8th generation ES!
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 1,691
From: NC
I heard about the length of this 8th generation ES so I did some research. It is 202 in long. The 7th generation was 196 in long. The 6th generation which I owned one a 2017 was 193 inches long. I am 6'4. On the 2017, I had the seat all the way back and someone 6:4 ft could easily sit behind me. The 2017 also had a huge deep trunk. Lexus why this obsession with longer longer longer doesn't make it better better better.
Last edited by Freds430; Apr 25, 2025 at 05:10 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 908
Likes: 610
From: GA
I heard about the length of this 8th generation ES so I did some research. It is 202 in long. The 7th generation was 196 in long. The 6th generation which I owned one a 2017 was 193 inches long. I am 6'4. On the 2017, I had the seat all the way back and someone 6:4 ft could easily sit behind me. The 2017 also had a huge deep trunk. Lexus why this obsession with longer longer longer doesn't make it better better better.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 977
Likes: 548
From: PR
For a simple reason - this is designed primarily with the Chinese market in mind, where these cars are often used as livery/executive transport, so the increased interior space is highly desired. There aren’t many sedans that offer that much space without jumping up to the next class - spend ES dollars (or reminbi or yuan) and gets lots of rear seat space rather than having to buy up to an S-class or 7-series,
Still, they shouldn't keep increasing like we are suppose to transport Shaquille O'neal or Yao Ming.
Last edited by scubapr; Apr 25, 2025 at 06:58 AM.
Driver
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 53
Likes: 13
From: MA
For a simple reason - this is designed primarily with the Chinese market in mind, where these cars are often used as livery/executive transport, so the increased interior space is highly desired. There aren’t many sedans that offer that much space without jumping up to the next class - spend ES dollars (or reminbi or yuan) and gets lots of rear seat space rather than having to buy up to an S-class or 7-series,
Has there ever been an executive package sold in the US?
I know they use that trim name in Canada now, but Lexus hasn't used that trim name on any model for at least 10 years, if ever.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 299
Likes: 73
From: Oregon
Yes North America is definitely secondary market now. China #1.
Makes the product less special in my opinion bc it is not for you. Just the way the cookie is crumbling these days I guess - corps have duty to go where the money is.
Makes the product less special in my opinion bc it is not for you. Just the way the cookie is crumbling these days I guess - corps have duty to go where the money is.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 908
Likes: 610
From: GA
It's not just that. In the N American market, the BEV version of the ES with the "executive pkg' has to stand in for the outgoing LS.
Has there ever been an executive package sold in the US?
I know they use that trim name in Canada now, but Lexus hasn't used that trim name on any model for at least 10 years, if ever.
Has there ever been an executive package sold in the US?
I know they use that trim name in Canada now, but Lexus hasn't used that trim name on any model for at least 10 years, if ever.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 908
Likes: 610
From: GA
It was probably the only way they could get enough rear area stretch out room to allow for the extending lounge type seat.
By then, we'll be speculating what the 9GEN will be.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 1,358
From: IL
Nah, we'll just move the discussion to the Genesis G80 board. They'll still be making a car for us.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 1,358
From: IL
As I look at this, it seems to have been designed heavily focused on the Chinese market. The styling cues, too many cutlines, that cheap looking Toyota interior, will not, I fear, sell well here in North America. Producing it in Japan makes sense if they are planning to sell a lot in China. And when you get down to it, Lexus may not care. Americans have clearly said that most do not care for a sedan anymore, but want CUV’s and SUV’s.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 977
Likes: 548
From: PR
https://theautowire.com/2025/04/24/l...2026-es-sedan/
Couldn't agree more!
Lexus Gets Weird With The 2026 ES Sedan
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, used the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Expedition (yes, the name really is that ridiculously long) to reveal the 2026 ES sedan and oh boy, it’s a weird one. Instead of getting a progression in design like we have over the last few generations where the car transformed from a rebadged Camry with leather interior into something far better, this one showcases what’s unfortunately a new Lexus design language. ... But this design language is simultaneously boring and hideous, which we didn’t think was possible until now. ... It’s like the Lexus designers thought of how they could make the new ES look about as attractive as a subway car while also giving it a vague Tesla vibe. ... the new Lexus ES looks more like a set piece from a weird scif-fi movie than something we’d want to spend what’s obviously going to be ridiculous money to own.
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, used the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Expedition (yes, the name really is that ridiculously long) to reveal the 2026 ES sedan and oh boy, it’s a weird one. Instead of getting a progression in design like we have over the last few generations where the car transformed from a rebadged Camry with leather interior into something far better, this one showcases what’s unfortunately a new Lexus design language. ... But this design language is simultaneously boring and hideous, which we didn’t think was possible until now. ... It’s like the Lexus designers thought of how they could make the new ES look about as attractive as a subway car while also giving it a vague Tesla vibe. ... the new Lexus ES looks more like a set piece from a weird scif-fi movie than something we’d want to spend what’s obviously going to be ridiculous money to own.
Last edited by scubapr; Apr 25, 2025 at 10:50 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 908
Likes: 610
From: GA
I've been mourning thinking about this a lot the last couple days. I think you nailed it. Lexus isn't stupid, they've just decided it matters more what Chinese sedan buyers think than what the shrinking number of American ones do. 2018 was the first ES co-introduced in Shanghai. 2025 was the first introduced solely in Shanghai. The trend is clear.
The sad part for me is the direction Toyota/Lexus has taken style wise. Lexus models now look way too much like their Toyota counterparts, just rewarding the critics who for years have slammed Lexus as just a fancy Toyota. The interiors are the biggest disappointment to me. No nicer than Toyota in appearance even if better assembled with nicer materials. But they do NOT look luxurious at all, no better than cars costing thousands less. No we’re getting faux bamboo? Will they even offer real leather. (I’m sure no other real wood trim at all.)
I get it, tastes change, I’m older now and the market in cars (and most things) don’t cater to my age group. So I guess my vision of luxury is now passe. But this will help Genesis sales, I bet.
Last edited by ATL350; Apr 25, 2025 at 01:16 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 629
Likes: 232
From: USA
I've been mourning thinking about this a lot the last couple days. I think you nailed it. Lexus isn't stupid, they've just decided it matters more what Chinese sedan buyers think than what the shrinking number of American ones do. 2018 was the first ES co-introduced in Shanghai. 2025 was the first introduced solely in Shanghai. The trend is clear.
For a simple reason - this is designed primarily with the Chinese market in mind, where these cars are often used as livery/executive transport, so the increased interior space is highly desired. There aren’t many sedans that offer that much space without jumping up to the next class - spend ES dollars (or reminbi or yuan) and gets lots of rear seat space rather than having to buy up to an S-class or 7-series,
You’re spot on. The ES is the best selling import into China, a total number several times what Lexus sells in the US.
The sad part for me is the direction Toyota/Lexus has taken style wise. Lexus models now look way too much like their Toyota counterparts, just rewarding the critics who for years have slammed Lexus as just a fancy Toyota. The interiors are the biggest disappointment to me. No nicer than Toyota in appearance even if better assembled with nicer materials. But they do NOT look luxurious at all, no better than cars costing thousands less. No we’re getting faux bamboo? Will they even offer real leather. (I’m sure no other real wood trim at all.)
j get it, tastes change, I’m older now and the market in cars (and most things) don’t cater to my age group. So I guess my vision of luxury is now passe. But this will help Genesis sales, I bet.
The sad part for me is the direction Toyota/Lexus has taken style wise. Lexus models now look way too much like their Toyota counterparts, just rewarding the critics who for years have slammed Lexus as just a fancy Toyota. The interiors are the biggest disappointment to me. No nicer than Toyota in appearance even if better assembled with nicer materials. But they do NOT look luxurious at all, no better than cars costing thousands less. No we’re getting faux bamboo? Will they even offer real leather. (I’m sure no other real wood trim at all.)
j get it, tastes change, I’m older now and the market in cars (and most things) don’t cater to my age group. So I guess my vision of luxury is now passe. But this will help Genesis sales, I bet.
I can tell you guys right now if this new ES is Lexus’ strategy to compete in the Chinese EV market, they’ve got a negative 10% chance of winning. Not against Tesla, and definitely not against the dozens of Chinese EV brands that are way more advanced in design, tech, and battery innovation. China’s EV game is miles (5-10 years) ahead, they’ve already built the infrastructure, the range, the value, and the flash that Lexus clearly hasn’t caught up to. People in China bought Lexus for its elegance, luxury branding, and refinement. This new ES? None of that. No soul, no flair, no real luxury feel.
If Lexus thinks this is how they’ll win China, they’re in for a rude awakening. This thing is gonna flop hard over there. Facts.
Maybe only in America, some gen Zs or millennials might be into this 'pregnant'-looking ES, definitely not me. Bye bye, 8th-gen Lexus ES. LOL.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,614
From: MI
In 2024, Lexus in the US sold 380000 cars, but in China only 182000. So, which market is the most important for Lexus?
The 7ES was the #1 sold import vehicle in China, so why change it this much? The current RX is #3 in China.
The 7ES was the #1 sold import vehicle in China, so why change it this much? The current RX is #3 in China.