Lexus Australia has launched the new ES with hybrid and electric powertrains, with only A$2,000 separating the entry hybrid from the cheapest EV version.
Lexus Australia has priced the ES 300h Luxury hybrid from A$75,000 (RM212,000) before on-road costs. The battery-electric ES 350e FWD Sports Luxury starts from A$77,000 (RM217,000), putting the electric version just A$2,000 (RM5,600) above the cheapest hybrid.
It is not a strict equipment-for-equipment comparison, but it still makes the eighth-generation ES one of the cleaner examples of near-EV price parity in the luxury sedan segment.
The upper pair follows the same pattern. The ES 300h Luxury + EP is priced at A$82,000 (RM232,000), while the ES 500e AWD Sports Luxury sits at A$84,000 (RM237,000). Again, the gap is A$2,000.
This also marks a major change for the ES nameplate. Lexus said the ES is available as a battery electric vehicle for the first time, while the ES 300h continues as the hybrid option.
The ES 350e uses front-wheel drive, while the ES 500e adds a second motor for all-wheel drive.
Lexus Australia also lists Interactive Manual Drive for the ES 500e, a virtual manual-style feature exclusive to the higher-output electric variant.
Beyond the drivetrains, the new ES brings a longer and larger body, a more spacious cabin, Lexus Connected Services, a new multimedia system, a digital cockpit and the latest Lexus Safety System+.
In Australia, the close pricing gives Lexus buyers a more direct hybrid-versus-EV choice. The electric ES is close enough in price to make home-charging buyers look twice.
