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 LS460 was first registered in early 2008 but could have been made in late 2007. Can you check please?
BV08NVE.
Thanks.
Hi,
This vehicle was produced in February 2008, so can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hi, can you check my IS250, please. First registered in March 2008 but maybe built in 2007?
Reg no. ML08 CXK. Engine no. 4GR0421611
Thank you.
Hi,
This vehicle was produced in December 2007, so can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Can my 2009 is250 run on E10?
, registration MA58 OXV
Thanks
Hi,
Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 are not compatible with E10 fuel. Your 2009 IS 250 can run on E10 fuel.
Thanks
and if you have a IS 250 2.5 V6 DV55 JYK what do you use?
E5? high grade
Hello Mr Smith,
Thank you for your comment.
Please continue to use E5 fuel. E5 fuel will still be available from the super unleaded pump at most filling stations.
Thanks.
So my 2006 is250 is not compatible with the new fuel but which bits are we talking about, is there a few rubber components in the fuel line that are incompatible with the fuel or Is it going to effect the petrol tank itself? Where can I find the detailed info about my incompatibility. Thanks
Hello Gareth,
Thank you for contacting us.
If your vehicle is the Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007, then it is incompatible with E10 petrol.
Unfortunately we do not have a list of individual components that are incompatible.
You can continue to use E5 fuel, which will continue to be dispensed from the super unleaded pump at most filling stations.
Thanks.
Hi I’m assuming my car is ok for E10 fuel .
Lexus is200 . 1999
Reg . T531 UCH
Thanks john
Hello John,
Thank you for your comment.
The only Lexus IS models that cannot use E10 petrol are the Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007.
As your vehicle was produced after January 1998 and is not one of the Lexus IS models in the exclusion list, it should be compatible with E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Hi.
I have a 1997 MK1 GS300 Sport 3ltr straight six engine (2JZ-GE)
Is this compatible with the new E10 fuel?
Or will I have to sell it?
Hello Umar,
Thank you for contacting us.
As your vehicle was produced before January 1998, it is not compatible with E10 petrol.
You can continue to use E5 petrol, which is likely to be dispensed from the super unleaded pump at most filling stations.
Thanks.
I have a Lexus ls460 2007 will it be able to use E10 Fuel
Hello MR Derek Rawlins,
Thank you for contacting us.
If you can please provide us with your UK reg, we can take a look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi, can you check my IS250 SE Auto please. First registered in March 2007
Reg no. JU02BAR. Engine no. 4GR0286855
Thank you.
Hello William,
Thank you for contacting us.
The Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 are incompatible with E10 petrol.
As your vehicle was produced in December 2006, it is not compatible with E10 petrol.
You can continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
Hello,
My Lexus IS250 was registered in the UK at 30/04/2007, but the engine number starts: 4GR0319… Will this take E10?
Thank you
Gene
Hello Gene,
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 are unable to use E10 petrol.
Therefore, your vehicle is unable to use E10 petrol. Please continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
My Lexus is250 reg SD09AGD registered in 2009 is it company for E10 fuel
Thank you
Hello A G Defty,
Thank you for contacting us.
Your IS250 was produced in July 2008.
The only Lexus IS 250 that cannot use E10 petrol are those with the 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007.
Therefore, yours is able to use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Thanks