Lexus celebrates 20 years of hybrids in Australia with two new EVs on the way
Almost 70,000 electrified Lexus vehicles have been sold locally since 2006 and two new battery-electric models will arrive by the end of 2025's third quarter.
Rob Leigh
Key takeaways
- Lexus marks 20 years of hybrid sales in Australia with nearly 70,000 electrified vehicles delivered
- Updated RZ electric SUV arrives May with more range and power
- All-new ES sedan launching Q3 with battery-electric option for the first time
Lexus is about to tick over two decades of electrified vehicle sales in Australia having delivered 69,968 hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles since the GS 450h kicked things off in May 2006. To mark the milestone, the luxury brand is preparing to launch two new battery-electric models locally.
New Lexus RZ and all-new ES electric sedan
First up is the updated Lexus RZ arriving in Australian showrooms in May. It scores a newly developed lithium-ion battery pack, more power, improved range and faster charging. A new RZ 550e F Sport will also debut as the brand's first all-electric F Sport model.
Following close behind is the all-new Lexus ES due in the third quarter of 2026. For the first time, the luxury sedan will be offered with a battery-electric powertrain alongside a traditional hybrid option. It brings a full redesign inside and out, plus the latest in Lexus technology.
Two decades of electrified sales
Lexus was the first brand to sell a hybrid luxury vehicle in Australia when the GS 450h landed in 2006. The RX 400h followed months later as the world's first hybrid luxury SUV.
Since then the electrified share of Lexus sales has grown from around eight per cent to nearly 80 per cent today. Lexus Australia chief executive Jack Hobbs said the brand has continued to push electrified technology forward over the past 20 years, with its national dealer network now spanning more than 30 locations.
Lexus electrified sales in Australia by powertrain
| Powertrain | Units sold |
| Hybrid (HEV) | 65,891 |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | 3,201 |
| Battery electric (BEV) | 876 |
| Total | 69,968 |
The NX has been the most popular electrified Lexus in Australia with 23,284 sales, followed by the RX at 16,217.
Across the current range, Lexus now offers 35 electrified variants spanning 10 models. That covers hybrids on the ES, LBX, LC, LM, LS, LX, NX, RX and UX, plug-in hybrids on the NX and RX, and battery-electric power on the RZ and soon the ES.
Back-to-back EV launches show Lexus isn't just celebrating its hybrid past - it's betting big on an electric future. Australian buyers will have plenty to look at before the year is out.
Frequently asked questions
When does the new Lexus RZ come out in Australia?
The updated Lexus RZ range is due in Australian showrooms in May 2026 featuring improved range, more power and faster charging.
Will the Lexus ES be electric?
Yes. The all-new Lexus ES will be offered with a battery-electric powertrain for the first time when it launches in Australia in Q3 2026, alongside a hybrid variant.
How many electrified Lexus vehicles have been sold in Australia?
Lexus has sold 69,968 electrified vehicles in Australia since introducing its first hybrid in 2006, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric models.
