Lexus ES500e Launched In The UAE: The Executive Sedan Finally Goes Fully Electric

Lexus has just taken a significant step in the UAE. Al-Futtaim and Lexus officially launched the all-new ES500e, the first pure electric version of the brand’s long-running executive sedan at AED 275,000 inclusive of VAT.

The ES500e shared the stage with the RZ500e, making this a double first for Lexus in the region: its first two fully electric models available locally. While the RZ covers the SUV side, the ES500e is aimed squarely at traditional luxury sedan buyers who still prefer four doors, rear leg space, and a boo in a low-slung sedan.

Lexus ES Electric: Key Specs & Price

The UAE-spec ES500e arrives in a single top-spec Platinum trim with dual permanent-magnet electric motors and Lexus’s DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system. Combined output is 338hp, with 268.6Nm from the front motor and 169.8Nm from the rear. The battery is rated at 74.6kWh and uses a CCS2 charging port.

Lexus ES Electric Dimensions: 

• Length: 5,140mm
• Width: 1,920mm
• Height: 1,560mm
• Wheelbase: 2,950mm

Lexus claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds while the official range figure is 465km. This figure will obviously vary based on usage patterns, air-conditioning use, etc. 

Exterior and Interior Highlights

Outside, the car gets Twin L Signature LED headlamps with Adaptive High-beam System, LED blade-style tail lamps, soft-closing doors, a power tailgate, panoramic glass roof, 21-inch AERO-exclusive wheels and logo projection courtesy lamps.

Inside you will find semi-aniline leather seats with heating and ventilation, a 14-inch multimedia display with wired Apple CarPlay, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a digital rear-view mirror, wireless charging and multi-colour door trim illumination. Safety equipment includes Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, Head-Up Display and Advanced Park.

EV vs Hybrid: How It Compares to the Hybrid ES?

The hybrid ES, sold as the ES350h, produces 244hp from its petrol-electric system and focuses on smooth, self-charging strong hybrid efficiency. The ES500e steps up significantly with 338hp from dual electric motors, plus you get the added performance and safety of all-wheel drive.

Acceleration is the clearest difference. The electric model reaches 100km/h in roughly 5.5 seconds, while the hybrid is notably slower at 7.7 seconds. The ES500e also delivers instant torque and a silent driving experience, whereas the hybrid still has the familiar petrol engine power band and sound under harder acceleration.

On running costs, the gap is larger. With October 2026 petrol prices sitting between AED 4.21 and AED 4.40 per litre, a hybrid ES still incurs regular fuel bills, although lower than traditional petrol cars. The ES500e will cost significantly lesser, especially if you charge at home or work. The trade-off is charging time and planning versus the hybrid’s simple “fill and go” convenience.

The comes the price. A similarly-specced Platinum AWD hybrid model is priced at AED 255,000, which is around AED 20,000

lower than the EV. This isn’t a massive difference and the additional cost can be recovered within a couple of years, depending on usage. 

In short: the hybrid remains the lower-commitment, more familiar choice. The ES500e is quicker, quieter and cheaper to run day-to-day, provided you have reliable access to charging. Read our detailed guide on whether you should buy an EV or hybrid for more clarity. 

A Reputation Built on Reliability

The Lexus ES has been part of the Lexus lineup since 1989. Across eight generations it has become one of the most trusted executive sedans in the GCC. While German rivals chased sharper handling and more performance, the ES focused on comfort, quietness and long-term dependability.

High-mileage examples routinely cross 500,000km with only routine maintenance, and some well-kept cars go well past that figure. That reputation for durability is a big reason the model has remained popular even as SUVs took over the roads.

Why Electric Makes Sense Now

Fuel prices in the UAE have been volatile. October 2026 saw petrol rise by as much as AED 0.60 per litre, with Super 98 reaching AED 4.40. Fuel tank fill-up costs increased drastically, and as always, a big spike in fuel prices drives an increase in demand for EVs. 

For drivers covering long daily distances, the cost difference between a conventional or hybrid sedan and a pure EV becomes hard to ignore. Home or workplace charging turns most kilometers into a predictable and easily managed expense.

Editor’s Take

Lexus did not need to rush an electric ES. The hybrid versions have been perfectly adequate for years. But the timing feels right. Fuel prices are high, the charging network is improving, and the ES name still carries genuine trust here. 

The ES500e is not trying to be the fastest or longest-range electric sedan. It is trying to be the most Lexus one: quiet, comfortable and definitely unlikely to leave you stranded. Well, as long as you make sure there’s juice in the battery. 

Browse through over 27,000 listings and find the best cars for sale in the UAE.

Stay tuned to the UAE’s most popular auto blog for more automotive content.