Rahul Somvanshi
Lexus has taken a decisive step into the electric future with its redesigned 2026 ES sedan. Unveiled at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition on April 23, this eighth-generation model marks the first time in the ES’s 36-year history that it will be available with fully electric powertrains alongside hybrid options.
A Fresh Look with Purpose
The new ES catches your eye immediately with its striking design. Gone is the oversized spindle grille that dominated previous models, replaced by a more subtle and integrated front end. The car has grown substantially—about 6.5 inches longer overall with a 3-inch longer wheelbase—giving it a more commanding presence on the road.
What’s most notable is how the design serves both style and function. The sleek, flowing silhouette isn’t just for looks—it improves aerodynamics, which helps with efficiency for both the hybrid and electric versions.
The new “Twin L-Signature Lamps” create a distinctive front end with inward-facing daytime running lights and outward-facing turn signals. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar with illuminated “Lexus” lettering gives the car a modern touch that’s becoming increasingly common in new luxury vehicles.
Inside: More Space, Fewer Buttons
Step inside the 2026 ES, and you’ll notice two big changes: more space and fewer physical controls. The longer wheelbase creates a roomier cabin, particularly beneficial for rear passengers.
The dashboard follows the current trend toward minimalism with a 14-inch touchscreen taking center stage. Physical buttons have been largely replaced by digital controls in the screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. While this looks clean and modern, it may require an adjustment period for buyers used to traditional knobs and switches.
For those who value rear-seat comfort, the Executive Package (available on the ES 350e FWD Luxury model) includes reclining rear seats with a passenger-side ottoman and massage functions—features typically found in larger, more expensive sedans.
Power Options: Your Choice of Electric or Hybrid
The biggest news is the addition of two all-electric models:
- ES 350e (Front-Wheel Drive): A single electric motor produces 221 horsepower. Lexus estimates it will travel approximately 300 miles on a single charge when equipped with 19-inch wheels. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds.
- ES 500e (All-Wheel Drive): With electric motors at both front and rear, this version delivers 338 horsepower and can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds. It features Lexus’s DIRECT4 system that can instantly adjust power between the front and rear wheels for better handling.
For those not ready to go fully electric, the hybrid ES 350h continues with an updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with Lexus’s sixth-generation hybrid system. While official power figures haven’t been released for North America, reports suggest it may produce around 244 horsepower. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions will be available.
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Improved Driving Experience
The 2026 ES sits on an updated version of the GA-K platform, now strengthened to accommodate both hybrid and electric powertrains. Lexus has increased the structural rigidity, which should reduce vibrations and noise.
A significant mechanical change is the switch to a multi-link rear suspension, replacing the previous strut-type setup. This should improve both ride comfort and handling precision—areas where the ES was already quite competent.
Technology Updates
The ES will be the first Lexus to feature the company’s Safety System+ 4.0, though specific details about new or enhanced features haven’t been fully disclosed yet.
The updated Lexus Interface multimedia system adds a home button and split-screen capability. The voice assistant has been improved with faster response times, and the navigation system is now integrated into the digital gauge cluster.
What’s Still Unknown
Several key pieces of information remain unrevealed, including:
- Battery capacity for the electric models
- Detailed charging times and capabilities
- Pricing across all models and trim levels
- Specific power output for the hybrid in all markets
- Exact features of the new Safety System+ 4.0
- Precise release dates for different global markets
Market Position
As one of Lexus’s best-selling models with over 40,000 units sold last year in the U.S. alone, the ES holds an important position in the luxury sedan market. By adding electric options, Lexus is clearly positioning the ES to remain relevant as the automotive industry shifts toward electrification.
The 2026 ES is expected to go on sale in mid-2026, with European sales beginning in Spring 2026. It represents the second of three new Lexus BEV models scheduled to debut by March 2026, highlighting the brand’s accelerated push toward electric vehicles.
For buyers considering a luxury sedan in the coming years, the 2026 Lexus ES presents a significantly updated option that embraces modern design and electrification while building on the model’s long-standing reputation for comfort, refinement, and reliability.
