2026 Lexus ES

This is an all-new generation of the Lexus ES midsize luxury sedan. We’d also say radically new. Sporting a fresh design and different drivetrains, this latest ES does what no ES has done before — sparked a lot of interest.

Everyone will have their own opinions on the styling, so let’s get under the striking skin right away and say that Lexus has built this latest eighth-generation ES on a platform developed to accommodate hybrid or completely electric power. Which is exactly what the new ES offers.

Technology also moves forward with a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen (capable of split-screen displays), navigation set into the digital instrument cluster, and an improved ability to obey spoken commands.

The 2026 Lexus ES is completely new, with distinct styling and a choice of electrified drivetrains. Yet the space and comfort that have always been ES attributes are still evident.

On-Sale Date

Lexus has said that the new ES will go on sale in 2026. We’re putting our money on springtime. We’ll be updating all the information in this review when more facts are released.

We expect the 2026 Lexus ES to start at around $48,000.

The Lexus ES has a history of being relatively affordable yet also retaining its value well. Alternatives are much pricier. The BMW 5 Series lineup includes the 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid, from about $75,000. There’s no hybrid Genesis G80 (yet), but the Electrified G80 should also start at around $75,000 — the same kind of ballpark as the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan. The all-electric BMW i5 begins a little lower than these two. We would also suggest looking at the new-for-2026 Volvo ES90 electric luxury sedan.

The 2026 ES 350h has a hybrid setup making 244 horsepower (up from the 215 horses of the outgoing ES 300h) and its quickest acceleration time from standstill to 60 mph is estimated at around 7.6 seconds, accomplished with optional all-wheel drive. That’s not particularly speedy, but then ES hybrids are not revered for their enthusiast appeal.

There’s a similar lack of urgency with the all-electric 2026 ES 350e, configured with front-wheel drive (FWD) and one motor generating 221 hp. Its zero-to-60 mph time is expected to be around 8.7 seconds.

Life edges its way into the fast lane with the 2026 ES 500e, whose two electric motors conjure up 338 hp and will propel the car to 60 mph in around 5.7 seconds. This model has all-wheel drive (AWD).

Lexus says the new ES should “deliver a refined driving experience… enhancing quietness and ride comfort.” That’s always been the ES way. And we’ve never thought the previous ES fell short in these respects.

Fuel Economy

The previous generation’s ES 300h hybrid achieves an impressive 44 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We expect the new ES 350h to be just as frugal.

Range and Charging

The single-motor ES 350e is expected to cover about 300 miles between charges. The dual-motor ES 500e will come in lower. Charging times are still to be disclosed.

Lexus describes the cabin of the new 2026 ES as “simple and clean.” We’re aware that the word “minimalist” has been over-used in connection with electric vehicle interior designs, because most car makers went down this path. In some cases, several years ago. But before we say “nothing to see here,” we’ll mention that the steering wheel now has Lexus written in upper-case letters instead of the traditional L logo. And into this clutter-free context, the company has dropped 3D-printed simulated bamboo with ambient LED illumination, plus simulated suede and leather in places.

There’s a large glass area, so the new ES should feel even more spacious than its generous dimensions suggest. That also means great outward vision. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster is set low, contributing to the cabin’s open feel and, according to Lexus, enables smooth eye movement. The seats are set a little higher than before, no doubt because there’s now a battery in the floor, but it does have the happy result of easier entries and exits.

Compared with its predecessor, the new-generation ES is about 6.5 inches longer (about 17 feet in total, almost a foot more than the current Camry), with the wheelbase stretched by 3 inches. We’ve always found the ES to be spacious for occupants in both rows, and it looks like this new model will be even more accommodating.

The new ES is built on the same platform as the Toyota Crown, and we’re seeing some visual similarities between the two cars. The way to tell a hybrid ES from its all-electric counterpart is by the extra upper grille section.

Mark Levinson audio
One of our favorite features in any Lexus, the new ES offers a surround-sound system optimized for this car.

Executive package
This optional bundle is offered with the front-wheel-drive ES 350e in Luxury trim. It includes heated/ventilated/massaging/reclining rear outboard seats, plus a footrest on the passenger side.

At its entry level, the 2026 ES 350h comes with a familiar hybrid drivetrain, pairing a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor to make 244 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional.

Lexus says the new ES 350e and ES 500e both have large-capacity batteries. We’ll say how large once that information comes through.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-car warranty from Lexus lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first — the same terms as other luxury marques such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Powertrains are covered for six years or 70,000 miles, which is better than those German rivals. Hybrid components and EV batteries come with a typical 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. The first two services — at six months/5,000 miles and 12 months/10,000 miles — are complimentary.

Safety

The 2026 ES is the first vehicle to come with the newest Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. As well as usual features like emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control, this array may also include a partial self-driving system.