the same angle as the photo of the ES that leaked on Monday. The vertical slat grille is a departure from recent patterns used by Lexus, and is likely meant to soften the ES’ overall resemblance to the LS sedan.

The press release reads more like a tweet, but contains some valuable information:

More than just a pretty face, this all-new Lexus vehicle aims to radically transform the concept of comfort for luxury consumers all over the world. Witness its global debut in Beijing on April 25, 2018. #ExperienceAmazing

There we have it — not only will the new Lexus ES debut in two weeks at the Beijing Motor Show, it will be available in all markets globally. Big news indeed.

So, what do you think of this spindle grille intrepretation? Are you ready for an ES with a design similar to the LS flagship?

FeaturesLexus ES: Fifth Generation
Comments
The fingers crossed that this render becomes reality. :praise:
D
  • D
  • September 29, 2017
I think the render looks awesome! There are a few things, though, that will help make it more realistic: the mesh grille is off. I feel it'll be more LS-like or updated CT-like. The headlights are slightly too large. The door handles would also probably follow the NX/RC/LS's new style. Other than those, Carscoops has been accurate in the past, so I could see it happening.
Will the next generation ES offer an all wheel drive like the GS.
C
Dare I say.... WOW!!!! ES?

If an F Sport in USB 2.0 is offered like in the rendering, I seriously will consider an ES for the first time!
This styling is awesome but I will be very disappointed if the F Sport is FWD.
C
meth.ix
This styling is awesome but I will be very disappointed if the F Sport is FWD.
To be honest, I would not expect a RWD platform for the ES, but... there's a chance in my mind that Lexus will want to fully distinguish itself from Toyota and build the ES on a version of the RWD GA-L platform, so all their sedans are RWD/AWD, much like Genesis is doing to distinguish itself from Hyundai. Fingers crossed.
corradoMR2
To be honest, I would not expect a RWD platform for the ES, but... there's a chance in my mind that Lexus will want to fully distinguish itself from Toyota and build the ES on a version of the RWD GA-L platform, so all their sedans are RWD/AWD, much like Genesis is doing to distinguish itself from Hyundai. Fingers crossed.
wouldnt that be GS then? ES is FWD.

I see mostly FWD A6's around Europe these days, mostly with 2.0 TDI and many of those have s-line packages. F-Sport will certainly be good enough in FWD, but if it actually replaces GS worldwide, I am sure it will also have an AWD version.
Looks alive! hope the actual car will stay close to this rendering the current ES looks a bit stodgy and appears big and cumbersome by comparison.
This one looks more sport orientated hopefully it will be lighter and more nimble and feel smaller once you are actually driving it. I do not have a problem with fwd the majority of this type of car are just that anyway.
Mesh grille should be standard through out do away with the slatted grille please Lexus.
Michael
Will the next generation ES offer an all wheel drive like the GS.
It would make sense to me :)
It looks good but not down with the FWD if thats the case.
Nice rendering. I actually think this would be a good direction for the 4is but in RWD of course!

If this replaces the GS though I would be disappointed. FWD in a "sports sedan" is a non starter for me. :(
Next generation ES pretty much has to have AWD -- the big question will be if it's full-AWD or the existing on-demand system.
Rendered: The Next-Generation Lexus ES Sedan
[​IMG]

Mag-X shows off their interpretation of the next-gen sedan.
View the original article post
I like those concave wheels. the coupe like shape reminds me of the 3GS.
This thing is so good looking, I am amazed. If Lexus keeps the GS, and it looks as good or better than this ES, I will be SO happy!
This looks really good. As far as I can see, they are designing a car that includes GS features. So, it would appear that the GS is out. The only thing that doesn't make sense is that it appears that we might get a new generation GS F. Can Lexus discontinue the GS but retain the GS F? I don't think so.

Anyway, this car looks hot. If I was at Lexus, I would have a number of different trims, including a base FWD car, a hybrid, etc. Then offer more high end trims with more powerful engines and changes in facia that would capture the GS lover market.
I find it interesting that all renderings have a pronounced Hofmeister Kink when the ES will most likely remain FWD. (The Hofmeister Kink is supposed to indicate RWD).
LDeleuran
I find it interesting that all renderings have a pronounced Hofmeister Kink when the ES will most likely remain FWD. (The Hofmeister Kink is supposed to indicate RWD).
These are not Hofmeister Kinks because they are too acute. It's a similar design to the 5LS and 18' Camry and will probably be the standard for future TMC sedans.
ssun30
These are not Hofmeister Kinks because they are too acute. It's a similar design to the 5LS and 18' Camry and will probably be the standard for future TMC sedans.
I think we might disagree on when the angle can be considered a Hofmeister Kink or not. Can we agree that the current RWD IS has a Hofmeister Kink? If so, then so does this latest rendering which is a carbon copy of the angle form the IS.

BMW originally used this to hint at RWD (or rear wheel bias in case of AWD), but it seems like other car makers use the design cue to indicate various things (such as grade of luxury). For Lexus the current design language seems to use a hard transition when RWD (See the IS, GS and LS) and a softer transition for FWD (See ES, NX, RX).
This is what I was referring to in my comment, but this is based on observation and the next LS seems to go against this design cue with a soft transition on an RWD platform.
What a good rendering of the best selling Lexus ES.
LDeleuran
Can we agree that the current RWD IS has a Hofmeister Kink?
I would not agree to that as the kink of the IS or any other Lexus was never designed by anyone with the name of Hofmeister. :D
If anything, the C-pillar designs of various Lexus/Toyota models resemble the 'chinese eye' kink of the 2000GT.
Statements like 'Hofmeister kink indicates RWD or premiumness' are just funny.
This is such a nice render!!!!
It has to be amazing in every possible way as it will be Lexus only midsize so it will play the role of 2 cars this is regards of course of what will happen to the GS
B
And yet... no mention of HP or powertrain. If they drop the 4- cylinder turbo into the next generation ES, I'm done with the brand.
I love my current 2015, have always wanted an F Sport to replace my IS F Sport.
The ES is so smooth off the line and so spacious inside. But the lack of handling and sport suspension has always kept me from owning two at the same time.
While the timing of its debut may be off regarding my current lease coming to term, I'll be anticipating performance figures and a spirited test drive once it debuts.
CAFE pretty much demands the turbo 4 as the base engine, and it's not like only Lexus is doing it. I'd be surprised if they went 4-only like the Accord though.
Surely it will be 2.0T base with optional V6.
Bulldog 1
And yet... no mention of HP or powertrain. If they drop the 4- cylinder turbo into the next generation ES, I'm done with the brand.
I love my current 2015, have always wanted an F Sport to replace my IS F Sport.
The ES is so smooth off the line and so spacious inside. But the lack of handling and sport suspension has always kept me from owning two at the same time.
While the timing of its debut may be off regarding my current lease coming to term, I'll be anticipating performance figures and a spirited test drive once it debuts.
What's your problem with a turbo-4 if they are still going to offer a V6? Even the Camry has one.
Gecko
Surely it will be 2.0T base with optional V6.
i assume you mean that twin turbo V6? Since having base turbo 2.0l and then NA 3.5l V6 makes little sense. But then again, does ES really need twin turbo V6? Seems like an overkill.
spwolf
i assume you mean that twin turbo V6? Since having base turbo 2.0l and then NA 3.5l V6 makes little sense. But then again, does ES really need twin turbo V6? Seems like an overkill.
I don't think the ES would get a TTV6 but I can see it getting the multi stage hybrid as the top trim or performance trim.
spwolf
i assume you mean that twin turbo V6? Since having base turbo 2.0l and then NA 3.5l V6 makes little sense. But then again, does ES really need twin turbo V6? Seems like an overkill.
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.

G