Lexus Trademark Filings Hint at Future ES Models (ES 500e???)
The next-generation Lexus ES likely won’t have a V6, but a high-powered electric model, the ES 500e, seems to be a distinct possibility.
Each time a new Camry debuts, a new Lexus ES is sure to follow in the coming months. When, exactly, and for what model year, we don’t yet know. But we have an interesting update, courtesy of Toyota/Lexus YouTuber Kirk Kreifels who, in the video posted below, found a few trademark filings that might hint at where Lexus is taking a 2025 or 2026 ES. According to Chizai Watch, a website dedicated to tracking Japanese patent and trademark filings, Lexus has filed trademarks for the names “ES 350h,” “ES 350e,” and “ES 500e.”
Following Lexus naming conventions, we know that an “h” suffix denotes a hybrid powertrain, while an “e” suffix denotes a full electric model. More on all of this in a moment.
2025 Camry Similarities
Although Lexus continues to refine its vehicle design language with new concept vehicles, Lexus first teased an electric version of the ES a few years ago when it debuted the Lexus Electrified Concept. You can see the likely-ES in the background looking very much like the current generation with a revised face that looks a bit like the Lexus RZ.
This, of course, makes sense, given that the “new” generation 2025 Camry is, externally speaking, also mostly a styling refresh. And much like the new Camry, we expect Lexus to drop the naturally aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6 engine options. Could there be a turbo 4-cylinder option like various Lexus crossovers? Maybe. But it seems more likely that gasoline-powered ES models will follow the Camry’s lead and be powered by a variation of the 5th-generation hybrid system that debuted in the Camry. In that vehicle, Toyota pairs a naturally aspirated 2.5L I4 engine with two electric motors (for FWD) or three electric motors (for AWD). FWD variants offer 225 horsepower, while the AWD iteration bumps power levels to 232 horsepower.
But What Should We Expect From a New ES?
The current 2024 Lexus ES 300h makes 215 horsepower, seven more than last year’s Camry Hybrid. So at the very least, we should expect the new Lexus variant to offer at least 239 horsepower. Which is right around the current NX 350h (240 horsepower) and RX 350h (246 horsepower). However, those SUVs are running the 4th-generation hybrid system. So it’s possible we could see Lexus push things north of 250 horsepower for the new ES.
Over on the EV front, Kreifels takes a look at a variety of current Lexus and Toyota EVs, including the RZ 450e and RZ 300e, as well as the power levels for other “350” moniker vehicles, and estimates the 350e will come in around 250 horsepower. (Gas-powered 350 Lexus models offer 275 horsepower). Kreifels then estimates that the ES 500e should make around 350 horsepower. (Gas-powered 500h crossovers make 366 horsepower.)
Kreifels also points out that Lexus EVs outperform gas models because of the way BEVs deliver horsepower and torque. For example, the RZ 450e can hit 60mph in 4.9 seconds despite having “308 horsepower.” [Editor’s note: for context, I own a 430 horsepower V8-powered station wagon that runs to 60 in about the same time.] Given this context, an ES 500e could easily hit 60 in 4.5 seconds, while the 350e should come in under 6 seconds.
As enthusiasts, we’re most eager to learn more about the ES 500e. We already know that the chassis is good. If it’s not too heavy with a battery pack onboard, we might end up with a seriously fast electric sedan that can carve corners with the best of them. Thankfully, we only have a year or so to wait.
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