Lexus launches eighth-generation ES in South Korea with first electric ES models
In short
Lexus Korea launched the eighth-generation ES in Seoul on October 13, adding the ES line's first battery-electric models. The electric range starts at 71.6 million won, 1.3 million won below the entry hybrid.
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Lexus Korea introduced the eighth-generation ES sedan in South Korea on October 13 at a media event in Seoul's Gwangjin district. The redesigned model adds battery-electric versions to the ES range for the first time. It includes five electric trims under the ES 350e and ES 500e names and four hybrid trims under the ES 350h name. [ 1 , 5 ]
Electric models are priced from 71.6 million to 84.9 million won, while hybrids range from 72.9 million to 80.8 million won. The prices include VAT and are based on a 5% individual consumption tax. The ES 350e Premium costs 1.3 million won less than the ES 350h Premium. A Lexus Korea representative said the pricing was intended to lower the purchase burden for the brand's first electric sedan and broaden electrification choices. [ 2 , 5 ]
The front-wheel-drive ES 350e has a 74.69-kWh lithium-ion battery, a combined range of 478 km and efficiency of 6.0 km per kWh. It supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kW and AC charging at up to 11 kW. Lexus says charging from 10% to 80% takes 28 minutes at 25°C. The all-wheel-drive ES 500e produces 347 PS, with a combined range of 435 km for the Premium trim. [ 1 , 16 ]
The hybrid ES 350h uses a sixth-generation 2.5-litre hybrid system. Its front-wheel-drive version has combined fuel economy of 19.4 km per litre, while the new all-wheel-drive version achieves 18.3 km per litre. The redesigned GA-K platform accommodates both hybrid and electric powertrains. The car measures 5,140 mm long and 1,920 mm wide, with a 2,950-mm wheelbase. [ 1 ]
The new ES also includes connected services developed with LG Uplus. The company offers a high-voltage battery warranty of 10 years or 200,000 km for electric models. The launch is the first complete ES redesign in South Korea since the seventh-generation model arrived in 2018, Yonhap reported. [ 1 , 5 ]
Why it matters
Buyers can now choose between electric and hybrid versions of the ES, including an all-wheel-drive hybrid. Lexus says the lower electric entry price is intended to reduce purchasing costs and widen electrification choices.
Key facts
- The lineup has five electric and four hybrid trims. [ 1 , 5 ]
- Electric prices range from 71.6 million to 84.9 million won; hybrids cost 72.9 million to 80.8 million won, including VAT and using a 5% individual consumption tax. [ 5 ]
- The ES 350e has a 74.69-kWh battery and a combined driving range of 478 km. [ 1 , 5 ]
- Lexus says fast charging from 10% to 80% takes 28 minutes at 25°C. [ 1 , 16 ]