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. Hi,

    My IS250 (FA07 NUW) is listed as not being able to use E10.
    Are you able to tell me which specific parts changed on the car to accomodate E10 in late 2007 please? I’d like to know if I can retrofit those changed parts to enable this.

    Thanks

    1. Hello Phil,
      Thanks for your comment.
      Unfortunately, we have no retrofit or rectification advice available for E10 fuel.
      Please continue to use E5.
      Thanks.

  2. Hello,
    I have tried without success to find out if my recent Japanese import LS600H (RA10 NVN and VIN: UVF45 5009137) is E10 compatible.
    Can you help please?
    Thank you.

    1. Hi Paul,

      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

      If your Lexus is an imported model that was not official sold in European markets, we recommend staying on E5.

      Thanks

      1. Hi
        I own a Lexus LS400 it was Registered on the 7th January 1998. R382 ARD could you tell me if this is compatible with E10?

        Thanks!
        Mark

        1. Hello Mark,
          Thanks for your question.
          As the vehicle details indicate that this vehicle was built in November 1997, E5 fuel is recommended.
          Thanks.

          1. Hello Richard,
            As your IS 250 was produced in December 2007, you can use E10 fuel.
            Thanks.

    1. Hello John,
      Thanks for your question.
      As this vehicle was not made between January 2005 and September 2007, it can use E10 petrol.
      Thanks.

    1. Hello Mark,
      Thanks for your comment.
      Please provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this.
      Thanks.

          1. Fantastic news, thanks for you prompt replies, it’s nice to see a manufactorer replying with facts, really appreciated.

            Thanks Mark Dodd

    1. Hello Pete,
      Unfortunately, this vehicle is not compatible with E10 petrol, as it is a Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007.
      This is because higher blends of ethanol can cause corrosion of some rubbers and alloys used in the engine and fuel systems of some older vehicles.
      Unfortunately, you cannot change parts to enable your vehicle to take E10 petrol.
      Hope this helps.
      Thanks.

  3. Dear Lexus UK

    I have a 2008 Lexus IS 250 SE-L with the 4GR-FSE Engine. I’m unsure whether it is safe to run it on E10 petrol or not.
    Please could you let me know? The registration number is HF58 BZE. Many thanks!

  4. GY57 OCC
    Hi is my car compatible with e10 fuel? It is right at the end of 07 I believe. In the 12month so I’m hoping it may fall into 08.

    Thanks

    1. Hello Pete,
      Thanks for your question.
      As the production date of this vehicle was October 2007, it is compatible with E10 fuel.
      Thanks.

    1. Hello John,
      Thanks for your question.
      Since this vehicle’s production date was in December 2007, it is compatible with E10 petrol.
      Thanks.

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