Lexus and E10 petrol – can I use it in my car?

As part of the government’s strategy to reduce harmful emissions from transport, the new E10 petrol grade will be introduced across the United Kingdom from September 2021. Our guide to Lexus and E10 petrol answers a few questions about the change.

While it retains the same 95-octane rating as existing unleaded petrol, E10 petrol will contain a much higher proportion of ethanol. Currently, all petrol supplied at filling stations contains a five percent mix of ethanol, which is why it is known as E5. However, from September 2021, that proportion will be doubled in standard grade petrol and the fuel will be identified by the code E10.

This change will not affect Lexus owners with a diesel-powered vehicle.

Lexus and E10 petrol – which models can use the new fuel?

The good news is that the vast majority of Lexus models with a petrol engine or hybrid powertrain and that were officially supplied within the European market since January 1998 are compatible with E10 petrol. The only exceptions to this rule are the following models:

  • Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007
  • Lexus GS 300 with 3.0-litre V6 3GR-FSE engine made between January 2005 and September 2007
  • Lexus LS 460 with 4.6-litre V8 1UR-FSE engine made between August 2006 and September 2007

E10 petrol

How can I check if my Lexus can use E10 petrol?

All new Lexus models manufactured since 2011 and equipped with a petrol engine or hybrid powertrain are compatible with E10 fuel. This can be confirmed by checking the owner’s manual or looking at the information printed on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If you are still unsure, use E5 petrol, which will continue to be dispensed from the super unleaded pump at most filling stations.

You can also use this checker tool created by the government to support the E10 transition.

Can I use E10 petrol in my imported Lexus?

If your Lexus is an imported model that was not official sold in European markets, we recommend staying on E5 by using super unleaded, which has a higher octane rating. Having received queries from owners regarding specific imported models, we are investigating this further.

E10 petrol

Lexus and E10 petrol – why is the ethanol content being increased?

Ethanol is a renewable, non-fossil biofuel produced from sustainable sources. It is made using by-products from the farming industry, such as those from wheat, corn and sugar crops.

By increasing the proportion of biofuel in petrol, the content of fossil fuel and therefore our reliance on it decreases. This will reduce the overall levels of CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions from vehicles and help the government achieve its climate change targets. It has been calculated that this change from E5 to E10 will cut harmful transport emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year – the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road.

Why isn’t the ethanol content much higher?

The composition of ethanol is different to that of a crude oil based fossil fuel such as petrol. Higher blends of ethanol can cause corrosion of some rubbers and alloys used in the engine and fuel systems of some older vehicles.

A small number of these vehicles will need to continue using E5 petrol, and this will remain widely available at filling stations in super unleaded grade.

E10 petrol

Lexus and E10 petrol – is this change only happening in the UK?

No. In fact, E10 petrol is already common throughout the world. It has also been the reference fuel used for all new car emissions and performance testing since 2016.

Read more How economical is a used hybrid Lexus?

878 comments

  1. I have a 4 door petrol Lexus IS 250 SE-1 AUTO GSE20R-AETLHW(1H). Registered 30/06/2010. Engine number 4GR0650315. Can I use the new unleaded E10 petrol

  2. Is there any way to allow my 2007 GS300 to use the E10 fuel as its one of the cars listed below that cannot use it

    Can I make any changes to the engine or petrol tank?

    Lexus GS 300 with 3.0-litre V6 3GR-FSE engine made between January 2005 and September 2007

    1. Hello Michael, thanks for your comment.

      Your GS is not compatible with the new E10 fuel. E5 will still be available in the super-unleaded format.

      Thanks

  3. I read that all Lexus cars from 1998 can use E10 petrol. Is this true?
    I have RX300 2005 – can I use E10?

  4. My Lexus is an IS250 SEL registered early 2007 Reg no EJ07HHX
    The engine is 4GR FSE. I’m not sure if I can use E10 but I don’t think I can.
    Does this mean I am forced to buy super unleaded ?

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