The wait for the next generation of luxury is over. Lexus has officially launched the eighth-generation 2026 Lexus ES, marking a radical shift for the brand's best-selling sedan. For the first time in its 37-year history, the ES moves into the all-electric era, offering both battery-electric (BEV) and hybrid (HEV) powertrains on a single "multi-pathway" platform.
The eighth-generation 2026 Lexus ES officially launched in India on March 20, 2026.
Elegance, Electrified: The New Powertrains
Lexus is leading the launch with its all-electric variants, the ES 350e and the high-performance ES 500e. These models are built on a reinforced version of the TNGA-K platform, specifically adapted to house a 74.7-kWh battery in the floor.
| Model | Powertrain | Horsepower | Range (Est.) | Drive Type |
| ES 350e | Single Motor BEV | 221 hp | 307 miles | FWD |
| ES 500e | Dual Motor BEV | 338 hp | 276 miles | DIRECT4 AWD |
| ES 350h | 2.5L 6th Gen Hybrid | 244 hp | TBD | FWD / AWD |
The ES 500e stands out as the athlete of the family, utilizing the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Meanwhile, the ES 350h hybrid, expected to arrive in dealerships this June, features an upgraded sixth-generation hybrid system for better responsiveness.
| Feature | ES 350e (Electric) | ES 500e (Electric) | ES 350h (Hybrid) |
| Powertrain | Single Motor BEV (74.7-kWh) | Dual Motor BEV (74.7-kWh) | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid |
| Total Horsepower | 221 hp | 338 hp | 244 hp |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | DIRECT4 All-Wheel Drive | FWD or AWD |
| 0-60 mph Time | ~7.0 – 7.5 seconds | 5.1 seconds | ~7.0 – 7.5 seconds |
| EPA-Est. Range | 307 miles | 276 miles | TBD |
| Charging | 10-80% in ~30 mins | 10-80% in ~30 mins | N/A (Gas Refuel) |
| Starting Price (U.S.) | $48,795 | $51,795 | $50,995 |
| Availability (India) | N/A | Available (₹89.99 Lakh) | Expected Later |
Pricing and Availability
In a surprising move, the all-electric ES 350e Premium starts at a competitive $48,795, making it one of the most accessible luxury EVs in its class. The top-tier ES 500e Luxury starts at $60,195.
For the Indian market
Lexus ES 500e (Electric): ₹89.99 Lakh
Lexus ES 350h (Expected Price): ~₹70.00 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Lexus ES 350e (Expected Price): ~₹89.99 Lakh (ex-showroom)
No, not all three models have launched in India. Lexus is taking a staggered approach to the rollout.
Here is exactly where each model currently stands in the Indian market:
Lexus ES 500e (Launched): This top-tier, dual-motor electric model is the only one currently available. It just launched on March 20, 2026, at an introductory price of ₹89.99 Lakh.
Lexus ES 350h (Coming Soon): Lexus has officially confirmed that this traditional strong-hybrid model will be coming to India, but it hasn't launched yet. It is expected to arrive later in 2026.
Lexus ES 350e (Not Available): The entry-level, single-motor electric variant has not been launched in India, and Lexus has not announced any official plans to bring it over. For now, they are exclusively offering the higher-performance ES 500e for EV buyers.
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