Lexus has launched the ES 350h in India, and it starts at ₹66.10 lakh (ex-showroom). This is a strong hybrid that charges its own battery, so you never plug it in. While BMW and Audi stick to petrol and Mercedes goes full electric in this price band, Lexus is chasing the buyer who wants smooth, efficient luxury without any charging worry.
Lexus ES 350h price in India: ₹66.10 lakh start, two trims
The ES 350h comes in two trims. The base Exquisite is ₹66.10 lakh and the top Luxury is ₹71.80 lakh, both ex-showroom. On-road prices will be higher once you add road tax, registration and insurance, and these vary by state. That said, road tax on strong hybrids is lower in some states, so check your local RTO. Lexus launched the car first in Hyderabad, with the sedan sold alongside a fully electric ES version.
Lexus ES 350h — Price by variant
| Variant | Ex-showroom price |
|---|---|
| Exquisite | ₹66.1 lakh |
| Luxury | ₹71.8 lakh |
(Current price* as of Sept 2026)
Exquisite vs Luxury: what the ₹5.7 lakh step-up buys you
The walk-up from Exquisite to Luxury is ₹5.70 lakh. Lexus has not shared a full feature list for each trim yet, so the exact kit difference is awaited. Going by how Lexus splits trims, the Luxury usually adds richer seat upholstery, more speakers and a few comfort touches. For most buyers the base Exquisite already carries the badge, the hybrid tech and the core cabin feel. We'd wait for the detailed spec sheet before paying the extra ₹5.7 lakh.
Lexus ES 350h
Sedan2.5L strong hybrid: how it works and why no plug
The ES 350h uses a 2.5-litre self-charging strong hybrid (petrol engine plus an electric motor that recharges on its own). At low city speeds it can move on the electric motor alone, so it stays quiet and sips less fuel. The petrol engine kicks in when you accelerate or hit highway speeds. Braking recharges the battery, which is why you never plug it in. This is very different from Maruti's mild hybrid, which cannot drive on electric power at all. Lexus has not shared the exact bhp, torque or ARAI mileage yet, so those figures are awaited. Expect it to be far more frugal than a petrol luxury sedan in stop-go traffic.
ES 350h vs Toyota Camry, Audi A4 and Mercedes CLA Electric
Here's where the price stings. The ES 350h base at ₹66.10 lakh costs ₹17.4 lakh more than the Toyota Camry at ₹48.69 lakh, even though both come from the wider Toyota stable and both use strong hybrids. You're paying for the Lexus badge, cabin quality and after-sales feel. Against the Audi A4 (₹46.88–55.83 lakh) and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (₹45.8–48.2 lakh), the Lexus is pricier and both those rivals are petrol-only in this band. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric (₹55–64 lakh) is the closest tech rival, but the ES asks about ₹11.1 lakh more while skipping any dependence on charging setup. So the ES is the choice if you want hybrid efficiency without an EV's charging life.
Features and safety: what's known so far
Lexus is known for a quiet, well-built cabin and long warranty support, and the ES continues that reputation. The company has not released the full features, airbag count, ADAS (safety tech that can brake and steer for you) level or colour options for the India ES 350h yet. We expect the usual Lexus kit of a large touchscreen, premium audio, powered leather seats and a suite of safety aids, but treat that as expected, not confirmed. We'll update once Lexus shares the official spec sheet.
Running cost and hybrid math: is it cheaper to run?
A strong hybrid's big win is fuel saving in city traffic, where the electric motor does much of the low-speed work. Over 12,000–15,000 km a year at petrol around ₹100 a litre, a strong hybrid can save a meaningful amount versus a petrol luxury sedan. Lexus hasn't shared the ARAI mileage, so we can't put an exact ₹/km yet. On resale, hybrids tend to hold value better than EVs because there's no battery-replacement worry for buyers. And unlike an EV, there's no home charger to install and no waiting at a charging point.
Should you buy the Lexus ES 350h? Who it's for
Buy the ES 350h if you want a calm, refined luxury sedan that sips fuel in traffic but never needs a plug. It makes sense for the buyer who finds petrol German sedans thirsty and full EVs stressful on long drives. The catch is the ₹17.4 lakh premium over a Toyota Camry that shares the same hybrid idea, so you're clearly paying for the Lexus name and feel. Of the two trims, the Exquisite at ₹66.10 lakh looks like the smart pick unless the ₹5.7 lakh Luxury adds features you truly want. Wait for the full spec sheet before you sign.
References: Lexus India — official website
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