While Lexus has become increasingly synonymous with its expansive SUV lineup — ranging from the compact UX to the rugged GX and LX — the ES sedan remains a foundational pillar in the brand’s portfolio. Despite SUVs outnumbering sedans in Lexus showrooms, the ES still holds its ground, sitting comfortably alongside the ever-popular RX crossover.
First introduced in 1989 alongside the flagship LS400, the ES has quietly carved a niche for itself in suburban neighborhoods across America. Its unassuming popularity is no fluke — with over 40,000 units sold last year alone, the ES continues to prove its staying power even in its seventh generation.
Now, Lexus is preparing to unveil the next chapter: the 2026 ES. Having made its global debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the U.S.-specific version is finally here. If you thought the ES was strictly for the retiree crowd or weekend golfers, the latest redesign might surprise you. It’s not just evolving — it’s subtly redefining itself.
The current model, released in 2019, already turned heads with its sleek, low-slung profile and confident curves. The 2026 version builds on that, introducing edgier styling elements like a full-width taillight, sharp corner creases, and lighting borrowed from the futuristic LF-ZC concept. It’s not a radical overhaul, but rather a bold refinement. Gone is the oversized grille; in its place, a more sculpted and balanced fascia. The body’s side profile has taken on a more athletic tone — aligning with today’s sedan trend toward sportiness in an SUV-saturated market.
Hybrid or Electric? Lexus Offers Both
The biggest transformation isn’t just skin-deep. The 2026 ES is Lexus’s first mainstream sedan built as a “dual-platform vehicle” — meaning it’s designed to support both traditional internal combustion and all-electric powertrains under the same body. While BMW has dabbled in this approach with models like the i4 and i5, this is uncharted territory for Lexus.
The new ES continues to ride on a revised version of Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, reengineered to support batteries without compromising cabin space. Lexus has stretched the car considerably — a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase, 6.4 inches more in overall length, and an extra 2.1 inches in width. Height also increases, a change that accommodates underfloor batteries while improving headroom — always a challenge in electrified vehicles. Lexus confirms that seating is now higher, improving ease of access and outward visibility.
Adding to its dynamic potential, the 2026 ES swaps out its previous strut-type rear suspension for a multilink setup — a move that not only enhances ride quality but also creates more flexibility for battery packaging.
Electrified Performance: What to Expect
Under the hood — or more accurately, under the floor — the ES now offers buyers a choice between a 2.5-liter hybrid and two EV setups. The hybrid, badged ES350h, retains its four-cylinder gas engine paired with two electric motors (a motor-generator and a drive motor), and it’s now available with optional all-wheel drive via a third motor mounted at the rear axle. Total system output remains 243 hp, and while both FWD and AWD models share this figure, Lexus estimates the AWD variant will be slightly quicker to 60 mph, clocking in at 7.2 seconds.
On the all-electric front, the ES350e and ES500e badges indicate single- and dual-motor configurations, respectively. The ES350e delivers 221 hp and front-wheel drive, while the more powerful ES500e produces 338 hp with dual-motor AWD. These numbers, while respectable, fall just behind Lexus’s own electric SUV, the RZ, in terms of peak output.
Still, range is solid: the ES350e promises up to 300 miles with 19-inch wheels, while the ES500e cuts that down to 250 miles — a trade-off for the added performance. Charging is convenient thanks to its NACS plug, compatible with Tesla Superchargers, and Lexus claims DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. An 11-kW onboard charger supports fast Level 2 home charging as well.
Luxury, Elevated
The ES has long been celebrated for its serene ride and upscale cabin, and the 2026 model doesn’t deviate from that tradition — it elevates it. Lexus has stiffened the body structure to reduce road noise and vibration, while the longer wheelbase further refines ride quality. And let’s not forget the inherently quiet nature of EVs, which adds another layer of calm to the driving experience.
Inside, the ES’s cabin takes a modern turn. Lexus offers an Executive rear-seat package for the ES350e Luxury trim, complete with power-reclining seats, heating, ventilation, massage functions, and even a footrest. These are features typically reserved for larger, flagship sedans — yet here they are in a midsize package.
The dashboard is sleek and contemporary, featuring suede accents, ambient lighting, and a notable absence of wood trim. Lexus even replaces its iconic “L” logo on the steering wheel with the full brand name for a minimalist, refined look. Digital features include a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual-phone Bluetooth pairing.
A Confident Step Forward
In a world where sedans are increasingly pushed aside by crossovers, the 2026 Lexus ES stands tall — or rather, low and wide — as a luxury sedan that’s far from obsolete. With its expressive styling, dual powertrain flexibility, and increased emphasis on modern luxury, the ES proves it’s still very much in the game. And for Lexus, that’s not just a legacy — it’s a statement.
