2026 es
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 1,596
From: SE PA
If I was looking for a new lux sedan I'd go for the Acura TLX type S with a V6, turbo, 10 speed auto tranny, and 355 HP even though 2025 was its last year.
I'll be holding onto my 2019 UL with 16k on the clock... Corvette in the summer...
I'll be holding onto my 2019 UL with 16k on the clock... Corvette in the summer...
Last edited by bc6152; Jan 13, 2026 at 12:28 PM.
Rookie
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 27
Likes: 13
From: Ontario
why dont get:
absolutely horrid proportions, big tall body, tiny rear doors, excessive flanks, pinched flared nostril front end in all directions, zig zag side (big one),
no design cohesion, angles, lines, bubbles going everywhere, all directions, all at once
interior and exterior are completely out of sync
apparent re-hash, mishmash from existing model in japan, with ES badge slapped on for NA market (i feel frauded in a way)
apparent QC issues, but i'll reserve for production run. but still i dont think ive ever seen prototypes have that consistent and apparent of QC issues. they're showing off hobbled together junk (wavy panels, blurry paint with junk/dust/dirt under it, poorly manufactured airbag cover) etc.
list goes on. there's a point where FWD car can get too big for its britches. this is it.
absolutely horrid proportions, big tall body, tiny rear doors, excessive flanks, pinched flared nostril front end in all directions, zig zag side (big one),
no design cohesion, angles, lines, bubbles going everywhere, all directions, all at once
interior and exterior are completely out of sync
apparent re-hash, mishmash from existing model in japan, with ES badge slapped on for NA market (i feel frauded in a way)
apparent QC issues, but i'll reserve for production run. but still i dont think ive ever seen prototypes have that consistent and apparent of QC issues. they're showing off hobbled together junk (wavy panels, blurry paint with junk/dust/dirt under it, poorly manufactured airbag cover) etc.
list goes on. there's a point where FWD car can get too big for its britches. this is it.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 236
Likes: 114
From: IN
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 4
I’m excited about it too. I’m sad to see the LS only having 2500 made this year and discontinued next year. I’m sad that the v6 is being phased out of a lot of models but that doesn’t stop me from being interested in the 2026 ES. If they gave its own model name I don’t think it would get the same hate.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 917
Likes: 616
From: GA
There is nothing in the new ES that rises anywhere near the luxury levels of an LS, especially any older ones - it won’t be a flagship vehicle. The closest top vehicle will be the LX - but definitely not the ’26 ES. Just reality.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 2,585
In SoCal there's a metric s-ton of Cybertrucks. I want one pretty badly. like really badly. I'd be so incredibly proud to drive it around. Maybe in a few years when they go a bit cheaper. i'd also want to buy a bit of a later model year one to iron out some of its kinks as its a brand new model.
on my commutes i tend to see 4-6 every day. CT
on my commutes i tend to see 4-6 every day. CT
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 2,585
Driver
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 89
Likes: 39
In SoCal there's a metric s-ton of Cybertrucks. I want one pretty badly. like really badly. I'd be so incredibly proud to drive it around. Maybe in a few years when they go a bit cheaper. i'd also want to buy a bit of a later model year one to iron out some of its kinks as its a brand new model. on my commutes i tend to see 4-6 every day. CT
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/t...=hp_listb_pos1
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,004
Likes: 1,626
From: MI
I remember that it was presented as a global flagship.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 917
Likes: 616
From: GA
If Lexus really portrays the new ES as a flagship, then they are saying that’s their pinnacle model, the ultimate illustration of what the brand is. If so, then it represents a big step back and sets the brand up as not a true luxury brand anymore, just a fancier Toyota, proving years of skeptics correct. No way in any assessment could an ES go head to head against an S-class or 7 series. You won’t see heads of state and leading CEO’s being chauffeured in one, or a line of black ES’s lined up at the red carpet for the Oscars. . The original LS, up through this last generation which they totally botched (evidenced by what it did to sales and reputation) was a true luxury competitor to those models. Not this new ES, however. A nice, perhaps fine, EV, but still in a tier below the top.
Last edited by ATL350; Jan 15, 2026 at 08:32 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,004
Likes: 1,626
From: MI
I don’t know how good or luxurious it will be, but I know that it is a bigger car than the Mercedes W222 and a lot bigger and wider than the LS 460.
Last edited by ESh; Jan 15, 2026 at 08:40 AM.