The Lexus ES 300h and ES 350e are the two entry points into the all-new eighth-generation Lexus ES. One is a self-charging hybrid that continues the ES's petrol-electric legacy. The other is the first-ever battery electric ES, and the first electric sedan Lexus has offered in Australia. Both wear the same Clean Tech x Elegant design language, share the same interior tech, and start within $2,000 of each other. What sets them apart is what happens under the bonnet, and how each fits into the way you drive.

This comparison covers pricing, powertrain, range, charging or refuelling, and running costs for both variants, so you can decide which fits your commute, your driveway, and your longer trips.

The 2026 Lexus ES: A New Era for the Sedan

The all-new ES is the biggest single evolution of the model since it was introduced in Australia in 1992. It moves onto an updated GA-K platform, grows in every exterior dimension, and adopts the most spacious cabin ever fitted to an ES. A 14-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Lexus's latest Multimedia system arrive across every variant.

For the first time, the ES is available as a battery electric vehicle, alongside the returning ES 300h hybrid. Two BEVs are on offer, both in Sports Luxury specification: the ES 350e Sports Luxury as the single-motor entry to electric ES ownership, and the ES 500e Sports Luxury as the range-topping dual-motor performance flagship. This comparison focuses on the two variants most buyers will cross-shop: the ES 300h and the ES 350e.

Lexus ES 300h at a Glance

The ES 300h continues the hybrid story that began with the sixth-generation ES in 2012. It pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Lexus's sixth-generation hybrid system, which now includes a new eAxle and a lithium-ion hybrid battery. Combined system output is rated at 144 kW, sent to the front wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. That figure is down from the previous generation's 160 kW, but the new ES 300h posts a quicker 0 to 100 km/h time thanks to the updated hybrid system and eAxle.

Fuel consumption sits at around 4.5 L/100 km on the combined cycle, in line with the outgoing generation. Paired with a 50-litre fuel tank, that gives a real-world range of over 1,000 km on a single fill. No plug is required. The hybrid battery charges itself as you drive, using recovered braking energy and the petrol engine.

In Australia, the ES 300h is offered in two forms: the Luxury at $84,175 drive away*, and the Luxury with Enhancement Pack at $92,470 drive away*. It's launching in the second half of 2026, after the electric variants.

The ES 300h suits you if:

• You cover long distances, particularly interstate or regional driving
• You don't have home charging installed and don't want to rely on public networks
• You want a familiar refuelling experience, with fill-ups in minutes
• You value the calm, refined driving character the hybrid ES is known for, without changing your ownership habits

Lexus ES 350e at a Glance

The ES 350e is the first battery electric sedan in the Lexus range, and the entry point to electrified ES ownership. A single 165 kW electric motor drives the front wheels, powered by a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Lexus quotes energy consumption of 164 Wh/km using the WLTP cycle. Australian range figures are still to be confirmed, though European versions of the ES 350e are rated between 493 km and 581 km on a full charge.

Charging is supported at up to 150 kW on DC fast chargers and 22 kW on three-phase AC at home. Three-phase home charging can bring the ES 350e from low to full overnight, while a 150 kW public DC charger handles a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in around half an hour. The 350e also carries every piece of new ES technology, including the latest Lexus Multimedia system, Lexus Safety System+, and Intelligent Parking Assist.

The ES 350e is offered in Sports Luxury trim at $86,275 drive away*, a $2,100 premium over the ES 300h Luxury. It's launching in Australia ahead of the hybrid, in the middle of 2026.

The ES 350e suits you if:

• Most of your driving is city, suburban, or moderate-distance commuting
• You have off-street parking with access to a home wall charger (single or three-phase)
• You want the quietest, smoothest ES experience Lexus has produced
• You're comfortable planning longer trips around Australia's growing DC fast-charging network

How They Compare

Here are the two variants side-by-side.

Specification	Lexus ES 300h Luxury	Lexus ES 350e Sports Luxury
Starting price	$84,175 drive away*	$86,275 drive away*
Powertrain	2.5L petrol + hybrid system	Single electric motor
Total power	144 kW	165 kW
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Transmission	eCVT	Single-speed
Battery	Lithium-ion hybrid	74.7 kWh lithium-ion
Fuel consumption / energy use	~4.5 L/100 km	164 Wh/km
Refuelling / charging	Petrol pump, minutes	22 kW AC home, 150 kW DC public
Australian range (indicative)	Over 1,000 km per tank	493 to 581 km (European figures)
Launch timing	Second half of 2026	Middle of 2026

The ES 300h Luxury with Enhancement Pack sits at $92,470 drive away*, which is $6,195 above the ES 350e Sports Luxury. That's worth knowing if trim level matters to you: the electric ES 350e is offered exclusively in Sports Luxury specification and comes better equipped than the base 300h Luxury for close to the same money.

Which Suits Your Driving?

The pricing is close enough that neither variant is really the budget option. This is a decision about how you drive and where you park.

For city and suburban commuters with home charging, the ES 350e is the more compelling pick. Daily driving on quiet electric power, cheap overnight top-ups, and none of the fuel-station stops that come with a petrol car. Sydney's growing public DC network makes longer trips manageable, though a bit more planning is required than with a hybrid.

For country drivers, high-mileage owners, or anyone without home charging, the ES 300h is the more practical fit. A 1,000 km-plus range per tank means fewer stops on longer journeys, and refuelling anywhere in Australia takes minutes. The hybrid system also removes charger anxiety on regional routes where DC fast chargers are still spread thin.

For company vehicle or corporate program buyers, both variants are eligible for the Lexus Corporate Program, which includes preferential pricing, three years of complimentary logbook servicing, and Encore Owner Benefits. Fringe Benefits Tax treatment differs between hybrid and electric vehicles, and the ES 350e is likely to qualify for the FBT exemption under the current Electric Car Discount for eligible low-emission vehicles. Talk to your accountant or fleet manager for advice on how that applies to your circumstances.

Running Costs Compared

Running costs are where the ES 350e's advantages come into focus.

Based on 15,000 km a year in NSW:

• Lexus ES 300h at 4.5 L/100 km, using 95 premium unleaded at $2.00 per litre, runs at about $9.60 per 100 km. That's around $1,440 in fuel per year.
• Lexus ES 350e at 164 Wh/km, on a standard NSW residential tariff of 33c per kWh, runs at about $5.41 per 100 km. That's around $811 in electricity per year. On an EV-specific overnight plan such as EnergyAustralia's EV Night Boost at 7c per kWh, the same driving costs about $1.15 per 100 km, or $172 per year.

The gap is real, but it comes with a footnote: those electric numbers assume you can charge at home, ideally overnight on an EV plan. Rely on public DC fast chargers at 60c to 75c per kWh, and running costs climb closer to the hybrid figure. Home charging access is the single biggest factor in the ES 350e's economics.

Servicing on both variants follows Lexus's capped-price schedule under the Encore program, with the electric ES generally requiring fewer wear items over time. Battery warranty on the ES 350e is separate from the vehicle warranty and is worth reviewing with the Lexus of Parramatta team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lexus ES 350e worth the extra $2,000?

The ES 350e sits at $86,275 drive away, just $2,100 above the ES 300h Luxury at $84,175 drive away. On a purchase-price basis alone, the difference is small. What tips the value question is how you'll use the car. For city and suburban buyers with home charging, the fuel savings alone can outweigh the price premium within the first two or three years of ownership. The ES 350e is offered in Sports Luxury specification, which is a higher trim level than the entry ES 300h Luxury.

How long does it take to charge a Lexus ES 350e?

At a 150 kW DC fast charger, the ES 350e can top up from 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 to 35 minutes. On a home 22 kW three-phase AC wallbox, a full charge takes around 4 hours. On a standard 7 kW single-phase home charger, expect an overnight charge from low to full. Actual times vary with battery temperature, state of charge, and charger reliability.

Does the Lexus ES 300h need to be plugged in?

No. The ES 300h is a self-charging hybrid. It generates electricity for its hybrid battery through the petrol engine and regenerative braking. You refuel it with 95 premium unleaded at any service station, and there's no need to install a home charger.

When is the new Lexus ES available in Australia?

The electric ES 350e and ES 500e are launching first, in the middle of 2026. The hybrid ES 300h is scheduled to follow later in 2026. Lexus of Parramatta can confirm current delivery timing based on your build and specification.

How far can a Lexus ES 350e go on a full charge?

Lexus is yet to publish an official Australian WLTP range figure for the ES 350e. European versions of the same variant are rated between 493 km and 581 km on a full charge, depending on wheel size and specification. Australian figures should sit in a similar range and will be confirmed closer to local launch.

What warranty comes with the new Lexus ES?

The Lexus ES is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. The ES 350e's high-voltage battery is covered by a separate eight-year warranty. Both variants include access to the Lexus Encore Owner Benefits Program, which covers complimentary loan cars, roadside assistance, and lifestyle benefits.

Book a Test Drive at Lexus of Parramatta

The all-new Lexus ES is arriving in stages through 2026, with the electric ES 350e leading the range and the ES 300h hybrid following later in the year. The best way to know which suits you is to spend time with both. Contact our team at Lexus of Parramatta on (02) 9204 6520 to register your interest, request a brochure, or book a test drive when the new ES arrives at 10 Church Street, Parramatta.