The Lexus ES sedan might not be as successful as the closely related Camry or even the RX SUV, but it still has a reserved spot in the automaker’s future lineup. Now, new trademark filings suggest the Lexus ES will gain new hybrid and fully electric powertrains, with a future update that could arrive sooner than you might expect, following the example set by the 2025 Toyota Camry. Lexus trademarked the ES350h, ES350e and ES500e names, suggesting that the current ES250, ES350, and ES300h will be replaced in the mid-size model’s range.
For those unfamiliar with Lexus’ naming
strategy, the ‘h’ abbreviation at the end of each name denotes hybrids, ‘h+’ is
reserved for PHEVs, and ‘e’ designates models with fully electric powertrains.
As such, the ES350h could share the AWD self-charging hybrid system with the
RX350h, positioned above the existing FWD-only ES300h. On the other hand, the
ES350e and ES500e are expected to feature fully electric powertrains. At the
moment, it’s difficult to speculate on the electric powertrain options since
Toyota and Lexus have yet to unveil fully electric models based on the TNGA-K architecture.
Still, as reported by AutoGuide that discovered the patents, the ES500e will
likely be the new flagship model of the lineup.
Speculation about a fully electric Lexus
ES began in December 2021 when a midsize sedan appeared in an official teaser
as part of the future EV lineup. While the carmaker didn’t provide any specific
information about the mysterious models in the background, the sedan shared the
same profile as the existing ES, albeit with a redesigned face. As seen in a
zoomed-in photo posted by the Club Lexus Forum, the upcoming EV features
slimmer LED headlights and a much cleaner design for the front bumper without
the characteristic “Spindle grille”. While this could be an early mockup for
the presentation, it certainly gives us an idea of what to expect.
The sixth-generation Lexus ES was
originally introduced in 2018 and received a mid-lifecycle update in 2021,
followed by numerous, but less extensive, model-year updates. Normally, 2025
would be an ideal time for launching a new generation. However, the teaser
suggests that a second facelift for the Lexus ES might be under development
with the new hybrid and EV powertrains.
Lexus plans to offer a fully electric
option for each one of its models by 2030, with the goal of becoming an EV-only
brand by 2035.
