"Thairath Online News Team" We had the opportunity to test drive the latest LEXUS ES 350e Premium electric sedan model, which was just launched in mid-August 2026.
When talking about the LEXUS ES family, many think of a luxury sedan known for its smoothness, quietness, and comfort. However, after testing the new LEXUS ES 350e Premium, it is clear this car has a sportier personality than expected.
The driving feel of the LEXUS ES 350e Premium is tight, easy to control, and naturally responsive, while fully maintaining the comfort typical of LEXUS. This aligns with the engineering philosophy "LEXUS DRIVING SIGNATURE," which aims for the driver to feel one with the car.
The overall character of the ES 350e Premium gradually moves closer to that of European cars in terms of steering weight, body control, and high-speed stability, yet retains the refinement and softness characteristic of a premium Japanese brand.
Another feature that enhances driving enjoyment is the Active Sound Control system, which generates simulated engine sounds when SPORT mode is selected, allowing the driver to feel more connected to the car's responses.
The tone of the sound is neither aggressive nor harsh but conveys a calm, deep, and distinctive character typical of LEXUS electric vehicles, enriching the driving experience without significantly disturbing the cabin's quiet atmosphere.
When returning to normal driving mode, the vehicle clearly becomes a quiet and relaxed electric sedan. Combined with excellent exterior noise insulation, the ES 350e Premium suits both driving yourself and long-distance passenger comfort.
The LEXUS ES 350e Premium uses a front-wheel-drive electric motor producing a maximum power of 224 hp, paired with a 76.96 kWh battery, which claims a maximum driving range of about 620 km per charge under NEDC standards.
From driving tests and energy consumption assessment, an actual range of around 500 km per charge is achievable if driving at appropriate speeds and avoiding excessive energy drain.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was tested at approximately 8 seconds. Although this figure is not extreme for a high-performance electric car, the motor's instant response makes the vehicle more agile and enjoyable to drive than the numbers suggest.
The power delivered to the front wheels is smooth and continuous, without harshness or excessive steering pull, fitting the luxury sedan's personality that demands both performance and comfort.
The most impressive aspect from this test was the ES 350e Premium's suspension, which controls the vehicle remarkably well, whether cornering at speed, overtaking on the motorway, or driving over corrugated cement roads along the Bang Sai Arts and Crafts route.
The car absorbs shocks and controls body roll effectively, especially considering the vehicle weighs about 2 tons. The suspension balances firmness and comfort exceptionally well.
The ES 350e Premium is equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which adjusts the shock absorbers' operation to suit driving style, road surface conditions, and vehicle movements. An ECU processes and commands adjustments within fractions of a second.
This system works together with steering weight and ratio adjustments, making steering responses closely linked to suspension behavior. The result is precise, stable directional changes that instill driver confidence.
Although the ES 350e Premium's body measures about 5.1 meters in length, engineers have tuned the turning radius and steering responsiveness to be tighter and reduced the steering wheel size, so driving does not feel like controlling a large vehicle. On the road, the car feels more agile than its dimensions suggest; lane changes are easy, cornering is precise, and vehicle position can be controlled without excessive steering effort.
Meanwhile, the wheelbase and vehicle weight help enhance stability at high speeds, giving the ES 350e Premium both urban agility and composure on long journeys.
In addition to the AVS suspension, the ES 350e Premium features Braking Posture Control, which helps manage the vehicle's posture when decelerating, reducing nose dive and maintaining balance during braking.
The Active Cornering Assist system helps stabilize the vehicle in corners, keeping it on the intended path, reducing body roll, and allowing confident directional changes.
Balanced weight distribution, combined with stability control systems and responsive suspension, effectively conceals the car's over 2-ton weight.
The new LEXUS ES 350e Premium offers more than just quietness, luxury, and comfort typical of a premium sedan; it is an electric vehicle with dynamic driving performance exceeding expectations.
The 224-hp electric motor provides sufficient power for daily use and overtaking. A real-world driving range of about 500 km per charge eases concerns about long trips. The AVS suspension, tight steering, and body control systems make the car notably stable and more fun to drive.
This is the LEXUS ES that remains comfortable to ride in but adds a sporty character and handling approaching that of European cars. It is an electric sedan suited for those seeking luxury, quietness, range, and driving enjoyment all in one vehicle.
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