The 2026 Lexus ES is no longer just the safe, quiet sedan your accountant drove. Lexus took their best-selling midsize luxury car and gave it a full rethink—inside, outside, and under the hood. For the first time ever, the ES isn’t just about smooth rides and silent commutes. It’s bold, electrified, and ready to compete in a market that’s moving fast toward EVs and sharper design.
Let’s take a full look at what’s new, what’s under the skin, and why the 2026 Lexus ES might just be the best version yet.
A Total Redesign That Finally Turns Heads
The old ES was comfortable, sure—but it wasn’t exactly exciting to look at. That’s changed.
The 2026 model swaps out the spindle grille for a cleaner, closed-off front that hints at its electric powertrains. The front fascia is sleek and aggressive, with slim LED lights that stretch wide and give the car a low, planted look. From the side, the roofline dips into coupe-like territory, and in the rear, a full-width light bar ties the design together. This thing looks like it belongs in 2026—not 2015.
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New Platform, Bigger Size
Built on a revised version of Lexus’ TNGA GA-K platform, the 2026 ES has grown:
- Over 6 inches longer than before
- 3 inches added to the wheelbase
- More legroom, wider cabin, smoother ride
Lexus also reworked the suspension with a new multi-link setup in the rear. That means better handling, less float, and a drive that’s closer to German rivals than ever before.
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Now Available as a Hybrid and a Full EV
For the first time, the ES lineup includes hybrid and fully electric versions:
ES 350h Hybrid
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder + electric motor
- About 248 horsepower
- Available in FWD or AWD
- 0–60 mph in roughly 7.2 seconds
This is your daily driver option. Quiet, smooth, and still gets over 40 mpg.
ES 350e Electric
- Single motor, front-wheel drive
- About 224 horsepower
- Estimated 300-mile range
- DC fast charging (10–80% in ~30 mins)
The 350e targets buyers who want Lexus comfort without gas. It’s not performance-focused, but it gets the job done—and looks sharp doing it.
ES 500e Electric
- Dual motors, AWD
- Around 340 horsepower
- Estimated range: 270–280 miles
- DC fast charging supported
This is the top-trim electric. More power, more grip, slightly less range. Think of it as the future Lexus ES F Sport.
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Interior: Clean, High-Tech, and Seriously Luxurious
Open the door and the cabin hits different.
Tech Upgrades:
- 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital cluster
- Over-the-air updates
- Optional head-up display
Materials and Comfort:
- Real wood trim and bamboo-textured panels (yes, bamboo)
- Ambient lighting that doesn’t feel cheesy
- Massaging rear seats with ottoman if you check the Executive Package box
- Available Mark Levinson surround system that sounds as expensive as it is
Lexus is chasing BMW and Audi in the tech race now—and in the ES, they’re doing it without losing that calming, cocooned feel the ES has always been known for.
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Charging, Range, and Performance: Real-World Ready
If you’re worried about range, here’s the breakdown:
- The ES 350e electric model gives you about 300 miles on a full charge
- The more powerful 500e AWD still clears 270+ miles
- Both support DC fast charging, getting from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes
- Lexus offers a home wall charger setup with installation assistance through dealers
And yes, the hybrids still deliver—you’ll get up to 44 mpg from the 350h, which makes it a smarter choice than some turbo four-cylinder sedans that claim to be efficient.
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Release Date and Pricing
The 2026 Lexus ES will start arriving in U.S. showrooms by March 2026. Pricing isn’t final yet, but here’s what we expect:
- ES 350h Hybrid: Starts around $47,000
- ES 350e Electric: Starts around $52,000
- ES 500e AWD: Tops out near $58,000 fully loaded
All trims will be eligible for EV tax incentives, depending on final assembly location and battery sourcing compliance.
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Final Thoughts: Lexus Finally Switched Gears—And It Shows
The old Lexus ES was reliable, smooth, and quiet—but let’s be honest, it didn’t exactly stir the soul.
This one? It looks sharp, drives better, and gives buyers real electrified options. Lexus isn’t trying to reinvent the sedan—they’re evolving it, and finally giving buyers something that feels like tomorrow, not yesterday.
If you want a car that’s refined, modern, and doesn’t scream for attention but still gets it, the 2026 ES is exactly that.
And yes—you can finally get one without a gas engine.
