Lexus ES revealed in Beijing

The latest generation of the Lexus ES, the seventh already, has been unveiled at the Auto China motor show in Beijing. It has an all-new chassis, an updated exterior design and enhanced driving performance. Also, it has a grille large enough to have its own postcode.

Apart from the spindle grille, the new ES looks elegant and restrained. The roofline is lowered to give it a sportier stance and the LED tail lights wrap around the quarter panels for better visibility.

The interior has been improved to give the driver a more natural driving position. The steering wheel angle and the position of the pedals have been adjusted.

The ES will also be available in Europe where it is replacing the GS. Other markets already had the previous generation ES as Lexus' answer to the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class.

The ES will only be available as a hybrid in the US and most of Europe, where it combines a 2.5 litre four cylinder engine with an electric motor. That should produce a somewhat modest 218hp and a generous 4.7 litre per 100km fuel consumption. There is still no plug-in variant available.

Customers in China, Russia and Thailand will also get the option of a D4 2.0 litre diesel engine.

Images: Lexus