The Lexus ES has a firmly established identification and a loyal base of repeat consumers. That’s what each automaker goals for. Many months, it’s the best-selling midsize luxurious sedan in America. So Lexus designers don’t alter the ES flippantly.
That’s what makes the 2026 Lexus ES stunning. Lexus has given its best-selling sedan maybe probably the most dramatic makeover the automotive has seen since its 1989 debut. The all-new 2026 ES wears a radically reimagined physique and comes as both a hybrid or a totally electrical automobile (EV).
Lexus unveiled the automobile at this week’s Shanghai auto present — one other signal that the guts of the worldwide auto trade is now in China. Lexus says it’s going to promote the identical mannequin within the U.S. It has not disclosed pricing. The 2025 mannequin in showrooms as we speak begins at $43,190, together with supply price.
The Most Sedate Sedan Will get Fashionable
The ES has lengthy been the tamest luxurious sedan. Whereas BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and others compete to promote their sedans’ efficiency chops, Lexus sells the ES as a serene cocoon remoted from site visitors.
Not less than, the corporate used to. We marvel if this mannequin may not be marketed with shouting announcers and distorted guitar riffs. Lexus says the look is impressed by the 2023 Lexus Idea LF-ZC, a design examine that seemed nearly able to race in some future Le Mans occasion.
The modifications begin with the grille, which is sort of gone. The outsized spindle form Lexus has used lately remains to be there, however solely hinted at with sheet steel. Air consumption comes low to the highway, a trapezoid flanked by a gradient of diamonds purely for aptitude. A pair of deep vents flank the not-a-grille, below skinny LED headlights.
The greenhouse has nearly a fastback form, terminating in an abbreviated trunk.
The automotive’s flanks put on a thick jagged styling line, nearly paying homage to the previous-generation Dodge Charger. Sure, that is an ES with muscle automotive accents. No, we weren’t ready, both.
Radically Simplified Inside
It doesn’t seem like what you’ll anticipate an ES to seem like inside, both. Right here, designers have embraced flat surfaces and straight traces. If this cabin borrows from something, it’s the Hyundai Ioniq 6, not the previous-generation ES.
“In comparison with the earlier mannequin, general size has been prolonged by roughly 6.5 inches and the wheelbase by 3 inches, leading to a extra spacious cabin,” the corporate says. The seating place is larger for higher visibility and simpler entry and exit.
A 14-inch display screen sits excessive so drivers don’t must look down from the roadway to see it. “The ES additionally launches the most recent model of the Lexus Interface multimedia system. The system enhances the consumer expertise with a brand new onscreen house button and break up display screen functionality,” the corporate says. Navigation cues can show on the 12.3-inch driver’s instrument display screen.
For the primary time, Lexus has introduced its Govt Package deal to the ES. Widespread on costlier Lexus fashions, this provides the rear seats reclining functionality, massaging, heating, air flow, and an ottoman on the suitable facet.
Hybrid, EV Choices
Consumers may have their selection of powertrains – electrical or half-electric. Surprisingly, Lexus has not revealed energy figures for any of them.
The hybrid choice, referred to as the ES 350h, combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electrical motor. Lexus says it will likely be obtainable with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The electrical choice is available in two configurations. The ES 350e makes use of a single electrical motor driving the entrance wheels. The ES 500e makes use of one motor per axle for all-wheel-drive grip. Lexus is retaining nearly all specs near the vest for now, however says the 350e will obtain a variety of as much as 300 miles on 19-inch wheels.
“Rigidity has been considerably elevated on the entrance, ground, and rear, leading to a completely bolstered construction. This enhancement reduces physique vibrations and allows sharp, intuitive steering, together with easy acceleration and deceleration,” the corporate says.
Maybe extra essential to dealing with, it’s the primary ES to make use of a multi-link rear suspension.
Persona Adjustments With the New Look?
The mannequin’s devoted fan base seemingly means the 2026 Lexus ES will proceed the nameplate’s robust gross sales. Nonetheless, the brand new suspension, the robust acceleration inherent in EVs, and the stiffer construction have us questioning in the event that they’re aiming for the canyon-carving fame of the BMW 3 Sequence and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The corporate nonetheless has many particulars to disclose, so we anticipate to be taught extra over the approaching months.
