In 2023 it was 824,258. In 2024 a total of 851,214 Lexus vehicles were delivered worldwide. Both are typical Toyota Motor Company totals, the numbers being consecutive record results, yet there was no crowing. Very TMC. Profit over volume, always.
Lexus’ boss never mentions one million cars, MPVs and SUVs in a calendar year yet that will surely be an internal target. Perhaps by 2030? Possibly sooner, thanks to at long last, official plans for production in China.
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In 2024 the brand sold 181,906 vehicles, its best result yet. Each was imported, attracting duty. Something which neither Lexus nor its parent feels any need to talk about. The ES has for years been China’s number one import, usually followed by the RX with Lexus far and away the best selling brand. The foreign-made Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne and Lexus NX also do well year in, year-out.
A fully-owned factory
TMC has waited and watched and now it is finally ready to manufacture locally. Unusually, this will be a TMC-owned plant, not a JV. Which could explain why it has taken so long.
Perhaps we will never know what went on behind the scenes for possibly years to get approvals from all relevant parties. Only Honda and Tesla have ever been allowed to erect a factory outside the convention of the usual joint venture arrangements.
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By GlobalDataIt will be no great surprise if the first car to be made in Shanghai (the announcement came during the media preview of that city’s motor show in April) is the future ES.
Project XZ20
Revealed at the same event, though previously teased as the LS-ZC concept, this model is still a year away (“mid-2026” TMC stated in April). Which explains why the existing ES had another facelift only six months ago, premiering at Auto Guangzhou.
ES generation eight will have TMC’s tried and tested GA-K platform. And the fact that the PRC will be the priority market was clear to see when dimensions of the prototype were published. It is to be 5,140 mm from bumper to bumper.
Greatly extended length
Local buyers will have been telling dealers they want an extended wheelbase car. Instead, the next ES will be 165 mm longer, canny Toyota standardising one body and saving itself money. And keeping loyal owners happy. The wheelbase is 2,950 mm.
The life cycle should be back to five, possibly six years (generation seven debuted in 2018) and there will be three variants, none of which is to be a plug-in hybrid. Instead, two HEVs and two EVs, as follows:
- ES 300h, FWD (145 kW system output) & AWD (148 kW), 2.0-litre
- ES 350h, FWD & AWD (182 kW for both), 2.5-litre
- ES 350e, FWD (165 kW)
- ES 500e, AWD (252 kW in total from two motors)
Build in the US and Japan again too?
While we do know a fair bit about project XZ20, it is unclear what happens to US production, presently at the giant Georgetown complex. Build of XZ10 (generation seven) is due to end there later in 2025 and Donald Trump’s tariffs will be causing all sorts of issues for TMC, North America being the other key region for the ES.
Another long-lived model due to be retired is the far older RC. Build would be wound up in November, Lexus stated in January. There will not be a direct replacement. Over the last eleven years, around 80,000 units have been sold but in recent times volume has slowed to a trickle. The Final Edition is limited to just 200 cars.
Some believe that the LC is also doomed but more likely is a facelift in 2026 and then the axe in 2029 or 2030. Still with two-door cars, will there finally be a follow-up to the legendary LFA? Some believe so, and that it will be powered by a biturbo V8, the three-letter name rumoured to be LFR.
A big electric SUV in 2027?
Come 2027 and another electric car should be entering production, though this has been delayed a little. Heralded by the LF-ZL concept from the 2023 Tokyo motor show, it will feature prismatic battery cells and a promised range of up to 1,000 kilometres. The architecture is to be EV-native.
As HZ 300e, HZ 450e and HZ 550e have been trademarked, these could be variant names for the production model previewed by the LF-ZL. TZ is another possibility though this might instead be a three-row EV linked to the next Highlander. A new generation of this big Toyota SUV is due within the next twelve months, so it would be 2027 for the related Lexus.
When is the next RZ?
A follow-up to the latest RZ should be launched in 2028. A facelift for the existing generation of this electrified SUV premiered at the Brussels motor show in March. Of interest is a simulated eight-speed manual gearbox for synthetic shifting with the resultant noises broadcast into the cabin.
A steering yoke is also new for the restyled RZ, while this will be one of the first cars to be sold in Europe with steer-by-wire. Variants are RZ 350e (167 kW and 269 Nm, FWD), RZ 500e (280 kW from two motors, replaces RZ 450e) and RZ 550e F-Sport (300 kW). A 77 kWh (gross) battery is standard.
The Lexus powered by a diesel V8
Generation four of the LX, which is the Land Cruiser’s twin, will probably have a facelift towards the end of this year. An Overtrail (new grade for all three variants) and an LX 700h (3.5-litre biturbo V6 and ten-speed auto) are the most recent additions. Premiering at Auto Guangzhou in November 2024, these joined the LX 600 and LX 500d.
Many do not realise that Lexus still offers diesel power in any vehicle, though it is restricted to certain countries. The next LX probably won’t arrive until the early 2030s so there will more than likely be a second facelift in 2028. Fresh (i.e. more economical and with fewer emissions) engines will inevitably be added at this time.
LBX generation two: decade-end debut?
At the other end of the size scale, the LBX (code: AY10), will turn two in December. It continues to be manufactured only in Japan and is mainly for that market plus Europe. Front- and all-wheel drive – the platform is GA-B – it isn’t due for a refresh until 2027. The replacement should arrive in 2030.
Finally, the LM. Volume is small but pricing is incredibly high. It does brisk business in Greater China and has some success as a high-end hotel shuttle in certain – mainly European – countries.
A facelift for the current AW10 series vehicle will almost certainly be seen for the first time at the next edition of Auto Shanghai in April 2027. The third generation should then be launched in 2030 and will likely be bigger and/or offered in LWB form so as to suit the North American market, not just China and Europe.
A pair of features looking at certain potential future models for the Toyota brand will be published on 12 June and 19 June.
