Lexus has launched the 8th-generation ES sedan, the ES 500e, in India at ₹89.99 lakh. This will be Lexus India's first electric vehicle in the lineup and will compete with the BMW i5 and the upcoming Mercedes EQE sedan.
New electric powertrain
The Lexus ES 500e is equipped with a dual motor setup with a combined output of 334bhp and 438Nm from a 74.68kWh battery with a claimed range of 580km. The ES 500e can be fully charged in 7 hours using an 11 kW home charger and can go from 10% to 80% SOC in 28 mins using a 150kW DC fast charger.
Flashy on the outside
The Lexus ES sedan is based on the Lexus TNGA-K platform and will be larger than the outgoing model. Measuring 5140mm in length, it is 165mm longer, 55mm wider and 100mm taller. The wheelbase is also stretched by 80mm compared to the outgoing ES, which should make it roomier on the inside.
It has the twin L-signature headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and LED turn indicators, along with connected taillights with illuminated Lexus badging at the back. Down the side, there is a pronounced crease that is highlighted with a gloss black trim. It has a sloping rear roofline and features a new 21-inch aero alloy wheel design.
Minimalism on the inside
The interiors of the new Lexus ES are a huge departure from the previous generation. Gone is the button-heavy dashboard layout of the previous one, replaced by a cleaner, minimalist dashboard design, with most of the car's features now controlled by a new 14-inch infotainment touch screen. The controls located on the centre console are also touch capacitive, but the steering wheel has regular physical buttons.
Other features include a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, electric sunroof, ADAS system, 10-airbags, surround-view cameras, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, hill-hold assist, electronic stability control, Mark Levinson sound system, boss mode for the front seat, reclining rear seats, etc. Lexus also claims it has prioritised the NVH levels by increasing the sound insulation on the door pads as well as using thicker window glass.
Pricing and rivals
Priced at ₹89.99 lakh ex-showroom India, the Lexus ES is around ₹22 lakh more than the outgoing ES 300h and will go up against the BMW i5 and the upcoming Mercedes EQE electric sedan.
