The wait for a silent, sustainable Lexus sedan in India is officially over. Today, March 20, 2026, Lexus India officially launched the eighth-generation ES 500e, marking the brand’s first-ever all-electric offering for the Indian market. Priced at ₹89.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the ES 500e isn’t just a new engine option—it’s a complete reimagining of the executive sedan that has long been a favorite for those who value comfort over lap times.
Built on the heavily updated TNGA-K platform (shared with the new Toyota Camry), the ES 500e arrives as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), though Lexus has hinted at future local assembly to scale operations.
A Design That Drops the Grille
The most striking change is the face. For the first time in decades, the iconic “Spindle Grille” has been retired. In its place is a smooth, aerodynamic central panel flanked by vertical air curtains.
- Futuristic Lighting: The sedan features “Twin L-signature” LED headlamps and Z-pattern indicators that give it a sharp, shark-nose aesthetic.
- Increased Proportions: The new ES is 165 mm longer and 55 mm wider than its predecessor, with an 80 mm increase in wheelbase.
- India-Specific Tweak: Recognizing local road conditions, Lexus has raised the ground clearance by 20 mm specifically for the Indian market, bringing it to a respectable 158 mm.
Performance: Dual-Motor “DIRECT4” AWD
Under the floor sits a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Unlike the front-wheel-drive hybrids of the past, the ES 500e utilizes a dual-motor setup delivering 343 PS (338 bhp) and 438 Nm of torque.
- Range: It boasts a claimed range of 580 km on a single charge.
- Charging: With 150 kW DC fast charging, you can juice up from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes. Lexus is also bundling an 11 kW AC home charger with every car.
- Speed: Despite its comfort-first mission, it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 5.5 seconds.
The “Oasis” Cabin and Rear Seat Luxury
Lexus calls its new interior philosophy “Clean Tech x Elegance.” The dashboard is dominated by a massive 14-inch touchscreen with Google Gemini AI integration, but the real magic is in the rear.
- Boss Mode & Ottoman: The rear left passenger can utilize “Boss Mode” to slide the front passenger seat forward and deploy a power-adjustable ottoman for a true lounge experience.
- Digital Innovations: The cabin features “hidden” touch-capacitive switches that only illuminate when your hand approaches.
- Audiophile Grade: A 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system comes standard, specifically tuned for the near-silent environment of an EV.
Safety and Competition
Safety is handled by the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which includes Level 2 ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control and a 360-degree 3D-view monitor. At its sub-₹1 crore price point, the ES 500e sits in a sweet spot, undercutting the Mercedes-Benz EQE while offering more rear-seat luxury than the BMW i3.
