The eighth generation Lexus ES has been launched in India at a price of ₹89.99 lakh ex showroom, making it the first fully electric Lexus to be introduced in the country. Built on the TNGA-K platform that it shares with the Toyota Camry. Available only in the 500e variant currently, the ES is equipped with a 74.66 kWh battery pack and offers a claimed driving range of up to 580 kilometres.
Lexus ES 500e – Exterior Design
In terms of exterior design, the 2026 Lexus ES adopts a completely new visual identity that moves away from the brand’s traditional styling cues. The most noticeable change is at the front, where the signature spindle grille has been replaced by a closed off grille section. The headlamps feature a twin L signature design and also function as daytime running lights. The front bumper integrates blacked out vertical elements on its edges.
Along the sides, the ES retains a sleek silhouette with a sloping rear profile. A Z shaped trim element runs across the doors, adding a unique design highlight to the otherwise minimal surfaces. The sedan rides on 21 inch aero optimized alloy wheels that contribute to both efficiency and aesthetics. At the rear, the design continues the modern theme with twin L signature elements positioned at the edges, complemented by a slim connected LED tail lamp that spans the width of the vehicle. The Lexus lettering is prominently placed at the centre.
Dimensionally, the new ES has grown significantly compared to its predecessor. It measures 5145 mm in length, 1920 mm in width and 1575 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2950 mm and a ground clearance of 158 mm. This makes it 170 mm longer, 55 mm wider and 130 mm taller than the previous model, while the wheelbase has increased by 80 mm.
Lexus ES 500e – Interior Design and Features
Inside the cabin, the ES follows a minimalistic design philosophy that Lexus describes as CleanTech X Elegance. The dashboard is dominated by a centrally positioned floating 14 inch touchscreen, with a notable reduction in physical buttons and switches. The cabin incorporates 3D printed door pads with integrated LED illumination, adding a layer of visual sophistication. The driver is presented with a 13.3 inch LCD instrument cluster, while a 17 speaker sound system from Mark Levinson ensures a premium audio experience.
The feature list is extensive and includes a single pane sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, three zone climate control, a heads up display, a digital inside rear view mirror, multi colour ambient lighting and a power operated boot lid.
Lexus ES 500e – Safety Features
Safety is a key area of focus in the new ES. It comes equipped with 10 airbags, a surround view camera, electronic parking brake with auto hold and hill hold assist, electronic stability control and all round parking sensors. In addition, the sedan offers advanced driver assistance systems such as lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive highway assist and driver drowsiness detection, enhancing both active and passive safety.
Lexus ES 500e – Battery and Range
Powering the ES 500e is a 74.66 kWh battery pack paired with a dual motor setup, with one motor mounted on each axle. The front motor produces 227 horsepower and 267 Nm of torque, while the rear motor generates 120 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. The combined output stands at 343 horsepower and 438 Nm of torque, enabling a 0 to 100 km per hour acceleration time of 5.5 seconds. Lexus claims a driving range of around 80 kilometres.
Charging options include a 150 kW DC fast charger that can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes, as well as an 11 kW AC home charger. The vehicle and battery are covered by an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty. Lexus claims a range of 580 km on one full charge .
Lexus ES 500e – Market Positioning and Rivals
Lexus has also confirmed that a 350h petrol hybrid variant will be introduced later this year, powered by a 2.4 litre four cylinder hybrid engine, offering an alternative for buyers not ready to transition fully to electric mobility.
In terms of market positioning, the eighth generation Lexus ES occupies the mid size luxury sedan segment in India, where it broadly sits alongside established models such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series. However, it is important to note that all of these rivals are currently internal combustion engine models, which means the ES, being a fully electric offering, does not compete with them in the strictest sense. Instead, it plays in the same price and luxury bracket while offering a fundamentally different powertrain approach. In the electric vehicle space, a closer rival would be the BMW i5 M60, which is the electric counterpart to the 5 Series, although it is positioned significantly higher with pricing closer to ₹1.2 crore ex showroom.