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
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.
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.
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?
My wife has a LEXUS GS300 SE first registered in 2008 with an engine number 3GR0222022.
Is this compatible with E10 fuel?
Hello Paul,
Please provide the full vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
The registration is PR54 BKS
Hello Paul,
As your GS 300 was produced in October 2007, it is compatible with E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Thankyou for your help with this, I have to say what a good service you have provided
I drive a Lexus IS250 registered September 2007, NA57CWF. Any clue whether or not I can use E10? Thank you.
Hello Dara,
Your IS 250 is not compatible with E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
My Dad drives a 2002 Lexus IS 200 SE 1988cc is it O.K to use E10 petrol?
Hello Melanie,
Please provide the vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
My wife drives an IS250, BK08 EZE. Can you please confirm if it is OK for her to use E10? Thank you.
Hello Andy,
Your wife’s IS 250 can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Hello, can you please advise on my car, it’s a RX400, registration DU55VGF. Is this type of fuel suitable for my car?
Thank you
Gemm
Hi,
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
Thanks
Lexus IS 250 SE reg GF08OAD sorry but could you help with what fuel to use.
Hello Geoff,
Your IS 250 can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Thanks for prompt reply
Could you help. I own a Lexus IS250. Reg. No. DE08UEZ. First registration 29 04 2008
Can I use E10 or do I need to change to a premium grade
Thankyou
Hello Barry,
Your IS 250 can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Very many thanks for your prompt reply
Regards Barry
My Wife drives an IS250, EN59XGP Can you please confirm if it is OK for her to use E10? Thank you.
Hi,
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
Therefore the 2009 IS 250 can use E10.
Thanks
Please can you clarify
I have a Lexus IS 200 reg plate MVL243 (year October 2000) reading the article it sounds like my vehicle is okay with E10 fuel but just thought i’d
double check, as my Lexus dealer says I can’t use E10 fuel in my car who is correct. ??
Hi,
We’re correct.
You can use E10.
Thanks
Hi there I use Lexus Ct200h 2012 model
Reg number MK62 XPV is this compatible with E10 fuel please let me know
Regards
Hi,
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
Thanks
Can my Lexus is250 use E10. Reg. MA08XWE
Hello Graham,
Your IS 250 can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Hiya. I have a lexus GS430 V8 2006 model. Is it compatible with E10 fuel?
Thank you.
Hi,
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
Thanks