Lexus Unveils Eighth-Generation ES Sedan: Drops Gas Engines, Adds EVs, Moves Production to Japan
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12.08.2026 19:36
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2 min read
Lexus has announced the specifications and pricing for the eighth-generation ES sedan for the 2027 model year. Built on the K-Platform Architecture, the model drops traditional gasoline engines entirely in favor of hybrids and EVs, and production has moved from the US to Japan.
Electric ES 350e and ES 500e
The fully electric lineup (BEV) features a 74.7 kWh battery with support for DC fast charging up to 150 kW, allowing a charge from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes.
The EVs come in two versions:
- ES 350e (FWD): front-wheel drive, single electric motor producing 221 hp. EPA range is up to 494 km (307 miles);
- ES 500e (AWD): all-wheel drive, dual-motor setup with a combined 338 hp. It accelerates to 97 km/h in 5.1 seconds, and range is 444 km (276 miles).
Hybrid ES 350h and Interior Features
The hybrid ES 350h is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a sixth-generation hybrid system with a combined 244 hp. It’s available with front-wheel drive or e-AWD with a separate electric motor on the rear axle. The front-wheel-drive version averages 5.1 L/100 km.
Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen, and the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite. The Hidden Switch climate control touch keys with haptic feedback are integrated directly under the leather upholstery of the dashboard and light up when the car starts. The Luxury trim adds infrared foot warmers for front passengers, and the optional Executive package adds rear seats with massage, ventilation, and power leg rests.
Pricing and Availability
Production of the sedan has moved to Toyota Motor Kyushu in Japan, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in September 2026.
US pricing includes the mandatory delivery fee ($1,395):
- ES 350e Premium (Electric, FWD): $49,005
- ES 350h Premium (Hybrid, FWD): $51,200
- ES 500e Premium (Electric, AWD): $52,005
- ES 500e Luxury (Electric, AWD): $60,405
The base electric ES 350e is $2,195 cheaper than the comparable hybrid version, part of the brand’s strategy to boost EV sales.
