Lexus India has just launched the new Lexus ES 500e electric sedan in the Indian market, marking the brand’s entry into the EV space in the country. Along with the electric 500e, the sedan will continue to be offered with a petrol hybrid setup in the form of the 350h, with pricing to be announced later. The new ES 500e is priced at Rs 89.9 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be brought to India via the CKD route. The eighth-generation Lexus ES brings a complete overhaul with a redesigned exterior and cabin, additional features and a new all-electric powertrain option.Battery, rangeUnderpinned by the TNGA-K architecture, which it shares with the Toyota Camry, the electric sedan is powered by a 74.69 kWh battery pack paired with twin electric motors, producing 343hp and 438 nm of torque. It has a claimed range of 580km on a full charge and comes with an 11kWh AC home charger. The hybrid ES 350h, which will be introduced later, gets a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid setup mated to an e-CVT gearbox. The petrol engine produces 178hp and 221Nm, while the electric motor delivers 120hp and 202Nm. Combined output for the system is rated at 247hp.
DesignIn terms of design, the sedan gets a redesigned front with L-shaped DRLs and indicators arranged in a Z-like pattern, while the central headlamps are housed within gloss black elements. The spindle grille has been replaced by a smooth central section with pattern detailing in the lower air vents. The bonnet gets sharp lines extending to the fenders, and vertical air channels on the bumper edges help airflow while adding width.
In profile, the ES takes on a more streamlined look with a defined shoulder line, an aerodynamic crease with gloss black accents, flush door handles and new alloy wheels. A sloping roof with a Kamm-tail design improves airflow. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar with bright ‘Lex’ lettering is the key element, along with a sharp boot edge and L-shaped reflectors. The sedan has also grown in size, measuring 5,145 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,575 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm. It has a ground clearance of 158mm and the company says it has been increased by 20mm specifically for the Indian market.
Interior and featuresThe new Lexus ES adopts a cleaner cabin layout with a greater focus on digital controls, reducing the use of physical buttons. Most functions are accessed via a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with over-the-air update capability, while the center console houses touch capacitive controls. The dashboard uses a layered, horizontal design with soft-touch materials, metallic accents and ambient lighting. It follows a driver-centric layout.
Features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, three-spoke steering wheel with physical controls, head-up display, powered front seats with memory, heating and ventilation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, Mark Levinson sound system and an electrochromic glass roof. Other equipment includes an electronic parking brake, wireless charging, USB ports, multi-zone climate control and an ADAS suite. Rear passengers benefit from extra space and reclining seats, with optional ottoman and massage functions. Features included.
