2026 Lexus ES Ditches Pure ICE for Hybrid, EV Variants Only
The all-new 2026 Lexus ES represents a radical departure from the current model, both inside, outside, and underneath.
Lexus has overhauled its aging lineup considerably over the past few years, and with great success – simply look at the luxury brand’s sales as of late for proof of that. However, there are still some rather old models in the Lexus lineup, and that includes the ES sedan, which debuted in its current form back in 2018 for the 2019 model year. Now, the 2026 Lexus ES continues the brand’s radical lineup overhaul with a brand new take on the mid-size luxury sedan that’s been part of its portfolio nearly since its very conception.
There’s a lot to digest when it comes to the 2026 Lexus ES, starting on the outside, where the existing model’s more mainstream styling is giving way to some pretty radical updates. The new bodywork present on the ES is sharp and perhaps even a bit polarizing, but as is always the case, opinions on whether or not it’s attractive, well, those will undoubtedly vary person to person. It’s a big change from what we’ve become accustomed to seeing from the ES, regardless, so Lexus is at least taking a bit of a risk here.
The 2026 Lexus ES is 6.5 inches longer than the outgoing model, giving it more space inside the cabin, where one will find a surprisingly minimalist design that’s sure to conjure up mixed opinions, too. Regardless, one will find niceties like bamboo-like trim, ambient lighting, a Mark Levinson surround sound system, a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. An optional Executive package adds more niceties such as massaging front seats, a passenger side ottoman, and heating/ventilation for rear seat passengers.
Riding on the existing TNGA GA-K platform, the 2026 Lexus ES will only be sold in hybrid (ES350h) and all-electric (ES350e or ES500e) guise. The hybrid can be had in front- or all-wheel-drive and pairs a gas 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine with an eAxle to generate 244 combined horsepower, and it’s mated to a continuously variable transmission. That’s good for a 0-62 mph run of 7.8 seconds for AWD models or 8.0 seconds for the FWD setup.
As for EV variants, the 2026 Lexus ES350e comes in front-wheel-drive configuration and offers up a single electric motor generating 221 horsepower, while the ES500e uses two e-motors to make 338 horsepower driving all four wheels. Range comes in at 300 miles for the ES350e (with 19-inch wheels), with the ES500e doing 0-62 in 5.9 seconds as the quickest of the bunch. Lexus hasn’t released pricing or launch info for the all-new ES yet, but it should arrive in the U.S. at some point next year.
Photos: Lexus
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