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 put e10 in my 1999 is200 yesterday as e5 was replaced at pump by e10 . Oddly my mpg has gone up by about 5mpg on average inner city yet i was expecting worse mpg than usual . Is the car ECU doing something different with air/feul mix ? Hoping my feul gauge is working properly
Hi Russ,
Interesting. Reports state that people should expect a slight reduction in the efficiency when switching to E10. We don’t expect the ECU is working differently and can’t really explain it.
Thanks
from what ive found , being light on the pedal makes the car move easier than before on e5 . im actually getting the 23-25mpg inner city lexus say the car gets whereas on e5 inner city 17/18mpg at best . will look into it more . thanks
I have a Lexus is200 sport, registration ND51 EVV. The article and the government’s website, suggest I can use E10 petrol, but I’d like to be sure. Can you advise please? Thank you.
Hi,
Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, your vehicle can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Is my Lexus IS250C, registration LD59GGJ, compatible with the new E10 fuel?
Hi Nigel,
Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 can’t use E10.
Your IS 250 was produced in 2009, so it can use E10.
Thanks
wish to check if 2 lexus I own are E10 petrol compatible.
A) IS 250 SE-L………..Date of 1st UK registration 12th June 2008…..engine number 4GR0475958. ….I think yes, but need confirmation.
B) LS 460 A ……Date of 1st UK registration 17th April 2007…..enginee number 1UR0045951…..I think may be not, but need confirmation.
Finally, why is, say, LS 460 MFC between Aug 2006 and Sept 2007 not suitable, but all other models from 1988 onwards are ?
Hi,
Please provide the vehicle registration for the IS 250 SE-L, so we can check this for you. We want to make sure it wasn’t produced before September 2007.
The LS460 cannot use E10.
Compatibility varies based on the materials used in vehicle construction.
Thanks
wish to check if 2 lexus I own are E10 petrol compatible.
A) IS 250 SE-L………Reg M123YAM ……..Date of 1st UK registration 12th June 2008…..engine number 4GR0475958.
E10 compatible ?? TKS
Hello Farokh,
Thanks for your comment.
As your IS 250 SE-L is produced outside of the exception dates for IS 250 vehicles, you can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
hello have lexus ls460l 2007 reg gy07uts can use e5 or e10
thanks
Hi,
Lexus LS 460 with 4.6-litre V8 1UR-FSE engine made between August 2006 and September 2007 cannot use E10.
Yours was produced in January 2007, so cannot use E10.
Thanks
Is my IS250 E10 compatible Reg K44 RLX
Hi Karl,
Your vehicle was produced in February 2008, so it is compatible with E10.
Thanks
Hello there, how About my is250 ? MC02HEL
best regards
Hello Kamil,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Lexus IS250 models with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 are unable to use E10 petrol.
As your vehicle was produced in July 2007, it cannot use E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
Thank you for your answer, but I have one more question, it’s all About fuel lines that are not suitable for E10 petrol or there’s something else ?
Best regards
Hello Kamil,
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.
Thanks.
Hi There,
I suspect my IS250 cannot use E10 but to double check, LS07 ZZR.
Thanks
James
Hello James,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Lexus IS250 models with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 are unable to use E10 petrol.
As your vehicle was produced in May 2007, it cannot use E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
Hi there,
My Lexus IS250 was first registered December 2007, plate is GY57PFA. Is it safe to use E10 fuel?
Thanks
Hello Kaiza,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Lexus IS250 models with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 are unable to use E10 petrol.
As your vehicle was produced in September 2007, it cannot use E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
Hi, are there any mods for cars on the exception list? Thanks
Hello Brian,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We are unable to advise on vehicle modifications that take the vehicle away from manufacturer’s specifications.
Thanks.