Electric Lexus ES to be launched in RHD Australia in Q3 2026 – will it be launched in Malaysia?

The eight generation Lexus ES was first unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025 and has been launched in left hand drive markets so far. Built on the Lexus GA-K platform, it marks the first time the ES has been available with a pure electric powertrain alongside ICE-equipped hybrid variants.

Now we have news that the new ES, especially the electric variant, will indeed have a right hand drive version as Lexus Australia has announced that it will be launched in the land down under in Q3 2026.

The ES was unveiled with two different electric variants. Built on a 400V platform, the electric ES can be charged at up to 150 kW DC and uses a 74.7 kWh battery pack. The front-wheel drive ES350e produces 224 PS (165 kW) and has a range of around 685 km on China’s ridiculously lenient CLTC cycle, while the ES500e delivers dual-motor all-wheel drive and 343 PS (252 kW), with a slightly shorter range of 610 km.

For those who want to stick with ICE power, the ES is available as both front wheel drive and AWD variants – a 197 PS ES300h with a 2.0 NA engine, and 201 PS ES300h AWD and 247 PS ES350h versions with 2.5 NA engines.

What are the chances for the electric ES coming to Malaysia, and at a competitive price? There might be hope for a Lexus ES350e with an appealing price tag if UMW Toyota Motor can import it from the new Lexus factory being built in Shanghai, expected to be ready in 2027. This is because China-sourced EVs are slapped with a lower tax bill.

GALLERY: Lexus ES at Auto Shanghai 2025
GALLERY: 2025 Lexus ES official photos

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