Kelvin2020
Admirer
- Messages
- 856
- Reactions
- 1,984
REVEALED! 8th Generation Lexus ES Megathread (ES 350h, ES 350e, ES 500e)
- Thread starter Gecko
- Start date
Kelvin2020
Admirer
- Messages
- 856
- Reactions
- 1,984
mikeavelli
Moderator
- Messages
- 7,486
- Reactions
- 16,629
Ah yes the Crocs youtubers… A bit confused why they got to post already when it seems like the embargo isn’t lifted. The new MT pics are a USA car.
Hoping to make it this week as Lexus graciously offered some time for me to create some content on my own and spend time with the vehicles. I would like to think I offer a true perspective compared to everyone else.
Hoping to make it this week as Lexus graciously offered some time for me to create some content on my own and spend time with the vehicles. I would like to think I offer a true perspective compared to everyone else.
internalaudit
Expert
- Messages
- 1,227
- Reactions
- 1,180
Looks better in the video, both inside and out.
The second row is indeed very spacious, even more than many LWB flagship sedans. I think only the LWB 7 series and S-Class Maybach have more space. I think that will be their key USP for the Chinese market.
But Lexus again demonstrated their incompetence that the executive seating option is only available on the ES350e FWD. It's easy to guess why: they need to run these long thick cables from the front ESU and they will get in the way of the adjusting mechanisms of executive seats. I just don't understand why this company cannot get one simple thing done right. Last gen it was ES350 not available with AWD.
This stupid layout is a typical 2010s ICEV conversion and it's hard to imagine this is from 2025. The proper way to do this is packaging the ESU into the battery housing and running the cable and coolant distribution pipe through the center of the pack. This way you get space for a frunk, better front crash safety and much tidier cabling for better interior packaging.
Look at how tidy the wiring diagram for TM3 is:
BMW i5 is not as good as Tesla and other skateboard platform EVs, but the only component not integrated into the floor is the central charging unit (CCU) which is much smaller than Toyota's ESU. And here BMW is also taking the extra effort to make sure the wiring coming from the charging port does not affect cabin space.
But Lexus again demonstrated their incompetence that the executive seating option is only available on the ES350e FWD. It's easy to guess why: they need to run these long thick cables from the front ESU and they will get in the way of the adjusting mechanisms of executive seats. I just don't understand why this company cannot get one simple thing done right. Last gen it was ES350 not available with AWD.
This stupid layout is a typical 2010s ICEV conversion and it's hard to imagine this is from 2025. The proper way to do this is packaging the ESU into the battery housing and running the cable and coolant distribution pipe through the center of the pack. This way you get space for a frunk, better front crash safety and much tidier cabling for better interior packaging.
Look at how tidy the wiring diagram for TM3 is:
BMW i5 is not as good as Tesla and other skateboard platform EVs, but the only component not integrated into the floor is the central charging unit (CCU) which is much smaller than Toyota's ESU. And here BMW is also taking the extra effort to make sure the wiring coming from the charging port does not affect cabin space.
Tragic Bronson
Expert
- Messages
- 3,162
- Reactions
- 3,783
Sebass
Follower
- Messages
- 151
- Reactions
- 296
Good lord that black line on the side is hideous, cannot believe that made it on the final car. The way the running lights, headlights, and fog lights are all connected and placed in that black 'teardrop' looking thing is atrocious too. So dissapointing man 😔
F1 Silver Arrows
Expert
- Messages
- 2,566
- Reactions
- 4,170
you better not be glazing this car once you review it lol
Kelvin2020
Admirer
- Messages
- 856
- Reactions
- 1,984
Oh wow, a W12 under the hood...who would've thought? Maybe I’ve been too harsh on Lexus...Looks like they are finally serious about developing new powertrains. Color me surprised!
mikeavelli
Moderator
- Messages
- 7,486
- Reactions
- 16,629
Unfortunately my kids graduation is the day my time was allotted so I won’t be able to make it. I’ll try to figure something out soon.
internalaudit
Expert
- Messages
- 1,227
- Reactions
- 1,180
The 500e is probably going to be close to 50% of the base EQS sedan BEV pricing. 
Shows you how not well engineered eTNGA platform is for BEV sedan adaptation. This thing stand too tall for a sedan and yet they couldn't match the '26 RZ500e specs when it comes to horsepower and charging speeds. I'm really skeptical about 300/350h as well, they can bump that badge number all they want but vanilla Elantra acceleration in ultra luxury sedan is really pushing it. Btw Elantra N will be quicker than ES500e as well.
The fact that it doesn’t even have a frunk, plus the unnecessarily raised ride height (all because of the battery)... and yet they’re trying to pass it off as some kind of “crossover” to fool people who don’t know better. Then you’ve got this ridiculously long body housing a tiny battery and offering very little range and performance… that pretty much tells you everything you need to know about this car’s so called "competitiveness".
With the launch of the new RAV4 it's increasingly suspicious that the ES powertrain lineup is also intentionally sabotaged. It could have been 350h, 350e, 450h+, 550e and we would criticize it much less harshly. But the PHEV option is off limits, and the flagship EV option is shared with the subcompact C-HR+. It looks to me that going forward no Lexus product is allowed to steal the spotlight from a Toyota product launched in the similar timeframe.
The current generation NX launched 3 years behind its RAV4 brother, so it's likely we won't see the new PHEV powertrain on a Lexus until 2028. Maybe by then it would use the new 1.5T engine and a newer battery, but I no longer have the confidence that these most advanced tech are allowed on a Lexus product. What will happen is the Harrier and refreshed Crown Sport/Estate get these updates years before the NX or RX get them. In their video they even hinted at a Crown Cross with the new PHEV powertrain.
Even for the EVs I think the Lexus Shanghai branch will be years behind Toyota JVs that can use the latest and greatest platform and components from their Chinese ODMs. bZ3X has been an overwhelming success at launch and the bZ7 will likely carry that momentum.
The current generation NX launched 3 years behind its RAV4 brother, so it's likely we won't see the new PHEV powertrain on a Lexus until 2028. Maybe by then it would use the new 1.5T engine and a newer battery, but I no longer have the confidence that these most advanced tech are allowed on a Lexus product. What will happen is the Harrier and refreshed Crown Sport/Estate get these updates years before the NX or RX get them. In their video they even hinted at a Crown Cross with the new PHEV powertrain.
Even for the EVs I think the Lexus Shanghai branch will be years behind Toyota JVs that can use the latest and greatest platform and components from their Chinese ODMs. bZ3X has been an overwhelming success at launch and the bZ7 will likely carry that momentum.
Last edited:
mikeavelli
Moderator
- Messages
- 7,486
- Reactions
- 16,629
It just hit me does the new ES have direct 4 awd? I
I'm curious why the ES didn't receive the more powerful motors from either the BZ Woodlands (375 hp) or even the RZ 550e (~400hp)? Was it due to packaging constraints or voltage/current limitarions (excuse my lack of technical knowledge)?