The Lexus ES is available in India in two forms: the ES 350h strong hybrid and the ES 500e EV. The 350h was added to the ES range in July, joining the 500e that launched earlier this year. Beyond the new powertrain options, the latest ES gets a larger footprint, a redesigned cabin and a host of new features. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. How much do the Lexus ES 350h and ES 500e cost in India?
The Lexus ES 350h is priced at Rs 66.10 lakh for the Exquisite variant and Rs 71.80 lakh for the Luxury trim, whereas the ES 500e costs Rs 89.99 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom). Both versions get an eight-year/2,00,000km warranty, covering the vehicle and its battery.
2. What powertrain does the Lexus ES 350h get?
The ES 350h uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery. The petrol engine produces 186hp and 235Nm, while the electric motor develops 201hp and 270Nm in isolation. The combined system output is 244hp. Power is sent to the front wheels through an e-CVT gearbox. Lexus claims an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 25.22kpl.
3. What battery, motor and range does the Lexus ES 500e offer?
The ES 500e gets a 74.68kWh battery and two electric motors, one on each axle. The front motor produces 227hp and 267Nm, while the rear motor makes 120hp and 170Nm. The combined output is 343hp and 438Nm, with a claimed 0-100kph time of 5.5sec. Lexus claims a range of 580km on a full charge. The ES 500e supports 11kW AC charging, while a 150kW DC fast charger can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes. A 2.8kW portable charger is also offered.
4. What are the key features of the Lexus ES?
The new ES gets a dual-tone cabin with a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. It also gets a Mark Levinson premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging and three-zone climate control. Other features include powered front seats with heating and ventilation, a head-up display, digital inside rearview mirror, ambient lighting, rear window sunshades and a power-operated boot lid.
One of the ES’s standout features is proximity-sensing controls. Physical controls are integrated into the dashboard and steering wheel and illuminate when they detect a hand approaching, combining touch controls with physical switches.
The exterior gets Lexus’s new design language, with a sealed-off front end, Twin L-signature lighting and a connected rear light bar. The new ES also has a coupe-like roofline and a rising beltline.
5. How spacious is the new Lexus ES?
The new ES measures 5,145mm long, 1,920mm wide and 1,575mm tall. It is 170mm longer, 55mm wider and 130mm taller than the previous-generation model, while the wheelbase has increased by 80mm to 2,950mm. Lexus has increased ground clearance for India by 20mm to 158mm. The larger dimensions are complemented by a lower window line and thinner seats and trim pieces, while the longer wheelbase frees up more space inside the cabin.
6. What safety and ADAS features does the Lexus ES get?
The ES 350h gets Lexus Safety System+, which includes a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor and automatic high beam. It also gets eight airbags, Isofix and top-tether mounts and an emergency brake signal. The Luxury variant additionally gets a drive monitor.
The ES 500e gets 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera setup, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive high-beam assist, radar-guided cruise control, lane-change assist and a driver drowsiness monitor. Electronic stability control and all-round parking sensors are also standard.
7. Where is the Lexus ES made, and which cars does it compete with?
The ES is locally assembled in India. The Lexus ES competes with luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. The ES stands out in the segment by offering buyers a choice of hybrid and fully electric powertrains.