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?
I have a Lexus lLS460 2007 reg GY07WFR. will it be able to use E10 Fuel?
Hello BSB,
Thank you for contacting us.
Lexus LS 460 with 4.6-litre V8 1UR-FSE engine made between August 2006 and September 2007 are unable to use E10 fuel.
Your LS 460 was produced in March 2007, which means that it is unable to use E10 petrol. Please continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
Is my Lexus RX 400h 2008 model compatible for new E10 fuel
Hello Tom,
Thank you for contacting us.
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
As your RX is not listed, it can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Hi.I have a 2005 Lexus RS300 and its on the border line with this… Lexus GS 300 with 3.0-litre V6 3GR-FSE engine made between January 2005 and September 2007
My engine number is 3GR0099809
Please advise if I can use the new E10 fuel or not. Sorry to be a pain but I obviously want to get it right.
Thanks
Gary
Hi Gary,
Yes, your RX 300 can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hi
Can you check if my Lexus is250 is compatible with E10 LO09RWK
Thanks
Hello Tim,
Thank you for contacting us.
Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 are the only IS exceptions for E10 compatibility.
Your IS was produced in April 2009, which means that it is able to use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Hi,
My GS300 has registration number AD55 MKK. Can I use E10 fuel please?
Kind Regards, Terry
Hello Terry,
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Unfortunately, as your GS300 was manufactured in November 2005, it is not compatible with E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
Thanks for your speedy response
I have Lexus RX400, 57 Reg,can l use E10 petrol?
Hello James,
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
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, your 2007 RX400 can use E10.
Thanks.
I have a Lexus IS250 V6 reg SV06JPU. Is this within the non-compliant V6 period of manufacture please?
Hello Jon,
Thank you for contacting us.
Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 are incompatible with E10 petrol.
Your IS250 was produced in November 2005, which means that it cannot take E10. Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
Hi.
I own a LS400 1998, first registered March 1998, is this compatible with E10 or should I go for E5?
Hi Varinder,
If the vehicle was produced in 1998, it should be compatible, but we’ll need to check this for you. Please provide your vehicle registration.
Thanks
R470DOX
Hello Varinder,
Thank you for your reply.
As your LS400 was manufactured on 14th January 1998 (after 1st January 1998) and isn’t in the exclusion list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Hi.
I have a CT200H 62 reg. It looks like I can use E10. Please can you confirm. I’d like to be even more environmental-friendly.
Thanks.
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, your CT can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hi,is E10 compatible with uk vehicle reg BF10XRT.
Thanking you in advance.
Regards Mak
Hello Mak,
Thank you for getting in touch.
The only IS250’s which cannot use E10 petrol are those made between August 2005 and September 2007 with the 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine.
As your vehicle was manufactured in January 2010, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.