The all-new Lexus ES 350h has been launched in India, with prices ranging between Rs 66.10 lakh and Rs 71.80 lakh (ex-showroom). The new hybrid variant adds to the ES lineup in India which already consists of the all-electric 500e variant. Built on the TNGA GA-K platform, the eighth generation of this Lexus sedan introduces an all-new design inside and out. Bookings for the new ES have commenced today.
- ES 350h is available in two trims: Exquisite and Luxury
- It’s powered by a 244hp, 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder strong-hybrid powertrain
- ES is locally assembled in India
Here's a look at the prices of the Lexus ES lineup in India:
The new hybrid variants are a lot more affordable than the all-electric 500e that’s priced at Rs 89.99 lakh. Even the higher-spec luxury variant is Rs 18.19 lakh more affordable. Meanwhile, the previous-gen ES 350h was priced between Rs 64 lakh and Rs 69.70 lakh (ex-showroom), which means the new-gen model is Rs 2.10 lakh more expensive.
Lexus ES 350h: powertrain and specs
The new ES 350h is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder strong-hybrid petrol powertrain that’s mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The naturally aspirated petrol mill develops 186hp and 235Nm of torque, while the electric motor, energised by a battery pack, can generate 201hp and 270Nm in isolation. The combined system output of the new Lexus ES comes up to 244hp, and Lexus claims 7.7 seconds for the 0-100kph acceleration run.
Lexus ES 350h: exterior design
The exterior of the 2026 Lexus ES is based on the so-called ‘Provocative Simplicity’ design philosophy, previewed on the LF-ZC concept. This lends the new ES a bold look, combining a cliff-face nose with a coupe-like roofline and angular creases built into the bodywork. The front fascia gets a sealed-off look (no signature Spindle Grille here) and features the ‘twin L-signature’ lamps that are part of the car’s daytime running lights (DRLs). The front-end also features blacked-out vertical elements at the edges of the bumper, which is where the LED headlights are located.
The side façade is characterised by a rising belt line and a rather striking Z-shaped trim element that runs across the doors. The rear of the 2026 Lexus ES also features the distinctive ‘twin L-signature’ lamps at the edges of the bumper, along with a connected LED light bar with ‘Lexus’ lettering in the centre. The fastback-like sloping roof also gives it a sporty touch.
Interestingly, there are no differences in design between the hybrid and all-electric versions of the ES. Compared to its predecessor, the new ES is 170mm longer, 55mm wider and 130mm taller. The wheelbase has also gone up by 80mm.
Lexus ES 350h: interior and features
The interior of the new ES showcases what Lexus calls a “Clean Tech x Elegance” design concept, which aims to visually enhance cabin space. Overall, the dashboard design is clean and minimalistic, with a large floating 14-inch touchscreen taking centre stage, although there are very few physical controls/switches. However, on the panel below the touchscreen and on the steering wheel, you do get proximity-sensing controls that illuminate upon detecting one’s hand. Furthermore, surfaces such as the speaker grilles and 3D-printed door pads now get LED illumination for a more contemporary look and feel. It also gets a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster that’s housed within a hooded binnacle.
Adding to this is a Mark Levinson premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and two wireless phone chargers. Some of the other features of the 2026 Lexus ES include powered front seats with heating and ventilation, 3-zone climate control, a head-up display, a digital IRVM, multi-colour ambient lighting, rear window sunshades and a power-operated bootlid. Covering the safety side of things are active nannies including radar-guided cruise control, lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive high-beam assist and driver drowsiness monitor. The new Lexus ES also comes with 10 airbags, surround-view cameras, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, hill-hold assist, electronic stability control and all-round parking sensors.
Traditionally, the Lexus ES is a rival to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6, but it sets itself apart by offering hybrid and all-electric powertrains in the company of its German rivals that come with petrol and diesel engines.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
