3 reasons to buy the Lexus ES 500e and 2 to skip it

The Lexus ES 500e is the brand’s first all-electric model in India and is priced at Rs 91.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Its 74.68kWh battery powers two electric motors that produce a combined 343hp and 438Nm, with Lexus claiming a range of 580km. We’ve driven the ES 500e to see what works well and what doesn’t.

Pros

1. Smooth, linear power delivery

The ES 500e has 343hp and 438Nm from its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, but it doesn’t feel intimidating from behind the wheel. Power builds in one smooth, predictable surge, with a quick response that never feels abrupt. Even in Sport mode, the delivery remains easy to modulate, making the ES 500e feel more relaxed than its performance figures suggest.

2. Excellent refinement

This is one of the ES 500e’s strongest qualities. Lexus has done a good job of keeping wind, road and tyre noise out of the cabin, and even at highway speeds there is little more than a faint whoosh from the ORVMs. Combined with the quietness of the electric powertrain, it makes the ES 500e a particularly calm car to spend time in.

3. Spacious cabin

The ES 500e’s 5,145mm length and 2,950mm wheelbase translate into a roomy cabin, particularly for rear passengers. There is plenty of legroom and the seats themselves are well shaped and comfortable. The front seats also get heating and ventilation, adding to the car’s long-distance comfort.

Cons

1. Range

The 74.68kWh battery has a claimed WLTP range of 580km, but real-world numbers hover around the 380km mark. That is a sizeable gap and means long-distance journeys will need more planning, particularly when compared with what you might expect from a large luxury EV with this size of battery.

2. Ride quality

The ES 500e’s ride is firmer than the 350h, partly because of the changes made to handle the EV’s additional weight. The 21-inch wheels and relatively low-profile tyres compound the issue, with low-speed bumps and expansion joints making their presence felt in the cabin. It is more settled at highway speeds, but ride comfort is still not a strong point for a car of this size and price.