Lexus sets ‘electric names’ for Lexus ES

It is obvious that renewal is coming for the Lexus ES. The ES is the luxurious sister model of the Toyota Camry, and that once extremely popular sedan recently received a very extensive update. We have known since the end of 2021 what a similarly updated ES could look like. Then Lexus presented a photo showing (presumably) the complete future line-up, and it also shows an ES-like sedan. Just like with the Camry, it seems at first glance to be a facelift, and that is what Carscoops concludes. However, this is not (completely) correct, because the rear window style is different than it is now. The rear door engages with the C-pillar in a different way, which means that it is undergoing a more drastic renovation than is usually the case with a facelift.

The nose is completely new, and features a design that we know from the LBX and the TX, which is not available in Europe. The most interesting thing about this new ES, however, is not its previously presented appearance, but the recorded names that have been unearthed by Autoguide. In addition to ES 350h, undoubtedly replacing the current ES300h hybrid, these are ES 350e and ES 500e. Lexus uses that ‘e’ for electric models, such as the existing UX 300e and the RZ 450e. Lexus therefore seems to want to introduce electric versions of the ES sooner or later. This would mean that, just like BMW, electric cars in this segment will be based on existing models, and that Lexus will therefore have a direct rival to the BMW i5 with an electric ES.

Some caution is in order, because an electric ES on the current platform would be the first car on the TNGA-K platform with an electric powertrain. Lexus has done the same trick before with the smaller TNGA-C base, but the electric UX has some serious handicaps even after the recent update. What exactly Lexus plans to do with the ES is therefore still up in the air.