Lexus ES Update Info for MY 2025

The Lexus twin to the Toyota Camry is not going all hybrid. Lexus plans to have an EV version (or 2) of the ES.
Lexus ES Hints At EV Future With ES350e And ES500e | Carscoops

Lexus has trademarked the ES350h, ES350e and ES500e names. It is assumed that the ES350h will share the AWD platform from the RX350h which moves it just ahead of the current ES300h which is FWD only. Probably replaces the ES250 and ES350 as well. The kicker is the addition of not just one but 2 electric only models.

The BEV was previously teased when Toyota revealed their future electric lineup back in 2021.



Based on Lexus numbering scheme, the ES500e will be a more powerful version of the ES350e. Lexus may reserve the ES350e as FWD only and the ES500e as strictly AWD. Of course both could be AWD with the ES500e going RWD bias in my personal opinion only. The 500 versions previously had been reserved for their F Sport Performance models like the TX 500h and RX 500h which have the turbo 2.4L parallel hybrid system or their Luxury hybrid models (LS 500h and LC 500h - both have NA 3.5L V6 4-speed Multi-stage hybrid RWD bias systems).

 

The Carscoops article as mentioned above has been proven incorrect for MY 2025. MY 2025 shows the Lexus ES 300h remains unchanged.
BACK IN BLACK: LEXUS ES BLACK LINE SPECIAL EDITION RETURNS FOR 2025 - Lexus USA Newsroom

The Lexus ES lineup remains relatively unchanged with the same ES 250 (2.5L NA AWD), ES 350 (3.5L NA V6), and ES 300h as the MY 2024. In comparison the 2025 Toyota Camry LE FWD, which is 100% hybrid, has more power 225 (173 kW) vs 215 (160 kW) and better fuel efficiency 51 mpg (4.6L/100 km) vs 44 mpg (5.4L/100km) than the ES 300h. So Lexus has not updated the hybrid system and it remains FWD only. The 2025 Camry XSE AWD has the same efficiency but more power and, of course, AWD while remaining over $8,000 cheaper. My guess is that if you want a V-6 gas-only powered sedan, you'll have to step up to the Lexus brand in North America, since only Lexus retains the V-6 powered sedans: IS 300 AWD, IS 350, LS 500 and ES 350.

Lexus Europe hasn't made any announcements yet on the ES they sell there which is strictly the ES 300h except to say that the ES surpassed 3,000,000 in global sales. The ES 350e and ES 500e may pop up in Europe first but it may appear Lexus has started pumping the brakes on EV introductions in general, at least for the 2025 MY.