The luxury car space in India just got a serious upgrade. Lexus has rolled out its first fully electric vehicle in the country—the ES 500e—and it’s not just another EV. It’s a bold step into the future, blending premium comfort with cutting-edge electric tech.
Priced at Rs 89.99 lakh (ex-showroom), this eighth-generation ES sedan is built on the TNGA-K platform, shared with the Toyota Camry, but carries a distinctly Lexus personality.
So, what makes this electric sedan stand out? Let’s break it down.
Design
The new Lexus ES 500e doesn’t whisper luxury—it announces it. The design has evolved into something sharper and more futuristic compared to its predecessor.
Up front, the signature Lexus grille is gone, replaced by a sleeker, minimalist air intake with stylish diamond-pattern inserts. The Z-shaped LED daytime running lights double as turn indicators, giving the car a unique lighting signature. Interestingly, the main headlights are subtly hidden, adding to the clean aesthetic.
From the side, the car gets a strong character line running across the body, paired with black accents and newly designed alloy wheels that enhance its sporty vibe. Move to the rear, and you’ll notice a slim LED light bar stretching across the width, featuring illuminated “LEXUS” branding. Chrome details and sculpted lines complete the premium look.
Interior
Step inside, and it feels like a tech lounge on wheels. Lexus calls it “Clean Tech x Elegance,” and it lives up to that name.
The cabin is designed to feel open and calming. Lower window lines, slimmer seats, and a large panoramic sunroof create a spacious environment. The materials? A mix of synthetic leather and suede, available in two elegant color themes.
Tech takes center stage here. You get:
- A 12.3-inch digital driver display
- A massive 14-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Proximity-based controls that light up as your hand approaches
And here’s a cool touch—ambient lighting that syncs with music through the speaker grilles. It’s like your car has its own mood lighting system.
Lexus has also improved NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) insulation, making the cabin quieter than ever. Even the steering wheel branding now spells out “Lexus” instead of just showing the logo—a subtle but classy update.
Features
The ES 500e is packed with features that make every drive feel first-class.
Comfort Highlights:
- Powered front seats with memory and ventilation
- Rear seats with massage function
- Multi-color ambient lighting
- Head-up display
- Power-operated boot
Safety Tech:
Safety is where Lexus really flexes its engineering muscle.
- 10 airbags
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane change assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Collision mitigation system
- Driver drowsiness alert
- 360-degree camera
- Parking sensors all around
Think of it as having a co-pilot that’s always alert, even when you’re tired.
Power
Now let’s talk performance—the heart of any EV.
The ES 500e is powered by a 74.69 kWh battery pack paired with dual electric motors. Together, they produce 338 hp, delivering smooth yet punchy acceleration.
Here’s a quick look at the key specs:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 74.69 kWh |
| Power Output | 338 hp |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.7 seconds |
| Range | 580 km (claimed) |
| Drivetrain | Dual Motor (AWD) |
With a 0–100 km/h time of just 5.7 seconds, this luxury sedan isn’t just about comfort—it can move when you want it to.
Range
Range anxiety? Not here.
Lexus claims a driving range of 580 km on a single charge, which puts it comfortably among the top contenders in the premium EV segment. Whether it’s daily commutes or long highway drives, the ES 500e seems built to handle both with ease.
Charging infrastructure is still evolving in India, but with this kind of range, you won’t be hunting for a charger every few hours.
Platform
The ES 500e is built on the TNGA-K platform, a flexible architecture that also underpins the Toyota Camry. However, Lexus has fine-tuned it for luxury and performance.
This platform allows:
- Better weight distribution
- Improved ride quality
- Enhanced safety
It’s like building a luxury apartment on a strong foundation—you get both comfort and durability.
Future
Interestingly, while the ES 500e is fully electric, Lexus hasn’t abandoned hybrid tech. The company plans to introduce hybrid variants of the ES in India later.
This dual strategy—EV plus hybrid—gives buyers flexibility. Not ready to go fully electric? A hybrid option will soon be on the table.
The ES 500e, however, clearly signals where Lexus is headed: a more electrified future.
In the end, the Lexus ES 500e isn’t just about going electric—it’s about redefining what a luxury sedan can be in an EV era. It blends performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology in a way that feels both futuristic and familiar.
If you’re looking for a premium electric sedan that doesn’t compromise on luxury, this might just be your next ride.
FAQs
What is the price of the Lexus ES 500e?
It starts at Rs 89.99 lakh ex-showroom.
What is the range of ES 500e?
It offers a claimed range of 580 km.
Is the Lexus ES 500e fully electric?
Yes, it is Lexus’s first EV in India.
How fast is the ES 500e?
0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.
Does it have safety features?
Yes, includes 10 airbags and ADAS tech.
