SUVs are dominating the automotive landscape, but Lexus is refusing to give up on the sedan. The all-new Lexus ES is a testament to that commitment.
During a first-drive event for the new ES, chief engineer Kohei Chiashi shared his personal feelings about the industry trend.
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'For me personally, I love sedans,' Chiashi said. 'This situation with SUVs everywhere is something I'm not personally happy with.'
Chiashi emphasized the passion behind the ES project. 'I was very passionate about not giving up on the ES.
For us, we poured everything we could into the ES because we care about it so much,' he added.
Lexus has already seen parts of its sedan lineup shrink. The GS was discontinued in 2020, and the LS has become increasingly niche.
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Despite this, the company chose to invest heavily in the new ES.
The new generation supports both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, and it has grown larger and more spacious.
Lexus focused on protecting the model's identity: comfort, cabin space, and effortless long-distance driving.
Chiashi's comments were not the typical polished corporate response. They reflected a genuine belief in the sedan's value.
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The ES may now matter more than ever, and fighting for it seems to have been the right choice.
