If you drive through the streets of Victoria Island or the leafy suburbs of Maitama, one car you are guaranteed to see in almost every street is the Lexus ES. It is the unofficial "national cake" of Nigerian luxury sedans. For years, the ES has been the go-to for Nigerians who want the prestige of a Mercedes-Benz but the "bulletproof" reliability of a Toyota.
However, the reveal of the next-generation 2027 Lexus ES has set the automotive world—and Nigerian WhatsApp groups—on fire. Lexus is taking a massive gamble, moving the car to a "multi-pathway" platform that includes fully electric versions for the first time. From a controversial new face to the end of American production, there is a lot to unpack.
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One thing about Lexus designers is that they are never afraid to be bold. The new ES is 3.2 inches longer than the outgoing model, stretching to a total of 202.4 inches. This extra length gives it a more "Presidential" stance, but it’s the front end that is splitting opinions.
Lexus has decided to give different faces to different versions of the car. If you opt for the hybrid 350h, you get a version of the classic spindle grille, now featuring a more aggressive vented shape. But if you go for the all-electric ES 350e or ES 500e, the grille is replaced by a "smooth facia." To some, it looks futuristic and sleek; to others, it feels like the car is missing its nose.
The rear is equally striking, featuring a light bar that spans the entire width of the trunk and replaces the traditional "L" logo with spaced-out LEXUS lettering. It is a clean, modern look that certainly makes the current 2024 model look dated overnight.
The biggest news for the 2027 Lexus ES is the introduction of the first-ever fully electric variants. This is a bold move, especially for a brand that built its reputation on the whisper-quiet hum of hybrid engines.
Lexus is launching two electric versions:
ES 350e (FWD): This is the entry-level electric model. It produces 221 horsepower and offers an estimated range of 300 miles (about 482 km). For the average Lagos driver, this range is more than enough for a week of commuting between the Mainland and the Island.
ES 500e (AWD): This is the performance king of the lineup. With a dual-motor setup producing 338 horsepower, it uses Lexus’s DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system to deliver power instantly. However, the extra power comes at a cost to the range, which drops to approximately 250 miles (402 km).
Knowing that not everyone is ready to go full-electric—especially in markets like Nigeria where charging infrastructure is still growing—Lexus is keeping the hybrid alive. The ES 350h will be available in both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and, for the first time, All-Wheel Drive (AWD). It utilises a 2.5-litre engine paired with a hybrid system to produce 244 horsepower. It’s more powerful than the previous generation and promises the fuel efficiency that Nigerians love.
Step inside, and you’ll realise that the "old school" Lexus interior is officially dead. The cabin is now dominated by a massive 14-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs the latest Lexus Interface. Gone is the frustrating touchpad of yesteryear; everything is now touch or voice-controlled.
Key interior highlights include:
12.3-inch Digital Cluster: A crisp display for the driver that replaces traditional needles.
Haptic Buttons: While the dashboard is cleaner, Lexus has used haptic feedback buttons that vibrate when touched, giving you a physical sensation without the clutter of plastic switches.
New Steering Wheel: In a move that has surprised many, the centre of the steering wheel no longer features the "L" badge. It now has the word LEXUS written out in a premium font.
Ambient Lighting: The cabin features "Thematic Ambient Illumination" that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. It’s subtle, classy, and elevates the luxury feel.
Glass Roof: A massive panoramic glass roof is now available, making the cabin feel much airier and more spacious.
The 2027 Lexus ES sits on an updated version of the TNGA-K architecture. Lexus engineers claim this chassis is significantly stiffer than before, which should translate to better handling and a quieter ride.
Perhaps the most exciting addition for enthusiasts is the All-Wheel Steering. By allowing the rear wheels to turn slightly, Lexus has made this long sedan much easier to manoeuvre in tight spots—think of those narrow turns in Ikoyi or trying to park at a busy mall in Abuja.
Lexus has finally released the official US pricing, and as expected, the jump in technology comes with a jump in price.
| Model Trim | US Starting Price | Est. Nigerian Landing Cost (Cleared) |
| ES 350e (Electric) | $48,795 | ₦105,000,000 - ₦120,000,000 |
| ES 500e (AWD Electric) | $51,795 | ₦115,000,000 - ₦130,000,000 |
| ES 350h (Hybrid FWD) | $50,995 | ₦110,000,000 - ₦125,000,000 |
| ES 350h (Hybrid AWD) | $52,395 | ₦120,000,000 - ₦135,000,000 |
Note: The Nigerian Naira estimates are based on current exchange rates, shipping, and 35% custom duties. Actual prices at local dealerships will vary.
For the last decade, many Lexus ES units sold in North America (and subsequently imported to Nigeria as "Direct") were built in Kentucky, USA. However, starting with this new generation, production is moving back to Japan exclusively.
For the Nigerian buyer, this is actually good news. There is a long-standing belief among local car enthusiasts that "Jap-spec" or Japan-assembled cars have a slightly higher build quality and tighter tolerances. Whether that’s a myth or reality, the "Made in Japan" tag still carries a lot of weight in the Lagos car market.
The 2027 Lexus ES is a bold step forward. It’s longer, smarter, and more powerful than ever. While the electric versions (ES 350e and ES 500e) represent the future, the ES 350h hybrid remains the most logical choice for the Nigerian environment, offering incredible fuel economy without the "range anxiety" of searching for a charging station in traffic.
The design might be polarising, but one thing is certain: when this car hits the road in mid-2026, it will be the new status symbol for the Nigerian middle and upper class. It’s a car that says you’ve arrived, but you’re smart enough to care about reliability.
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