Just a few days ago, a leaked image of the all-new seventh-generation Lexus ES emerged online showing a portion of its revised front-end inspired by the larger LS, and now Lexus has released the first official teaser of the upcoming midsize sedan. Details are still scarce for now, as Lexus is saying the new ES will be "more than just a pretty face" and "transform the concept of comfort for luxury consumers all over the world." The wording suggests it will be a completely new model rather than a concept or an update of the existing model.

Putting the two images side by side, the official release certainly seems to match the recently-leaked photo, showing the same spindle grille. Lexus has also teased that we should "expect the unexpected" with the new ES but we already know it will ride on the Toyota New Global Architecture, so it should have a lot in common with the Avalon. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2019 Lexus ES is expected to receive a growth spurt to compete with the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series and will also replace the larger GS, which is being discontinued due to struggling sales.

When it launches, we're expecting the ES to pack a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine pumping out 301 horsepower and a smoother eight-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid ES 300h model should also be on the cards with a 2.5-liter hybrid drivetrain possibly adapted from the Toyota Camry Hybrid. All will be revealed on April 25th when Lexus lifts the wraps off the new ES sedan at the Beijing Auto Show.