Lexus ES next model to go hybrid-only in Australia

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The Lexus ES has become the latest vehicle from the brand to go hybrid-only in Australia, three years after the now-discontinued entry-level petrol engine was introduced.

Lexus Australia has confirmed it has stopped taking customer orders for ES250 2.5-litre petrol variants, with the ES line-up now limited to the ES300h.

It follows the same move for the UX small SUV earlier this year – now restricted to hybrid and full-electric variants – while the recently-launched LM people mover is exclusively hybrid globally.

The LBX light SUV launched in Australia with hybrid-only powertrains – however the Morizo RR variant is due to launch in Australia in 2025 with a non-hybrid turbocharged three-cylinder borrowed from the Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches.

The current-generation Lexus ES launched in Australia in 2018 – becoming the brand's second hybrid-only model after the CT hatch sold between 2011 and 2021 – until the ES300h was joined by the ES250 entry-level variant in late 2021.

Lexus Australia has now reverted to exclusively offering the ES300h with the decision reflecting increased customer demand for its hybrid vehicles, CEO John Pappas said.

"Our Lexus ES customers are now telling us they are ready, and we're listening, as nine out of every 10 deliveries of ES so far this year feature an intelligent hybrid powertrain," Pappas said.

The ES250 – featuring a 152kW/243Nm naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic – was available in Luxury and F Sport trims.

With the deletion of the ES250, the cost-of-entry into the Lexus ES line-up has increased $3400, with the ES300h priced between $65,540 for the Luxury and $80,170 for the Sports Luxury, all before on-road costs.

VFACTS new-car sales data reveals 962 examples of the Lexus ES were delivered in Australia between January and December 2024 – with the ES300h accounting for around 865 sales – a 40 per cent decrease from the same time in 2023.

An update for the Lexus ES was unveiled in China in November 2024 but it has not been confirmed for other markets, including Australia, despite being manufactured at the same factory in Japan.

MORE: 2025 Lexus ES update revealed, but it's not the next-generation model

Revisions for the 2025 ES sold in China include an updated front fascia, new full-width tail-lights, a revised dashboard with a larger 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a different gear selector.

Japanese reports suggest a new-generation Lexus ES will launch in the second half of next year with hybrid and electric options – with hybrid versions set to move to a newer fifth-generation system introduced with the latest generation of its Toyota Camry twin-under-the-skin.

The Toyota Camry switched to a hybrid-only line-up in Australia shortly before the arrival of the latest model in September 2024.

2025 Lexus ES price in Australia

• ES300h Luxury – $65,540
• ES300h F Sport – $74,920
• ES300h Sports Luxury – $80,170

Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.

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