Lexus ES

New executive car will rival the BMW i5 as it goes electric for the first time, and hybrid versions are likely On sale Spring 2026 Price from £50,000 (est)

- STUART MILNE [e-mail]

JUST AS LITTLE Simba took over from Mufasa to take the leading role in The Lion King, the all-new Lexus ES will take the place of the now-discontinued LS luxury car to wear the crown in the firm's saloon car line-up - and there's a fully electric version for the first time.

To fill the bigger shoes of the LS, the new ES has grown to be slightly larger than the BMW 5 Series that it has traditionally rivalled. Fittingly with this move upmarket, Lexus engineers are said to have concentrated on comfort.

The new car's styling is a departure for the brand, and you can expect to see cues from the ES in future electric Lexus models. Out goes the old, upright front end, and in comes a more curvaceous look, a less pronounced grille, and headlights that include L-shaped daytime running light and indicators. The 'L-signature' rear lights integrate with a light bar with illuminated Lexus lettering, and the bodysides are deeply sculpted, with what look to be air outlets in the front doors.

It's expected that two electric versions will be available, possibly badged ES 350e and ES 500e. The former is expected to deliver 221bhp through the front wheels, while the latter will distribute its 338bhp across all four wheels, using the same Direct4 system as the Lexus RZ SUV. There's no shortage of traction in that car.