Next-gen Lexus ES bows in Europe

The new Lexus ES won‘t become available until the next spring, but you can already have a close look at the European version.

Customers in Western Europe get a fuel-efficient hybrid spec called the ES 300h. It features a 2.5-liter engine assisted by an electric motor for a combined 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW). Eastern Europe countries get a superior ES 350h model with 250 PS (247 hp / 184 kW) at its disposal. Both can be optioned with two or four driven wheels. Lexus says the traction battery is floor-mounted and updated to the latest spec, but refuses to provide any details.

On the EV front, the ES is coming in two flavors – FWD rated at 224 PS (221 hp / 165 kW) and AWD good for 343 PS (338 hp / 252 kW). There are two different batteries on the list with 75 and 77 kilowatt-hours of capacity, but how exactly they are different remains to be revealed. Lexus expects both to deliver around 530 km (329 miles) of range under ideal conditions and recharge within 30 minutes.

Performance-wise, the range-topping hybrid accelerates 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.5 seconds. Its AWD EV counterpart manages the same in 5.7 seconds.