The Lexus ES has historically been a foundational model for the luxury brand since its inception in 1989. Even as market trends shifted away from traditional sedans, the ES has maintained its position as a standard-bearer for classic luxury. With the Lexus LS flagship ceasing production after 37 years, the ES now stands as the longest-running nameplate and de facto flagship sedan within the Lexus lineup, at least for the foreseeable future.
To meet its evolving role and align with broader industry trends towards electrification, the 2027 Lexus ES introduces a significant powertrain overhaul. It will now be exclusively available as either a hybrid or a full electric vehicle (EV). This strategic shift represents a notable departure for Lexus, marking its first EV built on a platform shared directly with its hybrid counterpart.
Unlike models such as the Lexus RX, which has a distinct RZ electric equivalent, or the Lexus TX with its separate TZ electric alternative, the 2027 Lexus ES opts for a unified approach. Both the hybrid and EV variants are broadly similar, maintaining the core identity of the ES range. This review aims to dissect the offerings, evaluating which powertrain option emerges as the more compelling choice for consumers considering the 2027 Lexus ES.
Key Takeaways
- The 2027 Lexus ES is exclusively offered as a hybrid or a full electric vehicle, marking a significant step in Lexus’ electrification strategy.
- Four configurations are available: ES350h FWD, ES350h AWD (hybrid), ES350e FWD, and ES500e AWD (EV).
- The ES350e EV boasts a lower starting price than the ES350h hybrid, alongside significantly reduced running costs due to lower electricity prices compared to premium fuel.
- The EV models offer a smoother, quieter, and generally more responsive driving experience compared to the hybrid, particularly in acceleration.
- Lexus has introduced updated software across both powertrains, enhancing navigation, EV-specific route planning, and overall user interface.
- Exclusive luxury features, such as reclining and massaging rear seats, are available only on the electric ES variants (Luxury trim and Executive Package).
- Despite the clear advantages of the EV in cost and performance, Lexus anticipates that hybrid sales will initially account for approximately 80% of the 2027 Lexus ES models sold.
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2027 Lexus ES Powertrain Specifications and Performance
The 2027 Lexus ES lineup introduces a range of electrified options, presenting consumers with four distinct configurations: the ES350h FWD, ES350h AWD (hybrid models), and the ES350e FWD, ES500e AWD (electric vehicle models). Understanding the nuances of each is crucial for prospective buyers of the 2027 Lexus ES.
The ES350h hybrid variants share a common 244 horsepower powertrain. While power output remains consistent, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version benefits from enhanced traction, achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in 7.1 seconds, marginally quicker than the front-wheel-drive (FWD) model’s 7.3 seconds.
Moving to the fully electric options, the ES350e FWD serves as the direct electric counterpart. It produces slightly less horsepower at 221 hp but compensates with greater torque, delivering 198 lb-ft compared to the hybrid’s 173 lb-ft. Despite a reported 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds, the ES350e often feels more responsive and urgent in real-world driving scenarios. This perceived immediacy stems from the instantaneous torque delivery inherent to electric motors, contrasting with the hybrid’s need for both the engine and electric motor to reach maximum power.
Performance Metrics for the 2027 Lexus ES350e
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $48,895 |
| Battery | 74.7 kWh NCM li-ion |
| EV Range | Up to 307 miles |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Output | 221 hp / 198 lb-ft |
| Speed 0-60 MPH | 7.4 seconds |
| Weight | 4,608 lbs |
| Cargo Volume | 13.3 cubic feet |
If speed is the goal, though, the dual-motor ES500e AWD dusts both of the 350s. Its 338-hp powertrain makes it two seconds quicker to 60 than the hybrid, doing the deed in 5.1 seconds. That’s quick enough that EV fans would call it “normal,” hybrid fans would consider it “surprising, and the average Lexus ES owner would probably deem it scary.
What you gain in speed, however, you lose in range. Both EV variants use the same battery, good for up to 307 miles of range in the ES350e or 276 miles in the ‘500. On either model, stepping up from the base 19-inch wheels to the optional 21’s dings range. Both charge from 10-80% in 28 minutes on a factory NACS port, Toyota says.
For its part, the hybrid is about as efficient as gas-powered luxury cars get. EPA figures come in at 48/44/46 city/highway/combined for the FWD model and 47/42/44 for the AWD version.
Beyond the powertrain differences, the hybrid and electric 2027 Lexus ES models exhibit remarkable similarity. Passenger and cargo space figures are identical. Visually, the primary distinctions are a small front slot for engine cooling and a gas cap at the rear on the hybrid, versus a flush nose and a front-mounted charge port on the EV. Both also feature unique wheel options designed for their respective powertrains.
Driving Dynamics and Refinement
The inherent mission of the Lexus ES has always been to deliver a supremely comfortable and unobtrusive driving experience. It aims to be the epitome of plushness and smoothness in its class, prioritizing effortless cruising and serene highway journeys over aggressive performance driving. This philosophy was evident during the launch event, which featured extensive urban and freeway driving alongside occasional winding roads.
Both the hybrid and electric variants of the 2027 Lexus ES uphold this core mission. The steering offers direct feedback, and handling remains predictable, confirming its role as a sophisticated daily driver. The cabin provides a high-quality environment with excellent seating, contributing to a pleasant experience during commutes or long-distance travel. However, the optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, while premium, did not consistently deliver the outstanding audio fidelity observed in other Lexus models.
The fact that I’m talking seats and speakers on paragraph two of the “driving experience” section should tell you what you need to know. This is a car for being inside of, not for driving in the enthusiast sense, and I like that quite a bit. In the summer after senior year of high school, I had an early-start, 40-hour-a-week job at a car dealer 45 minutes from home. I’d drop my mom at work, then take her 2007 Lexus ES350 the rest of the way myself.
Lexus has consistently excelled in refining these smaller, yet critical, aspects of the luxury experience. The 2027 Lexus ES maintains this standard, offering intuitive controls and a generally pleasant interface. The ride quality retains a plush character, though it has evolved to be noticeably firmer over the years. With the standard 19-inch wheels, the ride is acceptably compliant. However, upgrading to the larger 21-inch wheels can lead to an occasionally jarring experience over significant road imperfections, impacting ride comfort and reducing electric range.
Regardless of the chosen powertrain, the overall driving experience of the 2027 Lexus ES is smooth. Yet, for ultimate refinement, the EV naturally holds an advantage. The ES350e minimizes instances of power surging, eliminates the vibrations and noise associated with a four-cylinder engine cycling on and off, and offers a more consistent power delivery. While Lexus maintains its stance against true one-pedal driving, the EV’s variable regenerative braking settings allow for a degree of customization in the deceleration experience.
Advanced Technology and Exclusive Features
A significant technological advancement for the 2027 Lexus ES is the integration of Lexus’s new software suite. This update brings a customizable home screen, more detailed navigation displays directly within the gauge cluster, and crucial EV-specific functionalities such as route planning and 5G connectivity. This represents a substantial leap forward for the brand.
While Lexus has been catching up to competitors in terms of infotainment technology, this new software stack elevates the ES to be competitive within its segment. The displays are sharp, and menu navigation is responsive and polished, though still offering slightly less configurability compared to some rivals. Crucially, the software now feels purpose-built for an electrified future, addressing previous gaps in EV-specific features.
The ES350e and ES500e electric models benefit from a comprehensive array of EV-specific software options. These include advanced route planning that considers charging stops, charge management features, preconditioning capabilities, customizable charging schedules, and charge rate limits. Furthermore, vehicle-to-load (V2L) management is supported. An intriguing feature is the option to disable battery cooling during charging, the rationale for which was not explicitly detailed by the Lexus team during the review.
This expansion of EV functionalities is a welcome development for Lexus, signaling a more robust commitment to the electric vehicle market. While more controls have migrated to the central touchscreen, the user experience remains intuitive. Physical buttons for essential functions like temperature control and defrost are retained, avoiding a fully capacitive interface. Key settings, such as heated/cooled seat controls, are persistently displayed on the screen for easy access.
Lexus has also incorporated a customizable Quick Control menu, allowing drivers to map frequently used settings to the top-right corner of the screen. An integrated dashcam feature automatically saves clips during emergency braking events or collisions, enhancing safety. Both hybrid and EV versions of the 2027 Lexus ES support digital keys through Apple, Google, or Samsung Wallet, enabling smartphone-based vehicle access and eliminating the need for a traditional key fob.
However, if you want all of the gadgets on offer, you’ll have to go electric. The Luxury trim is only available for the 350e and 500e, and includes things like semi-aniline leather, passenger-side memory seats, an automatic parking feature that you can control via your smartphone app, and ambient lighting highlighting “forged bamboo” trim.
Most notably, the Luxury trim is required to get the Executive Package, which offers reclining, massaging rear seats and a power ottoman on the passenger side. With one button, you can fold the front seat forward and kick your legs back, using the included rear touchscreen to adjust your climate and heated/cooled seat controls.
Price and Running Cost Analysis
Often, the discussion around electric vehicles versus hybrids culminates in the assumption that EVs inherently carry a higher upfront cost. However, the 2027 Lexus ES challenges this conventional wisdom significantly. The ES350e electric variant starts at $48,895, including destination charges. This figure positions it as $2,200 more affordable than its hybrid counterpart, the ES350h, which commences at $51,095.
This initial price advantage for the EV is merely the beginning of its financial benefits. Considering the operational costs, the ES350h, requiring premium gasoline, incurs substantial annual fuel expenses. Based on the national average price of $5.35 per gallon for premium fuel (at the time of review) and an average annual driving distance of 13,476 miles, the ES350h would cost approximately $1,638.54 per year in fuel.
In stark contrast, operating the ES350e electric vehicle presents significant savings. Utilizing the previous year’s national average home electricity rate, covering the same annual distance would cost an estimated $666. This represents nearly a thousand dollars in annual savings. Even accounting for potential fluctuations in gasoline prices, or if a portion of charging occurs at more expensive public stations, or if lower-grade fuel is used in the hybrid, the electric 2027 Lexus ES maintains a substantial financial advantage in running costs.
Furthermore, even opting for the more powerful and quicker ES500e AWD, priced at $51,895, still presents a compelling value proposition. While slightly more expensive than the base FWD hybrid, the difference is minimal enough to be recouped in under a year through fuel savings alone, all while enjoying enhanced AWD traction and superior acceleration. It is also notable that the ES500e is more affordable than the AWD hybrid, which carries a sticker price of $52,495.
Beyond the direct fuel/electricity costs, electric vehicles typically boast lower maintenance requirements due to fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines. Lexus also offers an eight-year warranty on the EV battery, adding another layer of long-term financial security and reinforcing the overall appeal of the electric 2027 Lexus ES in terms of total cost of ownership.
Conclusion: The Future of Luxury Electrified
A comprehensive 2027 Lexus ES Review reveals a compelling narrative favouring the electric variants. The ES350e and ES500e models offer a superior driving experience characterized by enhanced quietness, smoother operation, and quicker acceleration. They also present a lower upfront purchase price and significantly reduced running costs, estimated at less than half that of their hybrid counterparts. Additionally, electric vehicles typically require less maintenance, come with robust battery warranties (eight years for Lexus EVs), and offer environmental benefits through zero tailpipe emissions.
A practical, yet often overlooked, advantage for EV owners during colder months is the ability to pre-heat the car in an enclosed garage without concerns about toxic fumes. This convenience enhances the overall ownership experience for the electric 2027 Lexus ES.
Despite these clear advantages, Lexus anticipates that the hybrid models will initially dominate sales, projected to account for approximately 80% of total ES sales. This forecast reflects a common trend where established luxury car buyers, particularly those in older demographics, may exhibit a preference for familiar hybrid technology over navigating the nuances of public fast charging and EV preconditioning. Such transitions in consumer behaviour often require time for broader acceptance and education.
However, the trajectory of technological advancement suggests that the electric vehicle will ultimately prevail in the luxury sedan segment. When presented with an option that is demonstrably smoother, quieter, faster, less expensive to operate, easier to maintain, and likely more reliable in the long term, consumer preferences gradually align. For early adopters and those ready to embrace the shift, the 2027 Lexus ES EV stands as an excellent all-electric luxury sedan.
For individuals who are not yet prepared for a full EV transition, the 2027 Lexus ES hybrid remains a commendable choice, offering a tangible reduction in carbon emissions and fuel expenses while providing a comfortable and refined driving experience. Both powertrains represent Lexus’s commitment to an electrified future, catering to diverse consumer needs during this transitional period.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main powertrain options for the 2027 Lexus ES?
The 2027 Lexus ES is available in four electrified configurations: two hybrid models (ES350h FWD and ES350h AWD) and two all-electric models (ES350e FWD and ES500e AWD). This shift means the ES is no longer offered with a conventional internal combustion engine, exclusively embracing hybrid and EV technology.
Is the 2027 Lexus ES EV more expensive than the hybrid?
No, the 2027 Lexus ES350e EV is actually more affordable than its hybrid counterpart, the ES350h. The EV starts at $48,895, while the hybrid begins at $51,095. This makes the electric version a more attractive initial purchase for many buyers, challenging common perceptions about EV pricing.
What is the estimated electric range of the 2027 Lexus ES EV?
The 2027 Lexus ES350e FWD offers an impressive estimated electric range of up to 307 miles on a single charge. The more powerful ES500e AWD variant has a slightly reduced range of up to 276 miles. Both figures can be affected by wheel size, with 21-inch wheels potentially reducing range.
How do the running costs compare between the hybrid and EV models?
The electric 2027 Lexus ES models offer significant savings in running costs. Based on national averages, the EV could cost approximately $666 annually for electricity, compared to about $1,638.54 for premium gasoline for the hybrid, leading to nearly $1,000 in annual savings for EV owners.
What exclusive features are available only on the electric 2027 Lexus ES?
The electric 2027 Lexus ES models are eligible for the top-tier Luxury trim and Executive Package. These exclusive options include semi-aniline leather, passenger-side memory seats, automatic parking assist, and most notably, reclining and massaging rear seats with a power ottoman, controlled via a rear touchscreen, enhancing passenger comfort significantly.
What is Lexus’s expectation for the sales mix of hybrid versus EV models?
Lexus anticipates that the hybrid versions of the 2027 Lexus ES will initially account for approximately 80% of total sales. This projection indicates that while the EV offers several advantages, consumer adoption patterns suggest a slower transition, with many buyers preferring the established hybrid technology first.
Does the 2027 Lexus ES feature new infotainment software?
Yes, the 2027 Lexus ES receives Lexus’s updated software suite. This includes a customizable home screen, enhanced navigation displays in the gauge cluster, and specific EV functionalities like route planning. The system also supports 5G integration and digital keys through various smartphone wallets, making it more competitive in the luxury segment.