Comparing the New Lexus ES & Lexus LS Sedans

Posted by Kevin on April 18th, 2018

The next-generation Lexus ES has been revealed, and the similarities with the exterior design of the LS flagship are undeniable — let’s put them side-by-side for a comparison:

Lexus ES vs Lexus LS Front

Lexus ES vs Lexus LS Side

There are so many shared design cues that pointing out the differences turns into a game of its own — the headlights, the grille pattern, the lack of a chrome samurai blade along the bottom of the doors.

Overall, the ES is softer in its curves and less articulated in its angles, but this should be expected and even preferred. After all, the LS is the Lexus sedan flagship and can’t give away all its secrets.

(Special thanks to RAL on the forums for this post idea!)

Lexus ES: Sixth GenerationLexus LS: Fourth Generation
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Comments
krew
Joaquin Ruhi
It also tacitly confirms the rumors and talk that 7ES will expand beyond its current markets and into Western Europe and Japan and other markets not currently getting the ES.
Great pull -- I've updated the original post.

Gecko
Yup - and they make specific mention of new powertrains in that release... interesting.
?

ssun30
This "radically transform the concept of comfort" phrase is so generic that we couldn't read any information from it.
Never know, maybe this new ES will transform the luxury automobile with its radical comfort concepts. ;)
krew
Joaquin Ruhi
It also tacitly confirms the rumors and talk that 7ES will expand beyond its current markets and into Western Europe and Japan and other markets not currently getting the ES.
Great pull -- I've updated the original post.

Gecko
Yup - and they make specific mention of new powertrains in that release... interesting.
?

ssun30
This "radically transform the concept of comfort" phrase is so generic that we couldn't read any information from it.
Never know, maybe this new ES will transform the luxury automobile with its radical comfort concepts. ;)
Gecko
Most of Lexus' press announcements say something like, "The next expression of luxury," or the "Next generation flagship vehicle,"... always vague.

I could be reading too much into it, but their specific mention of powertrains in the tweet - "Offering a range of advanced gasoline and hybrid drivetrains so the world can experience the luxury of Lexus" - makes me think this ES is going to debut with something they're proud of. Possibly a smaller multi-stage hybrid, the rumored 2.5L TT I4, etc.
Gecko
Most of Lexus' press announcements say something like, "The next expression of luxury," or the "Next generation flagship vehicle,"... always vague.

I could be reading too much into it, but their specific mention of powertrains in the tweet - "Offering a range of advanced gasoline and hybrid drivetrains so the world can experience the luxury of Lexus" - makes me think this ES is going to debut with something they're proud of. Possibly a smaller multi-stage hybrid, the rumored 2.5L TT I4, etc.
Gecko
Most of Lexus' press announcements say something like, "The next expression of luxury," or the "Next generation flagship vehicle,"... always vague.

I could be reading too much into it, but their specific mention of powertrains in the tweet - "Offering a range of advanced gasoline and hybrid drivetrains so the world can experience the luxury of Lexus" - makes me think this ES is going to debut with something they're proud of. Possibly a smaller multi-stage hybrid, the rumored 2.5L TT I4, etc.
S
Gecko
Most of Lexus' press announcements say something like, "The next expression of luxury," or the "Next generation flagship vehicle,"... always vague.

I could be reading too much into it, but their specific mention of powertrains in the tweet - "Offering a range of advanced gasoline and hybrid drivetrains so the world can experience the luxury of Lexus" - makes me think this ES is going to debut with something they're proud of. Possibly a smaller multi-stage hybrid, the rumored 2.5L TT I4, etc.
just dont set up yourself for disappointment :).

I would love if they do stronger hybrid option with it, however I question where it will be sold - US doesnt really care about it, and 300h is more than good enough for rest of the world.

I see much larger possibility of them doing stronger V6 or that 2.5l turbo with well over 300hp with AWD than multistage hybrid.
S
Gecko
Most of Lexus' press announcements say something like, "The next expression of luxury," or the "Next generation flagship vehicle,"... always vague.

I could be reading too much into it, but their specific mention of powertrains in the tweet - "Offering a range of advanced gasoline and hybrid drivetrains so the world can experience the luxury of Lexus" - makes me think this ES is going to debut with something they're proud of. Possibly a smaller multi-stage hybrid, the rumored 2.5L TT I4, etc.
just dont set up yourself for disappointment :).

I would love if they do stronger hybrid option with it, however I question where it will be sold - US doesnt really care about it, and 300h is more than good enough for rest of the world.

I see much larger possibility of them doing stronger V6 or that 2.5l turbo with well over 300hp with AWD than multistage hybrid.
S
Gecko
Most of Lexus' press announcements say something like, "The next expression of luxury," or the "Next generation flagship vehicle,"... always vague.

I could be reading too much into it, but their specific mention of powertrains in the tweet - "Offering a range of advanced gasoline and hybrid drivetrains so the world can experience the luxury of Lexus" - makes me think this ES is going to debut with something they're proud of. Possibly a smaller multi-stage hybrid, the rumored 2.5L TT I4, etc.
just dont set up yourself for disappointment :).

I would love if they do stronger hybrid option with it, however I question where it will be sold - US doesnt really care about it, and 300h is more than good enough for rest of the world.

I see much larger possibility of them doing stronger V6 or that 2.5l turbo with well over 300hp with AWD than multistage hybrid.
Gecko
spwolf
just dont set up yourself for disappointment :).

I would love if they do stronger hybrid option with it, however I question where it will be sold - US doesnt really care about it, and 300h is more than good enough for rest of the world.

I see much larger possibility of them doing stronger V6 or that 2.5l turbo with well over 300hp with AWD than multistage hybrid.
As many of us have discussed, they are due for a new hybrid system for ES, NX, RX, etc... so... maybe that's it? It seems to me that ES300h has been very popular here. I'd say 25% of ESs I see are 300h.

As much as I would love a new V6 and AWD, I've decided to tamper my expectations, haha. I think I was hoping for a car that straddled the line between GS and ES- a la Audi A6 in execution, but it seems more realistic that Lexus is just done with the entire concept of a GS and is going to predictably evolve the ES. With that said, I'm now expecting 2GR-FKS with 8AT and the new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system as optional. Offering an ES 250 might not be a bad idea since it's a relatively light chassis and the new 2.5L DF 4cyl is a strong engine. 4cyl TLX has been a strong seller... not everyone cares about HP.

So maybe...

ES 250 - 205hp I4
ES 300h - new hybrid system based on I4, 230 combined HP
ES 350 - 301hp V6
Gecko
spwolf
just dont set up yourself for disappointment :).

I would love if they do stronger hybrid option with it, however I question where it will be sold - US doesnt really care about it, and 300h is more than good enough for rest of the world.

I see much larger possibility of them doing stronger V6 or that 2.5l turbo with well over 300hp with AWD than multistage hybrid.
As many of us have discussed, they are due for a new hybrid system for ES, NX, RX, etc... so... maybe that's it? It seems to me that ES300h has been very popular here. I'd say 25% of ESs I see are 300h.

As much as I would love a new V6 and AWD, I've decided to tamper my expectations, haha. I think I was hoping for a car that straddled the line between GS and ES- a la Audi A6 in execution, but it seems more realistic that Lexus is just done with the entire concept of a GS and is going to predictably evolve the ES. With that said, I'm now expecting 2GR-FKS with 8AT and the new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system as optional. Offering an ES 250 might not be a bad idea since it's a relatively light chassis and the new 2.5L DF 4cyl is a strong engine. 4cyl TLX has been a strong seller... not everyone cares about HP.

So maybe...

ES 250 - 205hp I4
ES 300h - new hybrid system based on I4, 230 combined HP
ES 350 - 301hp V6
Gecko
spwolf
just dont set up yourself for disappointment :).

I would love if they do stronger hybrid option with it, however I question where it will be sold - US doesnt really care about it, and 300h is more than good enough for rest of the world.

I see much larger possibility of them doing stronger V6 or that 2.5l turbo with well over 300hp with AWD than multistage hybrid.
As many of us have discussed, they are due for a new hybrid system for ES, NX, RX, etc... so... maybe that's it? It seems to me that ES300h has been very popular here. I'd say 25% of ESs I see are 300h.

As much as I would love a new V6 and AWD, I've decided to tamper my expectations, haha. I think I was hoping for a car that straddled the line between GS and ES- a la Audi A6 in execution, but it seems more realistic that Lexus is just done with the entire concept of a GS and is going to predictably evolve the ES. With that said, I'm now expecting 2GR-FKS with 8AT and the new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system as optional. Offering an ES 250 might not be a bad idea since it's a relatively light chassis and the new 2.5L DF 4cyl is a strong engine. 4cyl TLX has been a strong seller... not everyone cares about HP.

So maybe...

ES 250 - 205hp I4
ES 300h - new hybrid system based on I4, 230 combined HP
ES 350 - 301hp V6
S
Gecko
As many of us have discussed, they are due for a new hybrid system for ES, NX, RX, etc... so... maybe that's it? It seems to me that ES300h has been very popular here. I'd say 25% of ESs I see are 300h.

As much as I would love a new V6 and AWD, I've decided to tamper my expectations, haha. I think I was hoping for a car that straddled the line between GS and ES- a la Audi A6 in execution, but it seems more realistic that Lexus is just done with the entire concept of a GS and is going to predictably evolve the ES. With that said, I'm now expecting 2GR-FKS with 8AT and the new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system as optional. Offering an ES 250 might not be a bad idea since it's a relatively light chassis and the new 2.5L DF 4cyl is a strong engine. 4cyl TLX has been a strong seller... not everyone cares about HP.

So maybe...

ES 250 - 205hp I4
ES 300h - new hybrid system based on I4, 230 combined HP
ES 350 - 301hp V6
New 300h for FWD platform is out and it is in new Camry and new Avalon. It is quite an improvement over older system with D4S as well as newer hybrid system.

Question is if they will do new 400h or 350h or 2.5l turbo or 3.0l turbo for FWD platforms too. Since more powerful version is mostly needed for US market, I dont think it will be a hybrid. But sure, I would like to see 2 hybrids and 2 petrol engines for western markets too.
S
Gecko
As many of us have discussed, they are due for a new hybrid system for ES, NX, RX, etc... so... maybe that's it? It seems to me that ES300h has been very popular here. I'd say 25% of ESs I see are 300h.

As much as I would love a new V6 and AWD, I've decided to tamper my expectations, haha. I think I was hoping for a car that straddled the line between GS and ES- a la Audi A6 in execution, but it seems more realistic that Lexus is just done with the entire concept of a GS and is going to predictably evolve the ES. With that said, I'm now expecting 2GR-FKS with 8AT and the new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system as optional. Offering an ES 250 might not be a bad idea since it's a relatively light chassis and the new 2.5L DF 4cyl is a strong engine. 4cyl TLX has been a strong seller... not everyone cares about HP.

So maybe...

ES 250 - 205hp I4
ES 300h - new hybrid system based on I4, 230 combined HP
ES 350 - 301hp V6
New 300h for FWD platform is out and it is in new Camry and new Avalon. It is quite an improvement over older system with D4S as well as newer hybrid system.

Question is if they will do new 400h or 350h or 2.5l turbo or 3.0l turbo for FWD platforms too. Since more powerful version is mostly needed for US market, I dont think it will be a hybrid. But sure, I would like to see 2 hybrids and 2 petrol engines for western markets too.
S
Gecko
As many of us have discussed, they are due for a new hybrid system for ES, NX, RX, etc... so... maybe that's it? It seems to me that ES300h has been very popular here. I'd say 25% of ESs I see are 300h.

As much as I would love a new V6 and AWD, I've decided to tamper my expectations, haha. I think I was hoping for a car that straddled the line between GS and ES- a la Audi A6 in execution, but it seems more realistic that Lexus is just done with the entire concept of a GS and is going to predictably evolve the ES. With that said, I'm now expecting 2GR-FKS with 8AT and the new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system as optional. Offering an ES 250 might not be a bad idea since it's a relatively light chassis and the new 2.5L DF 4cyl is a strong engine. 4cyl TLX has been a strong seller... not everyone cares about HP.

So maybe...

ES 250 - 205hp I4
ES 300h - new hybrid system based on I4, 230 combined HP
ES 350 - 301hp V6
New 300h for FWD platform is out and it is in new Camry and new Avalon. It is quite an improvement over older system with D4S as well as newer hybrid system.

Question is if they will do new 400h or 350h or 2.5l turbo or 3.0l turbo for FWD platforms too. Since more powerful version is mostly needed for US market, I dont think it will be a hybrid. But sure, I would like to see 2 hybrids and 2 petrol engines for western markets too.
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
Gecko
spwolf
New 300h for FWD platform is out and it is in new Camry and new Avalon. It is quite an improvement over older system with D4S as well as newer hybrid system.
Indeed - it is an impressive system, and I assume the 2NX will get it at the redesign. It could definitely go into the ES with no problem, but I wonder if they are developing a more powerful hybrid - like you say, a 400h or 350h - could that be put into ES also? It would be a compelling argument but I assume Lexus would find it unnecessary since it's a relatively light chassis.

At this point they have the new 2.0L hybrid, 2.5L hybrid and 3.5L multi-stage hybrid. What's strange to me is that the 3.5L multi stage hybrid powertrain isn't actually accounted for in the Dynamic Force chart we've all been looking it. It seems that the transmission is included - but not the engine:
[​IMG]


2.5L hybrid (208hp) seems good for Camry, Rav4, NX, etc and 3.5L hybrid (354hp) seems reserved for flagship products, so there is a missing link here. Maybe it is a 3.0L hybrid V6? That would certainly make sense for RX. Weird thing is that the current 3.5L RX hybrid makes 311hp and is an older system... so will the new system be down in displacement and horsepower? So much unknown at this point... I can't even really speculate.

Question is if they will do new 400h or 350h or 2.5l turbo or 3.0l turbo for FWD platforms too. Since more powerful version is mostly needed for US market, I dont think it will be a hybrid. But sure, I would like to see 2 hybrids and 2 petrol engines for western markets too.
For western markets, they really should have 2.0T I4 with ~280hp and a new 3.0T V6 with ~375hp. I'd love for either to go into a next gen ES, but I foresee Lexus thinking the 2GR-FKS is "good enough for now" with 300hp. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised?
Gecko
spwolf
New 300h for FWD platform is out and it is in new Camry and new Avalon. It is quite an improvement over older system with D4S as well as newer hybrid system.
Indeed - it is an impressive system, and I assume the 2NX will get it at the redesign. It could definitely go into the ES with no problem, but I wonder if they are developing a more powerful hybrid - like you say, a 400h or 350h - could that be put into ES also? It would be a compelling argument but I assume Lexus would find it unnecessary since it's a relatively light chassis.

At this point they have the new 2.0L hybrid, 2.5L hybrid and 3.5L multi-stage hybrid. What's strange to me is that the 3.5L multi stage hybrid powertrain isn't actually accounted for in the Dynamic Force chart we've all been looking it. It seems that the transmission is included - but not the engine:
[​IMG]


2.5L hybrid (208hp) seems good for Camry, Rav4, NX, etc and 3.5L hybrid (354hp) seems reserved for flagship products, so there is a missing link here. Maybe it is a 3.0L hybrid V6? That would certainly make sense for RX. Weird thing is that the current 3.5L RX hybrid makes 311hp and is an older system... so will the new system be down in displacement and horsepower? So much unknown at this point... I can't even really speculate.

Question is if they will do new 400h or 350h or 2.5l turbo or 3.0l turbo for FWD platforms too. Since more powerful version is mostly needed for US market, I dont think it will be a hybrid. But sure, I would like to see 2 hybrids and 2 petrol engines for western markets too.
For western markets, they really should have 2.0T I4 with ~280hp and a new 3.0T V6 with ~375hp. I'd love for either to go into a next gen ES, but I foresee Lexus thinking the 2GR-FKS is "good enough for now" with 300hp. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised?
Gecko
spwolf
New 300h for FWD platform is out and it is in new Camry and new Avalon. It is quite an improvement over older system with D4S as well as newer hybrid system.
Indeed - it is an impressive system, and I assume the 2NX will get it at the redesign. It could definitely go into the ES with no problem, but I wonder if they are developing a more powerful hybrid - like you say, a 400h or 350h - could that be put into ES also? It would be a compelling argument but I assume Lexus would find it unnecessary since it's a relatively light chassis.

At this point they have the new 2.0L hybrid, 2.5L hybrid and 3.5L multi-stage hybrid. What's strange to me is that the 3.5L multi stage hybrid powertrain isn't actually accounted for in the Dynamic Force chart we've all been looking it. It seems that the transmission is included - but not the engine:
[​IMG]


2.5L hybrid (208hp) seems good for Camry, Rav4, NX, etc and 3.5L hybrid (354hp) seems reserved for flagship products, so there is a missing link here. Maybe it is a 3.0L hybrid V6? That would certainly make sense for RX. Weird thing is that the current 3.5L RX hybrid makes 311hp and is an older system... so will the new system be down in displacement and horsepower? So much unknown at this point... I can't even really speculate.

Question is if they will do new 400h or 350h or 2.5l turbo or 3.0l turbo for FWD platforms too. Since more powerful version is mostly needed for US market, I dont think it will be a hybrid. But sure, I would like to see 2 hybrids and 2 petrol engines for western markets too.
For western markets, they really should have 2.0T I4 with ~280hp and a new 3.0T V6 with ~375hp. I'd love for either to go into a next gen ES, but I foresee Lexus thinking the 2GR-FKS is "good enough for now" with 300hp. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised?
R
  • R
    RAL
  • April 11, 2018
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
This is probably the base model grille. In the spy shots the vehicle, that most agree was the F-Sport, had a mesh pattern grille we typically see on other F-Sport models.
R
  • R
    RAL
  • April 11, 2018
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
This is probably the base model grille. In the spy shots the vehicle, that most agree was the F-Sport, had a mesh pattern grille we typically see on other F-Sport models.
R
  • R
    RAL
  • April 11, 2018
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
This is probably the base model grille. In the spy shots the vehicle, that most agree was the F-Sport, had a mesh pattern grille we typically see on other F-Sport models.
S
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
@Gecko posted spy shots of f-sport, it has "usual" f-sport grille.
S
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
@Gecko posted spy shots of f-sport, it has "usual" f-sport grille.
S
OlFius
It looks indeed like the photo of the ES, which was leaked on Monday.
That photo that shows a bit more (mainly than the headlights), it didn't look like a F Sport version, don't you think ?
So, is this the grille of the F Sport or not ?
View attachment 2800

But anyway, this is very promising!:pray::thumbsup:
@Gecko posted spy shots of f-sport, it has "usual" f-sport grille.
S
@Gecko we have talked a lot about this. In case you missed it: the more powerful hybrid drivetrain slotted between the 2.5L THS and multistage will be a ~210kW/280hp unit and will show up on the next Highlander. It is unknown at this point which ICE unit (definitely not the A25A-FKS/FXS) and battery pack it will use. It's strange there is no plan (at least not in that picture) for a 450h replacement for GA-K. But since there could be multiple 'variants' of the same hybrid drivetrain, a 300+hp E-four could be developed for the new RX.

I could foresee them ditching the 450h since it's very undesirable. The 400h and 450h hybrid systems are arguably way over-engineered for a transverse platform. They are extremely heavy and as a result they provide very little performance and economy gains for a lot of money, and E-four never worked as well as a mechanical AWD system. Before the 2018 repricing the 450h is way overpriced compared to a 350 while the RX lacks a simpler and cheaper hybrid trim for Europe and Asia. Making the RX hybrid more accessible while focusing on gas-only or even full-electric performance models is a better direction IMO.

Or they are always welcome to make a super powerful plug-in SUV like the BYD Tang. No car needs more than 200hp on chinese roads but they gave it 542hp anyway and proudly put a badge on the front fender for owners to show off. To show how American it is they even converted 550 metric PS to 542bhp. It's too much nonsense for the overly reasonable people at Lexus. But hey they made the LFA.
S
@Gecko we have talked a lot about this. In case you missed it: the more powerful hybrid drivetrain slotted between the 2.5L THS and multistage will be a ~210kW/280hp unit and will show up on the next Highlander. It is unknown at this point which ICE unit (definitely not the A25A-FKS/FXS) and battery pack it will use. It's strange there is no plan (at least not in that picture) for a 450h replacement for GA-K. But since there could be multiple 'variants' of the same hybrid drivetrain, a 300+hp E-four could be developed for the new RX.

I could foresee them ditching the 450h since it's very undesirable. The 400h and 450h hybrid systems are arguably way over-engineered for a transverse platform. They are extremely heavy and as a result they provide very little performance and economy gains for a lot of money, and E-four never worked as well as a mechanical AWD system. Before the 2018 repricing the 450h is way overpriced compared to a 350 while the RX lacks a simpler and cheaper hybrid trim for Europe and Asia. Making the RX hybrid more accessible while focusing on gas-only or even full-electric performance models is a better direction IMO.

Or they are always welcome to make a super powerful plug-in SUV like the BYD Tang. No car needs more than 200hp on chinese roads but they gave it 542hp anyway and proudly put a badge on the front fender for owners to show off. To show how American it is they even converted 550 metric PS to 542bhp. It's too much nonsense for the overly reasonable people at Lexus. But hey they made the LFA.
S
@Gecko we have talked a lot about this. In case you missed it: the more powerful hybrid drivetrain slotted between the 2.5L THS and multistage will be a ~210kW/280hp unit and will show up on the next Highlander. It is unknown at this point which ICE unit (definitely not the A25A-FKS/FXS) and battery pack it will use. It's strange there is no plan (at least not in that picture) for a 450h replacement for GA-K. But since there could be multiple 'variants' of the same hybrid drivetrain, a 300+hp E-four could be developed for the new RX.

I could foresee them ditching the 450h since it's very undesirable. The 400h and 450h hybrid systems are arguably way over-engineered for a transverse platform. They are extremely heavy and as a result they provide very little performance and economy gains for a lot of money, and E-four never worked as well as a mechanical AWD system. Before the 2018 repricing the 450h is way overpriced compared to a 350 while the RX lacks a simpler and cheaper hybrid trim for Europe and Asia. Making the RX hybrid more accessible while focusing on gas-only or even full-electric performance models is a better direction IMO.

Or they are always welcome to make a super powerful plug-in SUV like the BYD Tang. No car needs more than 200hp on chinese roads but they gave it 542hp anyway and proudly put a badge on the front fender for owners to show off. To show how American it is they even converted 550 metric PS to 542bhp. It's too much nonsense for the overly reasonable people at Lexus. But hey they made the LFA.
S
Gecko
2.5L hybrid (208hp) seems good for Camry, Rav4, NX, etc and 3.5L hybrid (354hp) seems reserved for flagship products, so there is a missing link here. Maybe it is a 3.0L hybrid V6? That would certainly make sense for RX. Weird thing is that the current 3.5L RX hybrid makes 311hp and is an older system... so will the new system be down in displacement and horsepower? So much unknown at this point... I can't even really speculate.



For western markets, they really should have 2.0T I4 with ~280hp and a new 3.0T V6 with ~375hp. I'd love for either to go into a next gen ES, but I foresee Lexus thinking the 2GR-FKS is "good enough for now" with 300hp. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised?
Well, EU cars nothing about petrols, so no need for 2.0t there... over 300hp engine is only really needed for the USA. So it is up to US market. 2.0t would replace V6, which is also not great for US market, while 2.5l 4cly turbo would be faster than 300hp V6 but still seems like not great engine for US market.

I also agree that they will end up with 230-250hp hybrid, since they plan to add it to Highlander, it cant be 208hp engine from Camry. But what will it be?

p.s. will it come to US market (2nd hybrid model)? Likely not for now... just like we in Europe always had more hybrid options due to penetration, it will likely not be in the US. I mean Toyota EU will have 2 hybrid powertrains in every car they offer soon enough, thats just not happening in the US.

S