Latest news with #LexusES
RTÉ News
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Toyota reveal new RAV4, Corolla Cross, bZ4X Touring, Aygo X and Lexus ES
Toyota recently showcased a number of new vehicles to be launched in 2025 and beyond. Included in the reveal were the newly upgraded RAV4, the bZ4X Touring Sports, the Aygo X, Corolla Cross, as well as the Lexus ES, for which there was a sneak preview at Toyota's Kenshiki event earlier this year. Many of the new models will come with hybrid and electric powertrains. The RAV4 PHEV will be capable of travelling up to 100 kms on pure electric power. The Corolla Cross overlaps the RAV4, with only slightly less space and a more estate-like shape. For the first time, Toyota have introduced the GR Sport Trim, which adds a slightly sportier suspension set-up as well as extra spec. The bZ4X Touring is an all-electric SUV with a WLTP range of over 500 km and we could see it in Ireland for the first half of 2026. Finally, Lexus' new ES goes electric and has more space as it takes over from the LS as their top saloon in the current lineup.
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Here's What Can Happen When You Drive Over a Loose Manhole Cover
Manhole covers are designed to stay in place, with their round shape preventing them from falling in. But they can become dislodged in certain situations, creating a huge danger to cars. How big a hazard? A new Garage 54 video finds out by running a couple of cars over a loose manhole cover at different speeds, and it's not good. The final run was the most brutal, with the Lexus ES hitting the loose cover at over 40 miles per hour. The front tire caused the cover to bounce upward, hitting the rear tire. It dented the rear rim before going under the tire and jumping into the rear bumper cover, partially ripping it off the sedan. The crash didn't total the vehicle, but it caused quite a bit of damage that'd be a headache for any owner to repair. The earlier runs resulted in several damaged tires and dented rocker panels, but none compared to the last. You'd think you wouldn't have to worry about loose manhole covers on today's roads, but accidents do occur. In 2021, a bus in Queens, New York, hit a manhole with a loose cover. The front of the bus launched several feet into the air before slamming back down and colliding with a parked car. Nine people were hurt, which should be a good reminder to watch the road. More Mad Garage 54 Creations: EV 'Engine' Made From 50 Cordless Drills Is Silly and Brilliant This Supersized Lada With Two Engines Somehow Works Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Sources: Garage54 / YouTube , ABC7 NY Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Lexus Reveals Stunning All-New 2026 ES In Two Electrified Flavors
Toyota's luxury brand adapts its luxury sedan for the EV era. Since its introduction in 1989, with the brand's inception, the Lexus ES has played second fiddle as a smaller, lower-priced option to the flagship LS sedan. But while enthusiasts and historians revered its bigger brother as a true disruptor that forced elitist luxury car giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac to go back to the drawing board, the early iterations of the ES did not initially receive such praise, largely owing to its Camry roots. However, as time progressed and the Lexus brand evolved to include more models positioned above and below the ES's price point, like the GS and IS sedans, the ES has stood the test of time as a true best-seller. Lexus sells mostly SUVs and crossovers these days, but according to Toyota Motor North America U.S. sales data, the humble ES sedan was Lexus's best-selling non-SUV in 2024 and 2023, selling more than double the amount of the IS sold last year. However, the current ES has been on the market for more than six years, and its upgrade is poised to take on the all-electric theater. 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES The 2026 Lexus ES loses the grille and gains an edgy, new face. On April 23, Lexus unveiled the new 2026 ES sedan at Auto Shanghai, which features a bolder, edgier design than the model currently on display in Lexus showrooms. Drawing inspiration from the LF-ZL concept that was shown off back in October 2023, the new ES rewrites and abandons some of the signature styling cues that buyers have come to know Lexus by. Gone is the oversized 'vacuum-looking' grille up on the front bumper, and in its place is a nose that looks very similar to the front of Toyota's fully-electric bZ4x SUV. The rest of the exterior is visually stunning, as Lexus designers gave the ES a very modern refresh that incorporates much of the brand's current design language, including an RZ-style rear light bar with spelled-out 'LEXUS' lettering. 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES Numbers-wise, it is physically bigger than the 2025 ES, growing 6.5 inches longer to a total length of 202.3 inches, much of which is due to its extended wheelbase of 116.1 inches, 3.1 inches longer than the outgoing model. It is also 2.1 inches wider at 75.6 inches across, and 4.3 inches taller at 61.2 inches tall. The new ES has a sculpted profile that appears edgier and more modern than the outgoing model. One of the most prominent design cues on the 2026 ES is the use of a gloss-black bodyside trim piece that extends across the doors to mimic the appearance of a duct or vent. This little cue helps carve out a much sportier appearance to an otherwise 'soft' sedan. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The 2026 Lexus ES gets a screen-centric, minimalist interior. Polarizing, modernist changes are also present in the interior, and unfortunately, that means that Lexus has also jumped onto the Tesla-esque, touch-screen-centric, minimalist bandwagon. From the pictures, it seems that Lexus has ditched traditional buttons for a simplified layout featuring important shortcuts. Screens are the most prominent items on the dashboard. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is positioned behind the steering wheel in front of the driver, while a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen occupies the real estate smack dab in the middle of the two passengers. In the photos provided by Lexus's global site, we see the existence of a second, similarly sized passenger-side screen, which may be offered as an optional feature akin to that of Mercedes-Benz's superscreen. 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES But like the exterior, the rest of the interior is given a modern refresh with some potentially polarizing design choices sprinkled in. The steering wheel, for instance, is oddly devoid of traditional Lexus branding, as it now features embossed 'LEXUS' lettering spelled out in the same place where a Lexus badge would be. Additionally, the traditional gear lever on the current ES has been replaced with a smaller 'nub' akin to Toyota's hybrid models. However, the ES does gain some cool features, including a panoramic glass roof that can dim to control the amount of sun in the cabin. Lexus says the new ES will introduce the Executive Package for the first time in North America, which offers some comfort and bliss for backseat lurkers. This package includes reclining rear seats with a passenger-side ottoman as well as massaging, heating, and ventilation functions. Lexus offers buyers the choice of either Hybrid or Electric ESes Although EVs and electrification are the status quo for today's emissions-sensitive auto industry, Lexus is not leaving gasoline loyalists in the dust with its new ES. Lexus says that the new ES is built on a new, redesigned platform that is 'developed specifically to accommodate both HEV and BEV powertrains,' while being able to reduce body vibrations and 'enable sharp, intuitive steering, along with smooth acceleration and deceleration.' For the United States market, Lexus will exclusively offer petrol-drinkers the ES 350h with a choice between a front-wheel or all-wheel-drive drivetrain, and a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine powering the hybrid system. It features what Lexus calls an 'integrated eAxle,' combining the power control unit and transaxle for maximum battery output and an overall lighter and smaller powerplant footprint. However, the biggest distinction of the new ES is the offering of two EV models: the front-drive ES 350e and the all-wheel-drive ES 500h. Both models are powered by a large-capacity battery beneath the floor, which the manufacturer says lowers the center of gravity and enhances driving stability. Lexus also reports that the 350e model's single motor produces 221 horsepower, which is good for an 8.9-second 0-60 mph time, and a maximum range of 300 miles when equipped with 19-inch wheels. The 500e model's dual motors, however, provide 338 horsepower and a 5.9-second 0-60 mph time. Lexus has not released any pricing information, but Lexus says that 'the 2026 ES will go on sale next year.' Final thoughts If there is one thing that I am a bit embarrassed to admit, it's that I do have a bit of a soft spot for the Lexus ES, specifically the 1992 to 1996 iteration and the version sold from 1997 to 2001. A close friend's parents used to own a 1996 model in white, and I used to think it was distinctly modern despite being a car from the 1990s that was initially designed in the late 1980s. Lexus isn't entirely unique in offering the ES in both gas-powered and electric variants; Mercedes ruffled some feathers by offering the new CLA in the same way. However, it is interesting that Lexus decided to make the brave decision not to introduce an electric sedan as a wholly separate model, as it did with the RZ when it was introduced back in 2023. It's a different world now, and the attitude towards EVs has evolved over time. 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES Even though Lexus will also offer the ES as an EV, I would personally keep things simple and stick with the gas-hybrid ES 350h. Toyota's hybrid system is one of the most robust in the business, and the simplicity of filling up with gas would make it a smoother experience if I ever lend it to my friends or family. I am personally a fan of the new 'Sonic Copper' color they developed for this car, but as a self-admitted boring guy, I'd keep the outside in black and have the interior in the cool, green-looking 'Aotake.' Depending on how much the Executive Package would cost, I'd opt for that too.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We take a look at the new Lexus flagship and KMG Rexton commercial
The eighth generation Lexus model is packed with advanced features and will be available as a hybrid and fully electric car when it arrives next year. In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John takes a look at the new Lexus flagship, which will arrive in the UK next year, and the KMG Rexton commercial, which has just been released. A stunning looking new Lexus ES has been unveiled more than 35 years after the original set new standards in the world of luxury motoring. The eighth generation model is packed with advanced features and will be available as a hybrid and fully electric car when it arrives next year. Innovations such as the Lexus-first 'Hidden Tech' switches - made possible by Lexus's Arene software platform - and the latest sophisticated multimedia and safety systems all feature in the new saloon. It was revealed at the Auto Shanghai show in China and builds on the qualities of the previous model of 2018. The latest ES has been developed with a new Lexus design concept - Clean Tech x Elegance. Lexus says that investment made in comfort, refinement and luxury moves the car closer to the quality, spaciousness and specifications associated with larger executive-grade models while, its performance and handling, both in hybrid and battery electric versions, delivers the high levels of comfort, confidence and control that define the Lexus Driving Signature. The upper section is wide open to prioritise the driver's view, while the instrument combimeter is presented in an asymmetrical 12.3-inch digital array, allowing for a lower meter hood to be used. Material quality is raised with soft leather-like accents and dynamic lighting effects. Noise reduction - a trademark of the brand - was prioritised with improved door sealing and the use of glass with high sound insulation quality in the front doors. Lexus says the way sound is distributed within the cabin has been carefully managed to deliver a more natural and harmoniously balanced acoustic experience. The high quality of the ES's interior is supported by a new Lexus technology, Hidden Tech switches which are both minimalist and unobtrusive. When the car is turned off, the switches are not visible beneath the dashboard upholstery and when the driver switches the car on, they light up and are revealed to give the look of a touch-panel with a haptic feedback when used. The rear cabin can be fitted with reclining seats and, for the seat behind the front passenger, an ottoman leg support for an exclusive chauffeur-driven style experience. The front passenger seat has a forward-folding function to maximise rear leg room. Two battery electric ES versions will be available - the ES 350e front-wheel drive model delivering an output of 221bhp and the all-wheel drive ES 500e, with an output of 338bhp. Both benefit from Lexus's expertise in advanced electrification to unlock the full potential of the new Lexus global architecture-K platform, including new eAxles which integrate both the power control unit and transaxle. The ES 500e is equipped with Lexus's DIRECT4 intelligent electric all-wheel drive system which provides continuous adjustment of drive torque distribution to all four wheels, according to driver inputs and the road conditions. It can vary from 100:0 to 0:100, based on data from sensors monitoring acceleration, wheel speed and steering angle. In terms of size, the car is 165mm longer at 5.14 metres and up to 115mm taller at 1.56 metres while it is 55mm wider at 1.92 metres. Wheelbase has grown by 80mm to 2.95 metres. Lexus says that UK pricing and full details of the new ES will be available early next year. Meanwhile, a commercial version of the KGM Rexton has been announced, costing from £34,995. It made its debut at the recent Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham and like the SUV on which it is based will have a 3.5-tonne towing capacity. The vehicle offers a secure load area with over 2200-litres of space, has a payload in excess of 700kg and can easily accommodate several standard Euro pallets. Three versions will be available with the line up topping out from £38,995 for the Rexton K50. The all-wheel drive vehicle is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivering a maximum power of 202ps mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle conversion has a full-height fixed mesh bulkhead as standard and opaque reinforced rear windows, for added security. The load area is carpeted, with an optional rubber mat available as an accessory. The entry level K30 is priced from £34,995 and features LED lights all round, faux leather heated and ventilated seats and a 12.3-inch display screen, alloy wheels and a powered tailgate. Mid-range K40 models - priced from £35,995 - come with leather seats, LED cabin mood-lighting and additional safety features such as blind spot detection and rear cross traffic warning while the K50 adds more features including a sunroof and rear air conditioning. It attracts commercial Vehicle BIK taxation, is eligible for capital write-down and has a first-year VED of £345. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Top Gear
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Confirmed: the swoopy eighth-gen Lexus ES is coming to the UK in 2026
Confirmed: the swoopy eighth-gen Lexus ES is coming to the UK in 2026 Big saloon wants to achieve big things by taking on other big saloons. Ready the popcorn Skip 18 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 18 Brits like German saloons, and German saloons like Brits. Probably. But if you fancy upsetting the order of balance, Lexus has confirmed its shiny new eighth-gen ES is heading to the UK next year. And thanks to those new lights, it'll do so with a highly suspicious side-eye. Indeed the new ES is headlined by those twin L-signature daytime running lights, which Lexus says will be a staple in its future EVs. There are many Angles dotted about its sharp new suit, and that sloping roofline ain't no joke either, giving this four-door saloon an almost coupe-like stance. Advertisement - Page continues below Our entry-level car will be the '300h' self-charging hybrid, whose 2.5-litre inline-four produces 199bhp to hit 62mph in either 8s (AWD) or 8.2s (FWD). There's an uprated 244bhp '350h' version with a 2.5-litre, but we won't get that. Boo. If you want to go full electric, there's the '350e' with a front-driven 221bhp e-motor and a 77kWh battery, good for 426 miles of range between charges. Or you can opt for the full-fat '500e', which gets a smaller 75kWh battery that manages 379 miles of range - 47 miles fewer - but gains torque vectoring, all-wheel drive and an extra 117bhp for a new total of 338bhp. As such, it'll hit go from 0-62mph in just 5.7s. Both models will ride on top of Lexus's new 'architecture-K', which is a modified version of its global 'TNGA GA-K' platform. Here, it's being used for the first time to support both hybrid and EV power, and allows the batteries to be wedged beneath the floor to lower the centre of gravity. Inside, it's all familiarly Lexus: lots of nice textiles and materials used to coat the surfaces and a generally clutter-free environment. Speaking of which, there's a new 'Hidden Switches' feature, which dims a row of switchgear buttons beneath the 14in multimedia screen when not in use. You'll also get a panoramic roof above if you so wish, and a 12.3in driver's display in front of you. Advertisement - Page continues below So… reckon the big Lex has a chance against Germany's finest? Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
