Not sure if this is the right forum but I am excited to see this new ES for 2026. Refreshed interior and exterior, new seats with adjustments, the bamboo accents and redesigned dash. I used to have a ES and went to IS and will admit I like the ES better despite it being FWD. Lexus just puts more attention in keeping the ES up to date than the IS.

 

dont get it.

 

Really why? I have only seen photos.

 

So you're the guy that's excited about the new ES.

 

Check this thread out Rich... Lots of comments and lots of videos...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...ew-gen-es.html

 

I saw the photos and do not want one.

I took my 2024 ES350 to the dealer last week and had them shuttle me to a restaurant for lunch. The shuttle driver said I was in a 2025 ES300h. I asked him if they had any newer ones and he said they had two 2026's. But their website does not list any 2026 ES in their inventory. I saw a mention online that the 2026 ES might be in production mid-2026.

As far as I can tell, there are no 2026 ES cars in the USA. I got to thinking about trading for a 2025 ES350 just to get the last of a great model. Looking online for the entire USA for new 2025 ES cars, cars.com found 115 ES300h and 1772 ES350. Makes you think they might give a good price on a 350, but 1388 of that ES350 total are base, leaving only 99 L and 231 UL trims. I saw a couple ES350's I might consider, and they were both built in November 2025. I saw a few other 350's with higher serial numbers, possibly built in December. That is much later than normal if the 2026 was to begin production on the "normal" timing of past model years, so I wonder if the last 2025 ES350 has been built. And maybe the first ES built in 2026 will be called a 2027.

 

2026 are still prototypes made for testing and marketing purposes. The production will start in March.

 

I am one of the few it seems who are taking a wait and see-it-in-person approach to the '26. I bought a used 2023 CPO base/premium 350 about 19 months ago and it's a great car, but due to limited availability I settled for an interior color I really don't like (black) and due to my not doing enough research before-hand and learning that the ES is one of the few car models manufactured where going ultra luxury is actually worth it, I will likely be in the market again in a year. I know a lot of people dislike the interior shown in the 2026 ES videos, but the interior looks fine to me - the exterior is drastically different and looks bad but I'm hoping it looks better in person. While I might prefer physical buttons for more things, there's no getting around the fact that the electronics in the 7th gen ES are very old at this point. Relative to pretty much any new car, luxury or not, the backup camera and safety features are long in the tooth and not as good. We'll see. I'm really hoping they surprise us with the 2026 ES.

 

I agree that seeing it in person is still worth waiting for, but unless the car is black that dreadful side checkmark (or whatever) trim is horrible, like something they stole from Hyundai or KIa. The interior, while probably nicer than it appears in pictures, still looks cold and definitely not luxurious, especially if they’re using fabric (as in too many Toyotas and the Lexus TX) where it should be plastic or leather - it seems very low rent that way. Hopefully the seats are better than the current generation, the source of endless discussion on this forum, and perhaps the ride has been softened and is better isolated. But overall it is very disappointing and looks far too much like a Toyota, a sad styling reality from Lexus for the past few years. I have to wonder what distinct brand identity Lexus has left anymore, proving the critics of decades right, that it looks like a fancier Toyota (while those have been getting plusher and nicer looking, at least inside).

 

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.

 

Please provide specifics.

 

My biggest issue....the car is so long!!! I have a large garage and yet, according to the specs, it will not fit in there. The 2025 ES was already a nice and spacious car. Not sure why they have to make this one even bigger. It is a deal breaker for me.

 

Where are you seeing this level of detail? I've seen some walkaround and one or two interior walkthrough videos, but this is still all speculative at this point. I have no idea but, if history is any indication, then there is a very good chance that we may have different opinions once we can actually see the car in person.

 

They made it larger because it combines the LS and ES into one car.

 

Did not realize that LS was ending. Well the LS was too big too and now the ES will be too. I like Hybrids. Recently I saw a 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid. I may make that my next car.