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?
Hi RJI331 will it be able to use E10 fuel as the manual lists two engine types and it does not mention anything for E rating on the fuel.
Hi,
Your LS460 was produced in June 2007, so is not compatible with E10 fuel. We recommend continuing to use E5 fuel, which will still be available.
Thanks
Hi..
I have a lexus l.s.400 2000and am concerned about e10 fuel being suitable?
Hi David,
As explained in the article, 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
Your LS 400 is not included on this list, so can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hi
My IS250 was registered in July 2008 (MC08 YDJ) and the owners manual states that the engine is the 4GR-FSE, however, my local Lexus centre say it is fine to use E10.
My assumption is that it was built in 2007…
I had to use E10 recently during the ridiculous fuel nonsense and it returned 36 m.p.g. on a 400 mile round trip.
Should I stick to E5 (when I can find it)?
Steve
Hello Steve,
Thank you for contacting Lexus.
Your IS 250 was produced in April 2008. This means it is compatible with E10 petrol.
However, you can continue to use E5 if you wish, but no harm will be done if you use E10.
Thanks.
Hi ,
Will my IS300 reg RJ05 KNK be ok to use the E10 fuel
Hi,
As explained above, 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
Hello,
My 2007 GS300 has engine number 3GR0205026. No mention of 3GR FSE. Can it take E10 fuel?
Thanks.
Hi Michael,
All GS 300 models came with the 3GR-FSE engine. We can check when yours was produced though. Please provide the vehicle registration.
Thanks
Hello,
Thanks. My registration is EY07FRV.
Mike
Hi,
Your vehicle was produced in March 2007, so cannot use E10 fuel. Please continue to use E5 fuel.
Thanks
Can my RX300 reg LX54 MCB run on E10 fuel?
Hello Patrick, thanks for your comment.
Your RX will be cleared for E10 petrol usage.
Thanks.
Can my 2007 IS 250 replated as LX55 MCB run on E10 fuel?
Hi Patrick,
Your IS 250 was produced in April 2007, so is not compatible with E10 fuel. We recommend continuing to use E5 fuel.
Thanks
Hi, Can you check my vehicle details please, its made in 2008, but might be the engine manufacturing date different.
Its LS460
GV08LLR
THANKS
Hi,
Your LS 460 was produced in 2008, so it can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Thanks
Hi my name is Alan Lydiate I would like to know if my lexus 400h 2007 KF57 WNH will run on e10 petrol
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, a 2007 RX 400h can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hi, i have a 2009 IS250SR with the 4GR-FSE V6 engine, could you check the manufacture date of the motor please? MA58 OXV, thanks
Hi Steve,
Your vehicle was produced after September 2007, so can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
is E10 ok in LS430 Dec 2002
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
So, a 2002 LS 430 can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
What about IS 200 1999
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
So, a 1999 IS 200 can use E10 fuel.
Thanks