2026 Lexus ES Goes Electrical With As much as 307 Miles of Vary, New Hybrid Energy, and a Far Extra Luxurious Cabin : Automotive Addicts

Lexus is giving the ES its greatest transformation in years for 2026, and the headline is unattainable to overlook. For the primary time, the long-running luxurious sedan is on the market as a battery-electric automobile, with the brand new ES 350e and ES 500e arriving forward of a redesigned ES 350h hybrid. That alone marks a serious shift for considered one of Lexus’ most acquainted nameplates, however the larger story is how a lot your complete bundle has modified. The eighth-generation ES is bigger, extra tech-focused, extra upscale inside, and constructed round a brand new multi-pathway platform that helps each electrical and hybrid powertrains.

From a styling standpoint, the brand new ES takes a transparent step away from the softer look of the outgoing automotive and strikes towards one thing cleaner and extra dramatic. Lexus says the design attracts inspiration from the LF-ZC idea, and that comes by within the sharp nostril, slim L-shaped lighting, stronger physique traces, and full-width rear Blade taillamp with an illuminated Lexus brand. The sedan can also be noticeably larger than earlier than, with a wheelbase stretched by 3.1 inches and general will increase in width, size, and peak. That development pays off within the cabin, the place rear legroom improves by 1.4 inches and each entrance and rear passengers achieve extra headroom and shoulder room.

The specs most buyers will care about begin with the 2 EV fashions. The front-wheel-drive ES 350e makes use of a single electrical motor making 221 hp and is rated for an EPA-estimated 307 miles of vary on normal 19-inch wheels. Step as much as the all-wheel-drive ES 500e and output climbs to 338 hp due to a dual-motor setup, whereas vary is available in at 276 miles with the usual 19s. Lexus says the ES 350e can attain 60 mph in an estimated 7.4 seconds, whereas the faster ES 500e cuts that to five.1 seconds. Patrons who need bigger 21-inch wheels can get them, although vary takes a modest hit relying on trim and configuration.

Charging particulars look aggressive for the section, and Lexus has made positive the brand new ES speaks the language EV consumers now count on. Each electrical fashions use a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and include a North American Charging System port, together with a CCS adapter within the field. Below superb situations, Lexus says DC quick charging from 10% to 80% can take about 28 minutes at speeds as much as 150 kW, whereas Stage 2 charging with the onboard 11-kW charger takes about seven hours. Battery preconditioning is included to assist optimize charging efficiency, and the Lexus app provides charging station search, Plug & Cost performance, and EV-specific route planning help by Apple Maps and Lexus’ related providers.

Inside, the 2026 ES seems to be like a way more trendy luxurious sedan than the automotive it replaces. Each mannequin will get a 12.3-inch digital driver show and a brand new 14.0-inch touchscreen working the most recent Lexus Interface system. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal, as is a wi-fi charger, whereas a second entrance wi-fi charger is elective. Premium trims include NuLuxe seating and a 10-speaker audio system, whereas Luxurious trims transfer as much as semi-aniline leather-based, richer trim supplies, and a 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson encompass sound system. One of many extra stunning upgrades is the accessible Government Bundle on the ES 350e Luxurious, which provides heated, ventilated, and massaging rear outboard seats, energy rear-seat changes, and even a passenger-side ottoman for a extra chauffeur-style expertise.

Lexus can also be loading the brand new ES with security and driver-assist tech. The sedan debuts Lexus Security System+ 4.0, which incorporates the anticipated staples like pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, all-speed adaptive cruise management, lane tracing help, lane departure alert, highway signal help, and clever excessive beams. Increased trims add extra superior options together with Visitors Jam Help, Lane Change Help, Entrance Cross-Visitors Alert, and extra parking help. Lexus says the up to date system is designed to really feel extra pure in its interventions, which ought to matter in a luxurious sedan the place smoothness is a part of the attraction.

Pricing is one other a part of this story that ought to seize consideration as a result of the electrical ES really opens beneath the hybrid. The 2026 ES 350e Premium begins at $48,795, whereas the ES 500e Premium AWD begins at $51,795. Transferring into Luxurious trims brings the ES 350e to $57,195 and the ES 500e Luxurious AWD to $60,195. On the hybrid facet, the ES 350h Premium begins at $50,995, the ES 350h Premium AWD at $52,395, and the Premium+ variations climb from there. These figures embody Lexus’ $1,295 supply, processing, and dealing with payment. Lexus says the ES 350e is anticipated to succeed in dealerships in April, with the hybrid following afterward.

Taken as a complete, the brand new ES appears like Lexus is making an attempt to make considered one of its core merchandise related to a a lot wider group of luxurious consumers. There may be nonetheless a hybrid for conventional ES prospects, however now there are additionally two absolutely electrical variations with respectable vary, significant efficiency, and a genuinely upscale inside. Add within the larger footprint, improved rear-seat consolation, normal 19-inch wheels, accessible 21s, NACS charging, and a cabin loaded with the kind of tech individuals now count on in a premium sedan, and the 2026 ES immediately seems to be like rather more than a routine redesign. It seems to be like Lexus lastly gave the ES the sort of leap ahead this nameplate wanted.

Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate fanatic with over 15 years of expertise immersed on the planet of automobiles. Whether or not it’s exploring the most recent developments in automotive know-how or protecting an in depth pulse on breaking business information, Lloyd brings a pointy perspective and a deep appreciation for all issues automotive. His writing blends technical perception with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions each informative and fascinating for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or underneath the hood, Lloyd enjoys check driving the latest fashions and staying forward of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive panorama.