Lexus ES 500e Launched in India at Rs 89.99 Lakh — India's First Lexus EV Is Here

Lexus has officially launched the ES 500e in India and priced it at Rs 89.99 lakh ex-showroom. This is the first fully electric car Lexus has ever brought to India, and the fact that they chose the ES to do it with says something. The ES has been the brand's most popular model in this market for years. Going electric with your best seller is not a cautious move.

The car comes as a completely imported CBU unit. Only one variant is on offer at launch. Bookings are open and deliveries are expected to begin shortly.

The previous ES was smooth and conservative looking. This one is a proper departure from that.

Lexus ES 500e Exterior Design — What It Looks Like

Up front, Lexus has gone with what they call Twin L Signature LED headlamps. Inward-facing L-shaped DRLs pair with outward-facing turn indicators to create a double-L shape at each corner. The traditional Lexus spindle grille is completely gone on the 500e. In its place are air intakes integrated into the lower bumper. The result is a much cleaner, sharper front end compared to anything the ES has worn before.

The car measures 5145mm in length, 1920mm in width and 1575mm in height with a 2950mm wheelbase. That wheelbase is 80mm longer than the outgoing model. The battery sits flat under the floor which means the centre of gravity is lower and the rear passengers get noticeably more legroom.

From the side, flush semi-flush door handles and 21-inch aero alloy wheels keep the profile clean. The roofline slopes gently toward the rear and there is a slim profile sunroof that runs almost the full length of the roof.

At the back, the tail lamps are slim L-shaped units with an illuminated Lexus logo integrated into the bootlid. The rear bumper has a slight taper which Lexus says helps with aerodynamic efficiency.

Four colour options are available for India - Sonic Titanium, Sonic Copper, White Nova and Graphite Black.

Lexus ES 500e Interior Features

Lexus calls the interior layout the Tazuna cockpit. The idea behind it is that all controls should be reachable without the driver having to move their hands away from the wheel unnecessarily. In practice it means the dashboard is clean, uncluttered and focused entirely on the person behind the wheel.

The centrepiece is a 14-inch touchscreen running the latest Lexus Interface multimedia system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported. The driver also gets a heads-up display that projects key information onto the windscreen.

One of the more interesting things about the cabin is the Responsive Hidden Switch. It is a world first for Lexus. A row of haptic touch switches sit in the dashboard upholstery and are completely invisible when the car is off. When you get in and the car powers up, they illuminate and become functional. No physical buttons, no visible panel just a clean surface that comes alive when needed.

The dashboard gets 3D-printed bamboo layering as a trim material. It is paired with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. Two wireless charging pads sit in the centre console. Climate control is three-zone automatic with a nano-ion generator built in.

Two seat upholstery options are available - White Semi Aniline Leather and Hazel Semi Aniline Leather. Both front seats get heating and ventilation. The rear seats get sun shades on the rear doors.

The ambient lighting system comes with six preset mood themes named Ethereal, Serene, Evocative, Invigorating, Mesmerising and Revitalising. Each one creates a different lighting atmosphere in the cabin.

Lexus ES 500e Battery Range and Charging Time

The ES 500e uses a 74.68kWh lithium-ion battery mounted flat under the floor of the car. Claimed range is 580km. Charging from 10 to 80 percent using a 150kW DC fast charger takes 28 minutes according to Lexus's official spec sheet. The car also supports home AC charging.

The Lexus India app connects to the car and lets you monitor charging status, schedule charging, track the car's location and control certain vehicle functions remotely. Lexus calls this the Charge Assist feature.

Lexus ES 500e Engine and Performance

The ES 500e uses dual permanent magnet synchronous motors — one on the front axle and one on the rear — giving it all-wheel drive. The front motor produces 167kW and the rear motor produces 88.3kW.

The DIRECT4 system manages how drive force is distributed between the front and rear axles in real time depending on the driving situation. In normal conditions it keeps things comfortable and efficient. When you need traction or are pushing the car harder, it adjusts automatically.

0-100kmph takes 5.5 seconds. The suspension is McPherson strut at the front and multi-link at the rear, with Adaptive Variable Suspension and pitch and bounce control.

Full Specs from Official Brochure

(Source: Lexus India ES 500e Official Brochure)

Safety

The ES 500e runs Lexus Safety System +4. It covers Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam, Adaptive High Beam System, Blind Spot Monitor and a Driver Monitor system. The Panoramic View Monitor gives a 3D view of the car's surroundings from any angle you prefer on the touchscreen.

10 airbags are standard. ISOFIX child seat mounts are also included.