The next gen ES has a 99.99% probability to drop the V6. If based on the new Camry platform, there's already a 2.5L I-4 AWD Hybrid drive-train with 232 hp combined & 46/46/46 mpg; V6 was dropped.

The Redline Reviews "The 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD F-Sport is an All-Weather Underpowered Luxury Sedan" video starting at the 65 second time mark has a pretty good panning of the ES 250 AWD engine compartment interior:
From that you should be able to see the engine is traverse mounted.

Yes, the current ES250 AWD is very underpowered and I personally wouldn't consider that engine. The I-4 hybrid is on a different league IMHO.

In the AWD hybrid Camry, an electric drive motor is used for the rear wheels.

Would it be astonishing if Lexus decided to keep the V6 just to differentiate from Toyota? No it wouldn't but it's still highly unlikely given everything else in play these days. I personally can't wait for the next generation - why? So we won't have to read these threads any longer🤣🤣

I have two thoughts. First, I never buy the first year of a new car model. I was burned on the first year of the Acura MDX. it was such a lemon and after that year, they fixed some of the issues. Now a new Lexus ES is not exactly a new model, but it will have new tweeks, options, etc. I would wait a year. Also...The reason I got this car is to drive, drive drive it! It should last many years. Unless there are significant safety upgrades, why would I buy the newest and shiniest? That's one reason why brands will tweek design, etc. American cars are notorious for this. I'll save my money. Thanks you.

I bought my 7th gen 3 weeks ago and I hope I don't run into problems. I think my car is 6 years down the generation so I'm hoping all the bugs have been squashed. I recall the Car Care Nut saying that the 3.5L V6 of Toyotas are notorious for oil leaks at some point of the engine. Not a major leak but an annoying leak.

Also I recall long ago that the 3.5L V6 had a fatal flaw where if a rubber hose breaks oil will squirt out everywhere and if you didn't shut off the motor immediately, the motor is destroyed. I'm hoping that's resolved.

I'm glad I got the tail end of this generation ES. I didn't want the upcoming model since it will likely have a 4 cylinder turbo from the IS 300 and a CVT... ew.

Car Care Nut has an updated video on that with specific discussion that the oil leak issue has been fixed by the time the 2GR-FKS engine usage in this generation of ES. See my Timing Chain Cover Oil Leak post #2 for the Car Care Nut updated video and related discussion.

This generation of ES 350 using the 2GR-FKS engine has been in general use for over 6 years now. Over that time I don't remember anyone posting on this forum anything on having any sort of oil leak issue with their ES 350 2GR-FKS engine. While that doesn't necessarily rule out someone somewhere having an ES 350 engine oil leak issue, it is some evidence that an oil leak on an ES 350 2GR-FKS engine is not so common that it is a notorious characteristic.

I'm thrilled about my new 2025 300h and we are already talking about 2026! Can't wait to see what changes come!!

lol Love it!

No more 6 cylinder ICE means that’s the last Lexus sedan I purchase. I’ll be looking at Cadillac or maybe even order a custom Porsche SUV instead.

Lexus will survive without you I suspect.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Lexus has a surprise or two in their next lineup. I believe 6 & 8 cylinders are going to around for quite awhile still. Gas prices will be coming down soon enough. I envision 2 dollar gasoline coming back.With a recent Supreme Court ruling against bureaucrats running the show and with a conservative administrator in charge at EPA you will be seeing many EPA mandates being flushed down the toilet. It’s going to happen.

Try the 2.4T on the new RX. You will change your mind.

This is something I've been saying for a long time. 2.4RX is something Lexus should consider with the v6 but sadly that's not gonna happen.