Lexus Korea launches eighth-generation all-new ES, its first with an EV, starting at 71.6 million won

[Financial News] Lexus Korea officially launched Lexus’s flagship premium sedan, the all-new ES, in Korea on the 13th.
Launched alongside the Lexus brand in 1989, the ES was first introduced in Korea when Lexus entered the country in 2001. Over the past 25 years, it has established itself as a flagship Lexus model, known for its quietness, comfortable ride and high reliability. Lexus Korea says the ES 300h, launched in Korea in 2012, helped popularize hybrid sedans and drive growth in the country’s premium hybrid market.
The eighth-generation, fully redesigned all-new ES will be offered in nine grades, including five BEV grades and four HEV grades: the ES 350e and ES 500e, the first battery-electric vehicles in the ES lineup, and the ES 350h, equipped with a sixth-generation hybrid system.
Prices for the all-new ES, including VAT and based on a 5% individual consumption tax, are 71.6 million won for the BEV ES 350e Premium, 80.2 million won for the ES 350e Luxury, 83.9 million won for the ES 350e VIP, 77 million won for the ES 500e Premium and 84.9 million won for the ES 500e Luxury. The HEV prices are 72.9 million won for the ES 350h Premium, 77.8 million won for the ES 350h Luxury, 75.9 million won for the ES 350h AWD Premium and 80.8 million won for the ES 350h AWD Luxury. In particular, the ES 350e Premium is priced 1.3 million won below the ES 350h Premium, reducing the cost burden of buying a BEV.
Lexus Korea held a media conference that day at the Theater of Light in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to provide details about the all-new ES.
The ES 350e is equipped with a 74.69-kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering a combined driving range of 478 km on a single charge and combined energy 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, and can fast-charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in 28 minutes.
The ES 500e delivers a combined output of 347 PS through the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, which uses an eAxle on both the front and rear axles. The ES 500e Premium has a combined driving range of 435 km on a single charge and combined energy efficiency of 5.3 km per kWh.
The hybrid ES 350h features a downsized and lightweight sixth-generation 2.5-liter hybrid system that improves responsiveness. Despite its larger body than the previous generation, it achieves combined fuel economy of 19.4 km per liter. An AWD model has also been added, marking the first time the ES hybrid has used the E-Four electronic all-wheel-drive system; its combined fuel economy is 18.3 km per liter.
The vehicle uses a newly designed GA-K platform that accommodates both hybrid and electric powertrains. At the rear, it features a five-link multilink suspension for the first time in an ES, improving both ride comfort and cornering stability. The body measures 5,140 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and has a 2,950-mm wheelbase—165 mm, 55 mm and 80 mm larger, respectively, than the previous generation.
The design is based on the “Clean Tech x Elegance” concept and applies a “Spindle Body” to the front, extending the identity of the existing spindle grille across the entire body.
The all-new ES newly features Lexus’s next-generation connected service, Lexus Connect. Developed in collaboration with LG Uplus Corp. and tailored to the Korean market, the service supports remote engine start and climate control through the Lexus Remote smartphone app, 24-hour emergency assistance calls and AI voice recognition powered by Naver Clova, among other features.
Support programs have also been introduced for electrified-vehicle customers. The BEV high-voltage battery is covered by a warranty for 10 years or 200,000 km. Lexus is also introducing Lexus Care BEV+ for the period after the standard warranty expires. Under the program, if the vehicle passes an annual inspection at an official Lexus service center, parts related to the drive and charging systems and other key electrical systems are covered for up to 10 years or 200,000 km. The Amazing Switch installment program, which guarantees residual value, has also been expanded to include BEVs. For the ES 350e Premium, it guarantees a basic residual value of 50% (35.8 million won) after three years, rising to as much as 60% when the deferred amount is included.
Lexus Korea President Manabu Konayama said, “The ES has grown alongside customers in Korea over the past 25 years and established itself as a flagship Lexus model.” He added, “Building on the trust we have earned over the years, the all-new ES marks a new turning point by expanding electrification choices to include BEVs. It will be a model that shows the new changes Lexus will create in the future.”
[email protected] Kim Dong-chan Reporter