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Australia is due to receive the first electric Lexus sedan by the end of September, alongside a hybrid.
Electric Cars
Lexus is due to launch the new-generation ES luxury sedan in Australia in the third quarter of this year (July to September) with a choice of hybrid and electric power.
The Lexus ES is already on sale in the US in a choice of ES350e front-wheel-drive and ES500e all-wheel-drive electric variants, alongside an ES350h hybrid, with a less powerful petrol-electric ES300h available elsewhere.
Prices are yet to be announced by Lexus for Australia, but it is likely to cost more than the $65,540 before on-road costs entry RRP of the current ES300h.
Power and range for Australian-delivered models remain unconfirmed, but overseas models use a 165kW front electric motor in the ES350e, with claimed ranges of up to 494km in US EPA testing, or 530km under European WLTP protocols, with a 76.96kWh battery.
The higher-spec ES500e uses 165kW front and 88kW rear electric motors for a combined output of 252kW and claimed range of 444km in tough US EPA lab testing.
DC fast charging is rated at up to 150kW, for a claimed fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent battery capacity in 30 minutes.
A hybrid is locked for Australia to join the electric grades, likely the ES350h combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors for 182kW combined in US versions, driving the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission.
A less powerful ES300h hybrid will be available in certain markets, producing 145kW or 148kW, depending on the region.
Inside the ES is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, assisted by connected services through a phone app, and a voice assistant for key functions.
Touch-sensitive controls replace physical switches for the air temperature and seat memory – illuminated when the car is started – while the fan speed and seat heating have moved into the touchscreen.
The ES features the Lexus brand's latest suite of advanced safety features, which include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist, speed and stop sign recognition, and automatic high beams.
More details of the 2027 Lexus ES are due closer to its local showroom arrival.
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