Lexus has updated one of its most famous sedans, and it is now available with both electric and hybrid powertrains. Prices for the new MY26 ES model line have already been announced for the US market, and they may come as a surprise.
Available Electric
The base electric model is the front-wheel-drive ES 350e in the Premium trim. Its starting price is $48,795, making it the most affordable in the lineup and one of the most affordable luxury electric sedans on the market. This version develops 220 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The more expensive Luxury trim for this same model costs $57,195.
The new ES is one of the most affordable luxury electric sedans on the market, at least on paper.
Power and All-Wheel Drive
For those seeking more dynamics, Lexus offers the all-wheel-drive ES 500e with two electric motors. In the Premium trim, it costs $51,795, and in the Luxury trim — $60,195. This model delivers 338 horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
The Range Question
A key factor for buyers may be the difference in range. Both electric versions cannot boast outstanding figures, but the ES 350e with its estimated 300 miles (about 484 km) looks significantly more practical than the ES 500e, whose range is limited to 250 miles (about 402 km).
Hybrids as an Alternative
For those concerned about “range anxiety,” Lexus continues to offer hybrid versions. The ES 350h combines an electric motor with a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing a total of 243 hp. The front-wheel-drive version in the Premium trim costs $50,995, which is $2,200 more than the base electric sedan. The all-wheel-drive hybrid is another $1,400 more expensive. For hybrids, a Premium+ trim is also available, adding $4,800 to the price.
Updated Design and Interior
The new generation ES has undergone a radical redesign. The car has become more than 150 mm longer, received a new platform, and sharper, more expressive body lines. The interior is dominated by a 14-inch touchscreen, which works in tandem with a digital instrument panel. New ambient lighting and bamboo-inspired trim aim to create a lounge atmosphere rather than just a cockpit.
It is also worth noting that previous generations of the ES for the American market were produced at the Lexus plant in Kentucky; however, the new models will be imported exclusively from Japan, as Toyota has decided to discontinue production of this sedan in the USA.
Lexus ES Model Prices
Model
ES 350e Premium: $48,795
ES 500e Premium AWD: $51,795
ES 350e Luxury: $57,195
ES 500e Luxury AWD: $60,195
ES 350h Premium: $50,995
ES 350h Premium AWD: $52,395
ES 350h Premium+: $55,795
ES 350h Premium+ AWD: $57,195
*All prices include a $1,295 delivery, processing, and handling fee.
The presentation of the updated Lexus ES clearly demonstrates the brand’s strategy to gradually introduce electrification into its most popular models, offering buyers a choice. Interestingly, the base electric variant turned out to be cheaper than the hybrid, which is a rather unusual phenomenon in the market. However, the limited range, especially of the more powerful all-wheel-drive version, could be a serious deterrent for many customers accustomed to the long-range capabilities of traditional cars. The success of the new model in the market will largely depend on how willing luxury-class buyers are to sacrifice travel distance for environmental friendliness and new technologies, and whether the build quality and premium experience from Lexus justify such compromises.