The 2027 Lexus ES marks a major shift for one of Lexus’ longest-running luxury sedans because buyers can now get the ES as a fully electric vehicle. I recently had an early look at the 2027 Lexus ES 350e Luxury during the Drive Revolution media event in Vancouver, Washington, and this version is aimed much more at buyers who prioritize comfort, quietness and range than outright performance.
The ES 350e uses a 74.7-kWh battery and a single front-mounted electric motor producing 221 horsepower. Lexus estimates zero to 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds, so this is not the performance-oriented version of the electric ES. Instead, the 350e focuses on smooth power delivery, efficiency and the relaxed driving character longtime ES buyers already know.
If the 2027 Lexus ES 350e is on your shopping list, compare dealer pricing and local offers at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com before deciding between the Premium and Luxury trims. The two versions use the same basic electric powertrain, so the price difference is largely about comfort, technology and interior equipment.
Range is one of the strongest arguments for the ES 350e. With the standard 19-inch wheels, Lexus rates it at approximately 307 miles of EPA-estimated range. Choosing the available 21-inch wheels lowers that figure to around 292 miles, so buyers who care about maximizing distance between charges may want to stay with the smaller wheel package.
Charging is handled through a native NACS port, giving owners access to compatible Tesla Superchargers and other public charging networks. Lexus says DC fast charging can take the battery from roughly 10 to 80 percent in about 28 minutes under ideal conditions, with charging speeds up to around 150 kW. An 11-kW onboard charger should also make overnight Level 2 home charging straightforward.
Inside, the 350e Luxury is where the ES starts feeling substantially more upscale. Equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, 14-inch touchscreen, semi-aniline leather, ambient lighting and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. Available features such as a Digital Key and radiant front leg heaters push the cabin even further into luxury-car territory.
Rear-seat comfort is also a major part of the appeal. The latest ES is larger than the previous generation, including additional rear legroom, and the 350e Luxury can be equipped with an Executive Package. That package adds features such as a power-reclining rear passenger seat with an ottoman, heated and ventilated outboard rear seats and massage functionality, giving the ES a much more chauffeur-style experience than most midsize sedans.
The biggest buying decision is whether the Luxury trim is worth the premium. The 2027 ES 350e Luxury starts at about $57,405 including the listed delivery charge, while the less expensive Premium trim uses the same basic battery and 221-horsepower motor. If the upgraded leather, premium audio, additional comfort equipment and available rear-seat luxury features are not important to you, the Premium may offer better value.
If you are cross-shopping, I would also look at electric sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+, BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3. The Lexus takes a different approach than most of them. It is less focused on acceleration and more focused on quietness, ride comfort, rear-seat space and giving traditional luxury-sedan buyers an easier transition into an EV.
Watch the 2027 Lexus ES 350e Luxury video on Everyman Driver:
The bottom line is that the 2027 Lexus ES 350e Luxury makes the most sense for buyers who want an electric sedan with strong range, a quiet upscale cabin and rear-seat comfort rather than sports-car acceleration. The key question is whether the additional luxury equipment is worth paying more than the Premium trim for essentially the same powertrain. Before you buy, compare current dealer pricing and local offers at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com to see which ES 350e configuration offers the best value in your area.
