The 2026 Lexus ES finally embraces the future with all electric version

The Lexus ES has always been the sensible shoe of the luxury car world. It was the sedan you bought when you wanted peace, quiet, and reliability, but didn't necessarily care about flashiness. That changes with the upcoming 2026 model. Lexus is giving its long-running sedan a massive overhaul. The biggest news is not just a new look, but what lies underneath the metal. For the first time, this best-seller will offer fully electric powertrains alongside a hybrid option.

First unveiled in China earlier this year, the 2026 ES is physically larger than the car it replaces. It sits on a redesigned version of the brand's architecture known as the GA-K platform. This new structure is stiff and strong, designed to handle both gas engines and heavy battery packs.

The car has grown in every direction. The total length now stretches to 16.86 ft, which is about 16.5 cm longer than before. The wheelbase has also expanded by nearly 8 cm to a total of 9.68 ft, promising a lot more room for people sitting in the back.

Drivers looking for electric cars will have two distinct choices when the ES arrives. The entry point into the world of electrons is the ES 350e. This model drives the front wheels only and produces 220 horsepower, which is enough to propel the sedan from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.7 seconds. Lexus estimates this version will travel about 300 miles on a full charge when fitted with 19-inch wheels.

If you want more speed and grip, there is the ES 500e. This model uses two motors to provide all-wheel drive. It delivers a much punchier 339 horsepower, and it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a much quicker 5.4 seconds than the entry-level model. The trade-off for that extra power is a slightly lower estimated range of 250 miles.

Lexus is making sure these new EVs are easy to live with. Both electric models will come with a NACS charging port. This is the standard used by Tesla, meaning ES drivers can use the vast Supercharger network without adapters. The car supports DC fast charging, which can boost the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes. For home charging, the car includes an 11-kW onboard charger for Level 2 speeds.

The design of the new ES takes a big step away from the conservative styling of the past. It borrows heavily from a concept car called the LF-ZC. The designers call this new look "Clean Tech x Elegance." The front of the car features a sharp "spindle" shape, but the electric versions swap the open grille for a smooth, sleek nose.

The lighting also gets an update. The car features new "Twin L-Signature" lights. The rear of the car has a trunkless look, similar to a coupe, with a light bar that stretches across the back. Buyers can also choose a new color called "Wavelength," which is making its debut on this model.

Inside the cabin, the focus is on space and high-tech luxury. The dashboard is dominated by a large 14-inch touchscreen. This screen runs the latest Lexus Interface system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver looks at a 12.3-inch digital display instead of traditional gauges.

One very interesting addition is the "Executive Package," available on the ES 350e Luxury trim. This turns the back seat into a mobile lounge. It adds a reclining seat with an ottoman for the passenger side, massaging seats, and heating and ventilation for rear passengers.

Lexus has also updated the materials it uses. The interior features "Bamboo Layering," which uses 3D printing to create a textured wood trim. There is also a new ambient lighting system to set the mood. On the safety front, the 2026 ES will be the very first vehicle to use the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. This suite of safety tech has better hardware and sensors to help the car see the road and avoid accidents more effectively.

The 2026 Lexus ES is expected to arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of 2026, and while the electric models are the headline, Lexus hasn't abandoned gasoline entirely. The standard ES 350h hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an integrated eAxle, and it will be available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

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