First Look Review: Lexus ES Electric expands Lexus’s midsize lineup

Update: The article has been updated to reflect information about the 2027 model year for the U.S.

Renewing the ES for its ninth generation, Lexus has expanded its best-selling sedan’s lineup to include a pure-electric variant for the first time.

The company introduced it as a MY2026 model in the U.S. and recently updated it for MY2027. Earlier, we had a chance to check out a similarly equipped Euro-spec unit, and here are some key observations from our time with the all-new Lexus ES Electric:

Design

The ES Electric incorporates Lexus’ new “Clean Tech x Elegance” design philosophy. Inspired by the LF-ZC concept, the new electric sedan features a reinterpreted spindle body that integrates into the front fascia, replacing the traditional grille. Its low hood and sculpted fenders create a sporty and assertive stance.

The proportions have been optimized around an underfloor battery. The side profile presents taut surfaces and a flowing roofline that tapers sharply toward the rear.

The “Twin L-Signature” daytime running light design defines the front, while the rear features a full-width “L-Signature” light bar integrated with an illuminated Lexus logo.

Interior

A 6.5 in. increase in the length and a 3.1 in. longer wheelbase provide a noticeably roomier cabin compared to the seventh-gen ES.

The cockpit follows the Tazuna layout, aligning key controls naturally with the driver’s vision. A low-profile 12.3-inch digital cluster pairs with a 14-inch central touchscreen powered by the latest Lexus Interface system.

This interface adds split-screen operation, a redesigned home layout, faster responses from the voice assistant, and integrated navigation in the cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

The materials include new Bamboo Layering and Synthetic Leather Embossing trim, accentuated by ambient lighting. Audiophiles will appreciate the Mark Levinson Surround Sound System, which delivers an immersive 3D soundstage.

For customers prioritizing rear-seat luxury, the optional Executive Package includes reclining seats, a passenger-side ottoman, massage, and ventilation functions. The ES Electric is the first Lexus equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0).

As part of 2027 model-year updates, Lexus has stopped including Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) in the Convenience Package. This means customers can no longer access these advanced driver assistance functions in the Premium trim.

Experience in the Lexus ES Electric

Getting into the Lexus ES Electric, I noticed the floor is a little raised, but sliding into the seat is still easy. The front seats feel immediately comfortable, with strong back support and good shoulder support from the extended shoulder sections.

Headroom is good, and the adjustable headrest provides proper neck and head support. Under-thigh support is very good, and the armrests are also comfortable.

Outward visibility is not an issue. Despite the long body and slightly sloping roofline, rearward visibility also feels fine. The driving position feels relaxed and easy to settle into, and nothing about the seating or glass area makes the car feel difficult to place from behind the wheel.

I am not fully convinced by the rubberized touch-style buttons for the climate controls. They sit in a middle ground between physical and digital and do not offer a very tactile feel. The knurled roller for volume feels better in comparison and is easier to use without taking attention away from the road.

With the front seat set for a six-footer, the rear seat offers a very generous amount of space. There is ample knee room and legroom, and headroom is also good, with three adjustable headrests. The rear seat area feels properly luxurious, and nothing here feels cheap.

However, I could not slide my size-12 shoes under the front seat, which slightly affects foot room. The center armrest feels substantial, and the rear seats get touch-operated controls, including for seat recline. The side windows are long, and the rear doors get manual sunshades.

Rear passengers also get air vents and an ambient light strip across the rear vent area, and the door panels are illuminated as well. This car has a sunroof, not a panoramic glass roof. Sitting three abreast is not ideal due to the prominent center tunnel, so the rear is better suited for two passengers rather than three.

Specifications

The 2027 Lexus ES Electric is available in two variants in the U.S.: 350e (FWD) and 500e (AWD), both built on a reinforced version of Lexus’ GA-K architecture optimized for BEVs. The battery pack mounted under the floor lowers the center of gravity, enhancing balance and cornering precision.

The 2027 Lexus ES Electric is 202.4 in. long, 75.6 in. wide, and 61.4 in. tall and has a 116.1 in. wheelbase. The 350e variant, with 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and achieves a top speed of 99 mph.

As for the 500e variant, it adds a rear motor producing 118 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Lexus states 338 hp of system power but does not mention the total torque. The 0-60 mph sprint time reduces to 5.1 seconds and the top speed increases to 112 mph.

A 74.7 kWh battery pack is standard, and it delivers an EPA-estimated range of up to 307 miles in the 350e variant and up to 276 miles in the 500e variant. Charging it from 10% to 80% SoC via an AC charger takes approximately 7 hours. A 10-80% DC charging session takes approximately 28 minutes.

The U.S.-spec 2027 ES has an NACS connector, and Lexus includes a CCS to NACS AC plug adapter and a CCS1 to NACS DC plug adapter as standard.

Price & Release Date

Lexus will sell the 2027 ES Electric in the U.S. in Premium and Luxury trims. The company plans to offer both trims in the 350e and 500e variants, with prices starting at USD 49,005 (incl. USD 1,395 DPH fee).

Configuration	2027 Lexus ES Electric Price*	2026 Lexus ES Electric Price*	Difference
350e Premium	USD 49,005	USD 48,895	USD 110
500e Premium	USD 52,005	USD 51,895	USD 110
350e Luxury	USD 57,405	USD 57,295	USD 110
500e Luxury	USD 60,405	USD 60,295	USD 110

Also See: First Look: Lexus LS Concept previews future direction of the flagship

The 2027 Lexus ES Electric will start arriving at U.S. dealerships in September 2026.