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
I have an SC 430 HJ07 LDV
Can I use E10 petrol please?
I’m not sure after being on .gov.uk
Thanks Jo
Hello Jo,
Thank you for getting in touch.
As your vehicle was manufactured after January 1998, and your Lexus is not on the exceptions list, you may use E10 petrol.
The government website lists the same exception vehicles as this blog post. Can we ask what has confused you?
Thanks.
Have an IS250 AM57OZL Engine number starts 4GR first registered February 2008 – E5 or E10? Thanks
Hi Neil,
The only IS 250s that cannot use E10 petrol are those with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007.
As your vehicle was manufactured in October 2007, you should be able to use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
I have a Lexus IS200 purchased in 2000, is this model able to use the E10 fuel?
The owners manual only says to use fuel with an Octane number of 95 or higher, or on a temporary basis 91 for a short period.
Hello Ian,
Thank you for getting in touch.
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
If you would like further clarity, please provide us with your UK registration, and we can check the production date for you.
Thanks.
I brought my 2007 Lexus RX350XE with me to the UK when I moved back from South Africa in 2015. It is not a European made model, and was made to Japanese specs, but most parts seem to be identical for service purposes. My model is also the one used in the US and E10 is sold throughout the US. I am trying to get confirmation that my imported Lexus RX350XE will be safe to run on E10. I am also curious to know what parts could (potentially) be negatively affected if I use E10 exclusively. If it is simply the occasional replacement of the fuel pump, I’m not concerned, but are there other parts that are affected negatively by using E10. There is nothing in the handbook about E5 or E10. Nor is there anything under the fuel flap.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Unfortunately, we can’t currently advise on imported vehicles, so can only recommend that you continue to use E5 fuel.
Thanks
Hello
I have an IS250 which was registered in September 2007 with registration D8LWH. would this fall into the E5 category? I can’t seem to tell from the fuel cap or the manual.
thank you
Hi David,
Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 can’t use E10.
Your vehicle falls into this category, so we recommend continuing to use E5.
Thanks
I’m confused as I have an RX300 with the reg: GY05 PKO – is my engine E10 compatible? Many Thanks.
Hi Ian,
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 2005 RX 300 can use E10.
Thanks
Hi all. I’m 90% sure I’ll be OK. I have a 99 Lexus is200 sport reg T281 RMY.
I’m just getting back on the road and I’d just like to check I’m OK with E10.
Thanks gang
Hello Dan,
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
As your car was manufactured after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
I have a Lexus LS400. First registered in 1996 (UK). Can I use E10 petrol?
Hello James,
Thanks for getting in touch.
As your vehicle was produced before January 1998, you cannot use E10 fuel.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
What should I do as I have inadvertently filled my Lexus LS400 1996 with E10?
Hi James,
As your vehicle was not designed to run on E10 fuel, we recommend removing the fuel as soon as you can.
Thanks
Hello Lexus,
Could you please let me know if my IS 250 55 plate can use E10 as it mentions a particular engine? Is that engine model 4GR-FSE in all IS250 between those years or could I have another engine type for a SE-L model IS250.
Thanks
Hello Farhan,
Thank you for contacting us.
Please provide us with your vehicle registration and we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Can my lexus Gs450h use E10 fuel, reg gp57sye
Hello Mick,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
As your vehicle is manufactured after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.