The short verdict: the ES 350e suits efficiency-focused commuters, and the ES 500e suits drivers who want AWD and stronger performance. Both are quiet, comfortable electric luxury sedans, so the 2027 Lexus ES 350e vs ES 500e decision comes down to drivetrain, range, power, and price. Here at Lexus Stevens Creek in San Jose, we help drivers sort through those differences every day.
You can browse new vehicles as you read, and see the full Lexus electrified lineup if you're comparing options beyond the ES.
2027 Lexus ES 350e vs. ES 500e at a Glance
Lexus equipped the ES 350e with a single motor driving the front wheels, a simple layout built around efficiency. The ES 500e adds a second motor and AWD for quicker acceleration. Both share the same battery and the same refined cabin approach. If you're searching for a Lexus ES hybrid 2027, note that these two models are fully battery electric.
Key Differences in a Quick Comparison Table
Here’s how the two models compare side by side.
| Feature | ES 350e | ES 500e |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single permanent-magnet synchronous motor | Dual motors (221-hp front, 118-hp rear) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | DIRECT4 AWD |
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 338 hp combined |
| Torque | 198 lb-ft | 198 lb-ft front, 125 lb-ft rear |
| 0–60 mph (estimated) | 7.4 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| EPA-estimated range | 307 miles (19-in.); 292 miles (21-in.) | 276 miles (19-in.); 272 miles (21-in.) |
| MPGe (combined) | 127 (19-in.); 121 (21-in.) | 114 (19-in.); 112 (21-in.) |
| Battery capacity | 74.7 kWh | 74.7 kWh |
| DC fast charging (10–80%) | About 28 minutes | About 28 minutes |
| Standard safety | Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 | Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 |
Range and Charging: How Far Each ES Goes
Range is where the single-motor ES 350e pulls ahead. A second motor and AWD add capability, and that comes with a shorter rated distance.
EPA-Estimated Range and Battery Capacity
Both models use the same 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery beneath the passenger compartment. The ES 350e is rated at an EPA-estimated 307 miles on standard 19-inch wheels and 292 miles on available 21-inch wheels. The ES 500e gets 276 miles on 19-inch wheels and 272 miles on 21-inch wheels. Wheel size matters, so compare equivalent configurations.
Real-world range will differ from these estimates. Freeway speeds on Highway 101, hills, and cold or wet weather all affect how far a charge lasts, and so does HVAC use. For longer trips, plan around realistic consumption and a comfortable arrival reserve rather than the maximum number.
DC Fast-Charging and Home Charging Setup
Both models have an NACS (SAE J3400) port behind a power-operated door on the front passenger-side fender, and two adapters come standard: an AC adapter for J1772 Level 2 stations and a DC adapter for CCS fast chargers. DC fast charging from 10% to 80% takes about 28 minutes under ideal conditions at up to 150 kW, though battery level, temperature and the charger’s output all affect your stop.
At home, the onboard 11-kW AC charger supports Level 2 charging in about 7 hours under ideal conditions. A dual-voltage cable is standard for Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V). Most Bay Area drivers will want a Level 2 setup on a 240V outlet. Condo and apartment residents should ask about parking access and charging options early, since that often matters more than a modest range difference.
Battery Preconditioning helps optimize charging speeds in different temperatures. You can activate it from the touchscreen, or automatically when a public charger is set as a Cloud Navigation destination, which requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription. Plug & Charge requires an active Remote Connect trial or subscription plus one-time enrollment in the Lexus app. To see what's on the ground, check our EV and hybrid inventory.
FWD vs. AWD and Single- vs. Dual-Motor Drivetrains
This is the central mechanical choice. The single motor and front-wheel drive keep things simple, while the dual-motor AWD setup brings extra traction and power.
How Each Motor and Drive Layout Works
The ES 350e uses one motor to power the front wheels, a straightforward setup well suited to everyday commuting. The ES 500e pairs that 221-hp front motor with a 118-hp rear motor. Lexus calls its system DIRECT4 AWD. It reads wheel-speed and steering-angle sensor data along with acceleration to control front-to-rear torque, which can vary from 100:0 to 0:100. During launches and straight-line acceleration it uses 60:40 to 40:60 to help minimize pitch.
AWD Traction for Rain, Hills and Occasional Tahoe Trips
The Bay Area rarely needs AWD for snow. It helps most on wet roads, steep hills, and Sierra trips with chain controls. Picture a rainy morning on I-280 or a steep driveway in the Cupertino hills. AWD can help with accelerating on wet pavement or starting on an incline.
AWD doesn't replace proper tires, and it won't shorten braking distances on slippery roads. Tires, speed, and following distance still decide a lot. For occasional Tahoe trips, treat it as a planning task that includes winter equipment, posted chain controls, and charging access. If you stay on maintained urban and suburban roads, FWD is a reasonable fit.
Performance: Power, Acceleration and Ride Feel
The ES 350e is the more restrained configuration. If you want more immediate acceleration, the ES 500e is the stronger pick. Both are built for comfort, though, so extra power won't make either one a sports sedan.
Horsepower, Torque and 0-60 mph Times
The ES 350e makes 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in an estimated 7.4 seconds. The ES 500e adds a 125-lb-ft rear motor for 338 hp combined and an estimated 5.1-second sprint, a meaningful gap when merging onto Highway 101 or passing on the way to Fremont or Hayward.
Ride feel is shared. Lexus designed the ES driving signature to minimize vibration and road noise while keeping the handling responsive, and laminated side-window glass helps reduce cabin noise too. On a test drive, compare equivalent wheel and tire setups so tires don't cloud the drivetrain comparison.
Premium and Luxury Trims: Features Compared
Trim and powertrain are separate choices. A feature may come from the ES 500e, a higher trim, or an option package, so keep them distinct. Premium and Luxury are available on both models, with the ES 500e labeled Premium AWD and Luxury AWD.
Standard Tech, Safety and Comfort Features
Both models include a 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display, a 14.0-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen, a wireless device charger, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and an integrated Drive Recorder. Over-the-air Interface updates depend on a 5G network. Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 is standard on every 2027 ES. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist. These are driver aids, so they still require your attention.
Premium adds NuLuxe-trimmed seating, embossed door-panel accents, micro-geometric-pattern dashboard trim, Thematic Ambient Illumination, and a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System. Luxury moves to semi-aniline leather-trimmed seating, bamboo-trimmed door panels and center console, Thematic Ambient Illumination with Bamboo Layering, and a 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound System.
Luxury also adds a head-up display, Advanced Park, a knee-level radiant heater, passenger-side Lexus Memory, and Traffic Jam Assist and Lane Change Assist, which are Luxury exclusives. Traffic Jam Assist requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription, and Premium buyers can add the radiant heater through the Cold Area Package.
The Convenience Package is available on Premium and standard on Luxury. The Cold Area Package adds a windshield-wiper de-icer and headlamp washer.
Upgrades Exclusive to the ES 500e
The ES 500e's exclusive upgrades are DIRECT4 dual-motor AWD, 338 hp, and quicker acceleration. Everything else comes from trim or packages. The Executive Package, for example, belongs to the ES 350e Luxury. It includes power-adjustable rear seats with recline and an ottoman, heated and ventilated outboard rear seats with massage, rear-seat climate controls, and two extra USB-C ports.
Price and Value: Is the ES 500e Worth the Premium?
Compared trim for trim, the ES 500e carries a $3,000 premium over the ES 350e. For that, you get 117 more horsepower, a 0-60 mph time about 2.3 seconds quicker, and AWD. The trade-off is 31 fewer rated miles on 19-inch wheels. If range and efficiency top your list, the ES 350e is the better value. Drivers who will regularly use the added power and traction will find the ES 500e worth its premium.
MSRP, Incentives and Charging Costs
MSRPs include the $1,395 Delivery, Processing and Handling fee. They are subject to change, and dealer price may vary.
ES 350e Premium: $49,005
ES 500e Premium AWD: $52,005
ES 350e Luxury: $57,405
ES 500e Luxury AWD: $60,405
Compare similarly equipped cars, since a lower-trim ES 350e against a higher-trim ES 500e exaggerates the drivetrain cost. Taxes, registration, options, and accessories are extra.
Lexus regularly offers incentives on the ES 350e and ES 500e, including EV customer cash for eligible California residents, along with College Rebate and Military Reward programs on qualifying finance or lease contracts. Offers change often, so ask our team about current incentives and eligibility, and check with your utility for any additional EV rebates.
Charging cost depends on your electricity plan and how often you use home versus public charging, so consider installation and ownership costs too. When you're ready to run numbers, explore financing with us.
Which Silicon Valley Driver Is Each ES Built For?
Start with your daily mileage and charging access, then think about who rides with you. Road conditions matter too. A quiet, comfortable sedan doesn't require the more powerful model.
Choose the ES 350e If…
You want the longest range, up to 307 miles on 19-inch wheels.
Your commute on Highway 101 or I-280 is mostly steady, and you value a calm drive over quick launches.
You prefer the lower entry price, starting at $49,005 MSRP for Premium.
You want the Executive Package, which is available on the ES 350e Luxury.
Choose the ES 500e If…
You want 338 hp and an estimated 5.1-second 0-60 mph time.
You regularly drive wet roads or steep hills and want AWD traction.
You make occasional Sierra trips and want DIRECT4 AWD as part of your winter plan, alongside proper tires.
You'll accept 276 miles of rated range on 19-inch wheels in exchange for added capability.
Explore the 2027 Lexus ES at Lexus Stevens Creek
Lexus Stevens Creek is a Lexus dealership at 3333 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117, with new and pre-owned Lexus vehicles and certified service. Contact us for a back-to-back test drive and pay attention to acceleration and ride comfort, plus cabin noise if you can. Check the seating too. Review the window sticker and request an itemized proposal so you can compare similarly equipped models. Ask us about home installation, connector compatibility, and public charging too. Sales hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
FAQs
Is the ES 500e worth the extra cost? It is when you'll regularly use the added power and AWD traction. If you value range and price, the ES 350e is the stronger value.
Does the ES 350e come with AWD? No. It is a single-motor FWD model. AWD comes with the ES 500e.
How long does charging take? Under ideal conditions, Level 2 charging takes about 7 hours with the onboard 11-kW charger. DC fast charging from 10% to 80% can take about 28 minutes at up to 150 kW.
Is the ES NACS compatible? Yes. Both models have an NACS (SAE J3400) port, and AC and DC adapters for J1772 and CCS stations come standard.