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 been trying to make contact with Jake Weaver regarding the RELAX warranty. I have read with interest the 60 messages regarding the warranty and the lack of clarity between RELAX and the 2-4-1 extended purchased warranty. I like many owners are in a dilemma about claiming a refund or running 2 warranties side by side. I did contact Lexus UK customer support asking for a simple matrix of what the differences are. I was told ” nobody else has asked for this, and we are not in a position to produce one”. What should have been a real plus for Lexus has turned out to be confusion for the end user, which will only be clarified when a claim is made, which may be too late by then.
Surely Lexus are better than this and should have preempted such questions. I am more than happy to provide all the back up emails attempting to get a sensible answer. I see you Jake have even confirmed its not something that will be done soon. Poor show Lexus, is this really “experiencing amazing” or more likely being subjected to mixed messages.
Hello Ian,
We are really sorry to hear about the service you have received.
You mentioned that you have been in touch with Lexus UK Customer Support, have you been in contact with our Customer Relations team?
If not, they would be best placed to assist you further.
They can be contacted here – https://www.lexus.co.uk/concierge-tool/contact-us/
Thanks.
Hi, I have a Lexus IS250C registration LD59GGJ. Am I able to use E10 fuel please?
Hello Nigel,
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.
Hi can you tell me if my car is compatible is a Lexus gs300 sport 1997
Hello Gary,
Please provide us with your registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
I have a 1997 Mk1 Lexus GS 300 first generation (140) spec, very low mileage. Reg no. P321LEX. Would not want to cause any damage. Can I use E10 ?
Thanks
Nigel
Hello Nigel,
As your Mk1 GS300 was produced before January 1998, it cannot use E10 fuel.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
I have a Lexus GS300 reg CS55LEX (it’s original reg when first registered was RK57UPC) engine number 3GR-0214502. Please advise if I can use e10 petrol.
Hello Terence,
Please provide the vehicle’s current registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
CS55LEX
Thanks
Hello Terence, thanks for your comment.
Your GS 300 is not compatible with the E10 fuel, you should continue to use E5.
Thanks.
Hello, my Lexus is an IS 250 Convertible, registration A4VMK [registered on 1st Sept 2009] Can I use E10 fuel? Thanks
Hello Andy,
Thanks for your comment.
As your IS 250 Convertible is produced outside of the exception dates for IS 250 vehicles, you can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Can you please tell me if my RX400 reg T400LOT is compatible with the E10 fuel
Hello Ernest,
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
As your RX400 is produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
I have a LS400 1998 can it run on E10 ???????
Hello Bill,
Please provide the vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Thanks. As requested reg number is L40 OSW
Regards Bill
Hi,
Your LS was produced before January 1998, so it can’t use E10.
We recommend continuing to use E5.
Thanks
Thanks. is it Ok to use the fuel additive with E10 rather than get ripped off at the pumps from Premium.
Hello,
We would not recommend using fuel additives.
However, if you were to use the correct volumes, we do not think you would experience any issues.
Thanks.
I have a Lexus RX400h registration EN57ZJJ is this compatible for E10 fuel ?
Hello Gary,
Thank you for contacting us.
As your RX 400h was produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Hello I’m not sure if you are still watching this site as this is my 3rd enquiry regarding E10 and my GS300
Reg VA07 PVW.
Hope to hear back on here or by email please
Nelson H
Hello Nelson,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Lexus GS 300 models with the 3.0-litre V6 3GR-FSE engine made between January 2005 and September 2007 are not compatible with E10 fuel.
As your vehicle was produced in April 2007, it cannot use E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
Hi, I have a Lexus IS250, Engine model 4GR-FSE registration LT10HCK. Am I able to use E10 fuel please? Thank you
Hi,
As stated above, 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 built in 2010, so can use E10.
Thanks