Moving production is an expensive and costly decision. These companies can’t come to the office every day and see “gee, what’s today’s tariff status?”. This decision was made some time ago and it would be rash to change it based on what may or may not be in effect by the time production starts or next year - or tomorrow. Businesses do not like indecision and volatility.

 

Glad I like my 7th because that 8th would make me wait for the 9th.

 

The 2019 ES and even 6th gen are infinitely better than this design, it seems, even from just the leaks. You'll never get grace and class in an ES again. Now it's about sharp lines/angles, fastback sloping roof, large rear quarter windows, and light bars as prominent design cues. Complicated design rarely ages well. Simple ages well.

We'll see. See you guys here next week lol!

 

Even with the blurry pictures, I can see that it'll be much better looking than a tesla, which are some of the ugliest cars on the road.

 

I had a 2013 and thought that was a beautiful design including the grille and taillights. Not one issue. I bought a 2019 for the safety features and thought the design was ok. Now, I'm with you NDUNN. I'm keeping my 2019 for a long time. Been 6 years already...

 

I plan on keeping my 2019 ES for a long time, too. I've got just over 30K miles on it. It's aged very well. It still looks contemporary, particularly since it's still the current generation. Also, the technology is still very contemporary.

The 8ES looks like it will be very different both in looks and powertrain. It doesn't seem like it will be an evolution of the 7ES, more like a different car entirely. As a result, the 7ES will probably continue to age well.

I skipped the 5ES and the 6ES. I'll probably skip the 8ES and maybe even the 9ES, too.

 

I expect to keep my 7ES forever because that's why you buy an ES. But as for my opinion of the 8th gen, I'm holding my fire until I get a real view and meaningful details.

What I expect:
•TGNA (Camry/Crown) FWD-based platform, as before
•Crown powertrains (mostly hybrid, all 4-cylinder, AWD available only through rear-wheel electric motors)

What I'd love:
•A car worthy of the term "flagship" Toyota is throwing around since the LS is apparently on a ventilator
•Based on the RWD Japanese Crown
•Mechanical AWD and a V6

Hey, an owner can dream...

 

I see where they're going with the 8ES. Even without seeing the reveal next week, I don't think there's much they can do to interest me. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised, but I strongly doubt that will happen.

 

If you thought the V6 was going away, you may have been wrong.

New 2.4-liter turbo-four with an estimated 275 hp

A performance hybrid variant utilizing a 3.5-liter V6 paired with electric motors to produce more than 350 total system horsepower

The most exciting inclusion is the expected debut of Lexus’ first-ever plug-in hybrid ES, which is rumored to have a range of 50 miles in all-electric mode—a groundbreaking addition that could make the model a well-rounded daily commute capable of handling most urban trips without burning a drop of fuel.

 

Thanks for sharing that.

As for the V6 "performance hybrid," I'm curious to know whether the underlying V6 is the same one loyally soldiering on in our ES's, or the troublesome new one from the LS and trucks. Big difference.

 

Source?

 

Since 1/20/25 barrel of oil is down 21%. Saw gasoline today $2.69. Below $2.00 maybe not $2.42 a gallon which is where it was 1/21/21 absolutely.

 

This information appears to come from this article. It's rumor, but it's an interesting read and may have elements of truth. We'll find out in a few days.

https://thoni.com.au/2026-lexus-es-u...future-debuts/

 

Odd they would offer a performance hybrid with a V6 when they don't have that for the RX. The 500h is still a four cyl.

 

It's so interesting seeing confident predictions of a turbo V6 on this thread while we have others on Car Chat betting their lives on the new ES being EV-only with a potential PHEV. Next week will be fun. I still bet money on the whole thing being a reskinned Crown with a potential PHEV option based on the RX.