Electric Lexus ES sedans could join hybrids

Lexus appears to be planning an expansion of its ES sedan lineup, with the mid-sized sedan potentially getting new electric variants.

Trademark filings uncovered by AutoGuide show Lexus has filed to protect the ES 350h, ES 350e, and ES 500e nameplates which, based on the brand’s naming structure, points to a new hybrid model and two electric models.

Lexus has previously revealed a concept version of what looks to be an electric IS replacement with the Electrified Sedan Concept, but it hasn’t previewed an electric ES successor.

The rear-wheel drive IS sport sedan departed Australia in late 2021 following the introduction of stricter side impact regulations, leaving the more comfort-focused, front-wheel drive ES as its entry-level sedan. The IS survives in other markets.

The ES is offered here as a petrol-powered ES 250 or a hybrid ES 300h, with overseas markets like the US also getting a V6-powered ES 350.

The trademarked ES 350h nameplate points to a potentially more powerful hybrid system. The current ES 300h has a total system output of 160kW, while the NX 350h crossover has 179kW.

It’s unclear what outputs we could expect from a future ES 350e or ES 500e, though it’s possible the former could feature a single electric motor and the latter dual-motor all-wheel drive.

Lexus’ current electric offerings are limited to the UX and RZ SUVs, which start at $80,720 and $123,000 before on-road costs, respectively.

The Japanese luxury brand has previously confirmed it plans to be electric-only by 2035.

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