Lexus F-Sport Goes Electric — ES500e Delivers Instant Torque
D.Novikov / 32CARS
Lexus chief engineer says future F-Sport should be electric. The new ES500e already delivers instant torque to rear wheels, showcasing a shift from V8 roar to precise electric handling. Could this be the new F-Sport?
Lexus’s F-Sport line may be gradually turning away from gasoline performance toward electric torque. Kohei Chiashi, the chief engineer of the new ES, stated that his personal preference for a future sports version is a full battery-electric vehicle rather than a hybrid. The reasoning is straightforward: electric drive delivers instant torque and allows finer control over power delivery. In the new Lexus ES500e, the system can send 100% of available torque to the rear axle in certain situations. The driver has no direct control over this, so there’s no “drift button,” but the intent is clear. This explains why Lexus is not rushing to release a dedicated ES F-Sport. According to Chiashi, the ES500e already fulfills many of the roles that such a trim would have served. Launching another version at this stage would only complicate the lineup without a clear need. For brand enthusiasts, this marks a significant shift. In the past, the letter F was synonymous with naturally aspirated V8s, distinctive exhaust notes, and high redlines. Now, Lexus is focusing on software, batteries, and flexible torque distribution. The old formula for excitement no longer automatically applies, but that doesn’t mean F-Sport will become any less engaging. Instead of engine theatrics, Lexus may emphasize precision handling, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and instant torque. The real question is whether that will satisfy those who still remember the sound of true F models.
