Lexus Korea’s Konoyama Ma Na-bu (President) says, “The ES is a model that symbolizes us”

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Lexus Korea unveiled its eighth-generation ES at the Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul on the 13th. This Lexus ES is significant as a model that demonstrates an advanced approach by simultaneously launching both HEV and BEV versions, reflecting Toyota’s long-standing commitment to carbon neutrality.

In particular, the ES has been renowned for pursuing the quintessential sedan form while embodying the durability and composure characteristic of Japanese cars, and above all, the economic efficiency of HYBRID technology. These attributes have been well communicated to domestic consumers, making it one of the best-selling models in Korea. The Lexus ES, first introduced in 1989, has evolved through seven generations without losing these distinctive strengths.

Lexus Korea President Konoyama Manabu expressed gratitude for the journey in Korea that began in 2001, stating, “The Lexus ES is a model that symbolizes Lexus Korea,” and appealed to customers not to lose their affection for the eighth-generation Lexus ES.

Support continued from Japan as well. Typically, at new car launch events, Lexus Korea follows the convention of having only one or two key figures, such as the chief engineer or chief designer, visit to introduce the vehicle and continue media promotional activities. However, this time, considering the symbolic significance of the Lexus ES, a total of three people—the chief engineer, the chief designer, and the performance leader—came directly from Japan to take the stage at the media conference.

A point of note is Kumai Yahiko, Senior Designer at Lexus International and Chief Designer. He explained the challenges faced in releasing the first electrified model of the Lexus ES by creating sketches on-site. The core message he conveyed was how they preserved the unique aesthetic of the sedan inherent to the Lexus ES, given that the vehicle’s height had increased compared to previous models due to the placement of the battery at the bottom of the body for electrification.

According to Kumai Yahiko, Senior Designer at Lexus International, “We did not want the Lexus ES, which possesses peak aesthetic perfection as a sedan, to lose its advantages due to the battery. Rather than saying ‘it is simply taller because of the battery,’ we extended the overall length and added side garnishes to reduce visual weight, thereby maintaining the elegance of a sedan.”

The Lexus ES, examined directly on-site, exudes a presence quite different from the previous seventh-generation ES. This is clearly evident in the figures. The new ES measures 5,140mm in overall length, 1,920mm in width, and has a wheelbase of 2,950mm, increasing by 165mm, 55mm, and 80mm respectively compared to the previous generation. It is comparable in size to the previous-generation Lexus LS. It cannot be explained by the standards of the mid-size car class.

However, there are handicaps, such as being equipped with a battery from China’s Ningde Times (CATL) and adopting a 400V architecture. Nevertheless, Lexus Korea President Konoyama Manabu expressed confidence, stating, “The ‘Lexus-ness’ cannot be interpreted solely by numerical values,” and “One can only know the sincerity of Lexus through a direct test drive.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original