On Thursday, 8 October, the Dubai Petrol Heads media team attended a launch event hosted by Al Futtaim Motors for the new Lexus ES sedan and RZ electric SUV.
The event introduced the eighth generation ES, available with hybrid and fully electric powertrains, and marked the RZ’s debut in the UAE. Al Futtaim Motors also announced local specifications and pricing for both models.
Lexus ES: Hybrid and Electric Choice
The new ES takes its design direction from the LF-ZC concept, with a lower-looking bonnet, twin L shaped front lights and a tapering roofline. The rear side has a distinctive design where a full width rear light bar carries the Lexus lettering, with separate L shaped lamps lower down. Its larger proportions also make room for a more spacious cabin.
Inside, a low dashboard and a simpler layout give the cabin an uncluttered feel. As part of the new interior identity of the brand, Lexus’s Hidden Switches blend into the trim when switched off and illuminate when needed. A 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 14-inch multimedia screen anchor the interior, with White, Hazel and Black colour themes available.
ES350h - Hybrid
For hybrid buyers, the ES350h combines a 2.5 litre four cylinder engine with electric assistance for 244 hp. Premier and Platinum grades use front-wheel drive, while Platinum is also offered with all-wheel drive. Lexus claims that fuel economy for the front wheel drive model is 27.7 km/l and for the AWD model it’s 26.8 km/l.
The Premier trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, synthetic leather upholstery and a 10-speaker audio system. Moving to Platinum adds heated and ventilated front seats, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, a head-up display, a panoramic view monitor and Advanced Park. There is also a digital rearview mirror, wireless charging and multicolour ambient lighting round out the additional cabin equipment.
ES500e - Full Electric
The ES500e introduces a fully electric Lexus sedan to the UAE. Offered in Platinum trim with AWD, it pairs dual motors producing 338 hp with DIRECT4 all wheel drive and a 74.6 kWh battery. Lexus claimed a range of up to 465 km on the WLTP cycle at the event. The car’s overall features includes 21 inch wheels, semi-aniline leather seats, soft-close doors and Adaptive Variable Suspension, alongside the premium infotainment and parking features.
Safety
Safety equipment across the ES line up includes Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. The presentation also showcased the adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, lane tracing assistance, Safe Exit Assist and Parking Support Brake, covering situations from motorway driving to reversing and opening a door into approaching traffic.
Also given the popularity of the previous generation Lexus ES among premium taxi and limousine operators for its reliability and comfort, the new model is also likely to find its way into these fleets. With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate, the addition of an electric version could also become more attractive for operators looking to reduce running costs, while supporting Dubai’s wider effort to lower transport related carbon emissions.
Lexus RZ: UAE Debut
The Lexus RZ makes its UAE debut in RZ 500e Platinum AWD specification. Its exterior features a sculpted Spindle Body front end, slim lighting and 20-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, a full-width light bar accompanies a power tailgate with a kick sensor.
Its dual-motor powertrain produces 375 hp, with DIRECT4 managing drive between the front and rear axles. Lexus quotes 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and up to 460 km of WLTP range from the 74.6 kWh battery. The presentation also quoted a 10–80 per cent charging time of around 30 minutes; actual charging time depends on the charger and conditions.
The driver focused cabin features Ultrasuede upholstery, ventilated front seats, a 14-inch multimedia display and 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio. A head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, wireless charging and dynamic multicolour ambient lighting are included. Interior themes are available in Orange, Hazel and Grayscale, while acoustic glass and sound insulation support the emphasis on cabin quietness.
It also comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with pre-collision assistance, adaptive cruise control and lane tracing assistance as part of technology offers for driving assistance. There is also Blind spot monitoring, Parking Support Brake, a panoramic view monitor and Advanced Park add support for maneuvering the car in tighter spaces.
UAE Launch Prices
| Model and Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| ES350h Premier | AED 230,000 |
| ES350h Platinum | AED 240,000 |
| ES350h Platinum AWD | AED 255,000 |
| ES500e Platinum AWD | AED 275,000 |
| RZ500e Platinum AWD | AED 255,000 |
Prices include VAT and shared by the Dealer. Additional charges may apply.