Lexus uncovers next-gen ES luxury sedan

Lexus has revealed its new seventh-generation ES luxury mid-size sedan ahead of its public debut at next week's Beijing motor show.

The new ES is a styling evolution from its predecessor, and wears a vertically themed front grille as opposed to the previous horizontal slats.

Headlights and side-view mirrors also now feature a swept back look, while the front bumper has been cleaned up with the removal of the fog-lamps.

With blue brand badging up front and 'hybrid' insignia along the rear door, the new ES will come to market with at least one electrified powertrain.

Little else was revealed about the ES, but the Japanese luxury brand said the new car "springs from a re-imagined luxury equation, featuring engaging design, athletic performance and renowned Lexus refinement".

Rumours suggests however, that the new ES will be underpinned by the mid-size front-drive version of Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA GA-K) that is also used as a basis of the current Camry sedan, as well as the forthcoming RAV4.

With the TNGA in use, Lexus could insert Toyota's new 'Dynamic Force' four-cylinder petrol engine, which is claimed to be the world's most thermally efficient 2.0-litre unit.

Other engine options include the 204kW/346Nm naturally aspirated V6 available in the current ES, or even the 310kW/600Nm twin-turbo V6 under the bonnet of the LS500.

Meanwhile, the hybrid powertrain could come in the form of the existing ES300h's 118kW/213Nm 2.5-litre Akinson cycle petrol engine paired with a 105kW hybrid system for a total output of 151kW, or could up the ante with the LC500h's V6 system.

Full details are expected to be revealed next week in China, while a local on-sale date is expected sometime next year.

Does the Lexus ES have the looks to compete against other premium mid-size sedans from Germany? Tell us what you think in the comments below.