Looks like the eighth-generation Lexus ES is on its way here, as Lexus Malaysia has posted a teaser on its official social media channels showing the rear end of the new executive sedan, its full-width taillight bar – complete with illuminated Lexus lettering – glowing in the dark.
That rear light signature is unmistakably that of the all-new ES, which made its global debut at Auto Shanghai in April last year. The teaser gives no date, but the messaging suggests a local introduction is imminent.
The eighth-generation ES rides on a “multi-pathway” platform – an evolution of the outgoing car’s TNGA GA-K architecture – engineered to accommodate both hybrid and fully electric powertrains for the first time.
It’s also grown substantially, now measuring 5,140 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,555 mm tall, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase – that’s 165 mm longer, 55 mm wider and 110 mm taller than before, with an 80 mm longer wheelbase.
The design is a clean break from the outgoing XZ10, taking after the LF-ZC concept with a sleek fastback profile, slim twin L-shaped headlamps and, at the back, the full-width light bar seen in the teaser. The EV versions get a smooth, near-blanked-off nose, while the hybrid retains a lower air intake.
On the powertrain front, the ES 350h uses Lexus’ sixth-generation hybrid system built around a 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine, producing a total system output of 244 hp. All-wheel drive is available on the hybrid too.
The battery-electric variants are the ES 350e and ES 500e, both drawing from a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion pack mounted in the floor. The front-wheel drive ES 350e makes 221 hp, while the ES 500e gets dual motors and DIRECT4 all-wheel drive for 338 hp and a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 5.1 seconds.
Inside, the minimalist cabin features a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14-inch central touchscreen running the latest Lexus Interface software, along with the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite of driver assists. Flush electronic door releases and available reclining rear lounge seats with an ottoman round off the package.
Which version is Malaysia getting? That remains to be seen, though the current ES 250 – sold here in Premium, Luxury and F Sport guises priced from RM320,888 to RM371,888 – has always been a petrol-only affair. Right-hand drive production of the new car is ramping up, with the electric ES confirmed for Australia in the third quarter of this year, so the timing lines up.
Whether Lexus Malaysia goes hybrid, EV or both, we’ll find out soon enough – stay tuned.
GALLERY: Lexus ES at Auto Shanghai 2025
GALLERY: 2025 Lexus ES official photos
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Lexus ES
from RM 320,888 
Lexus GX
from RM 780,000 
Lexus LBX
from RM 238,888 
Lexus RZ
from RM 429,888 
Lexus LM
from RM 1,228,000 
Lexus RX
from RM 468,888 
Lexus NX
from RM 395,888 
Lexus UX
from RM 250,688 
Lexus LS
from RM 1,188,000 
The ugliest ES that ever produced.
EV variant? Just buy Perodua QVE and support local automotive industry. Remember this is Tanah Melayu, not Nippon country
The numbers of orders is testamount to the poor education standards of Malaysia.Unintelligent people end up buying this Lexus for a premium while China sells the better car for less. This is without even talking about Chinese cars at the same price range which is leaps and bounds better than the Lexus . I guess it’s the brand name
Prefer the old and current Lexus classy lines. This new es looks like trying too hard – looks cheap. i hope interior don’t go the way of new BMW with all the plastics & screens instead of leather, chrome, wood etc.