Lexus Opens Pre-Orders for Eighth-Generation 'All-New Lexus ES,' Debuts First EV

[Financial News] Lexus Korea has begun taking pre-orders for the eighth-generation, fully redesigned Lexus ES, its flagship premium sedan, as it expands its electrified lineup. The company has enhanced the existing hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model while introducing a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for the first time in the brand's history. Through this strategy, Lexus aims to strengthen its leadership in Korea's imported eco-friendly vehicle market and target the country's increasingly diverse consumer demand.
Lexus Korea's 'All-New Lexus ES'
According to Lexus Korea on the 14th, pre-orders for the 'All-New Lexus ES' will open that day at official dealerships nationwide ahead of its official domestic launch on Oct. 13.
The new Lexus ES has been upgraded across the board, from its powertrain and platform to its design and interior space. The lineup comprises nine trims in total—four HEV trims and five BEV trims—giving consumers more choices. The newly added BEV lineup consists of the front-wheel-drive ES 350e and all-wheel-drive ES 500e. The ES 350e can travel 478 km on a single charge under the combined-cycle test at room temperature, making it practical for both urban and long-distance driving. The ES 500e delivers stable driving performance with DIRECT4, an all-wheel-drive system that precisely controls power distribution between the front and rear wheels.
The HEV model, the ES 350h, is equipped with a sixth-generation hybrid system. Lexus improved the power control unit and transaxle design to make them smaller and lighter, while adding an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model to the lineup. The All-New Lexus ES is built on the Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform, which is optimized for both BEV and HEV models. Its larger body and longer wheelbase improve passenger space, while a 14-inch large display, Responsive Hidden Switches, and Multi-Ambient Light add digital convenience to the cabin.
The company has also lowered the entry barrier in terms of price.
The ES 350e starts at ₩71.6 million. With the Amazing Switch residual-value-guaranteed financing program, customers can secure a residual value of up to 60% after three years and purchase the vehicle for monthly payments in the ₩420,000 range. Prices for the full lineup range from ₩71.6 million to ₩84.9 million for the BEV models and from ₩72.9 million to ₩80.8 million for the HEV models.
Kang Dae-hwan, vice president of Lexus Korea, said, "The Lexus ES is a flagship model that has led the growth of Korea's premium hybrid market and built customer trust in Lexus's electrification technology. We have expanded the lineup to nine grades by adding a battery electric vehicle with a competitive price and practical driving range, and we will provide electrified options suited to customers' diverse lifestyles and usage environments."
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter