6 Things That Make the 2026 Lexus ES Worth Waiting For
A new face, classier interior, brand-spankin' new technology, and a farewell to a gas-only option are just a few things that drew our attention to the 2026 Lexus ES sedan.
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder—and baby, the 2026 Lexus ES has it in a death grip. The eighth generation was unveiled in April during the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, and it came with an important announcement: the ES for 2026 would no longer offer a gas engine. From here on out, the ES could only be bought as a battery electric EV (BEV) or a hybrid. The ES is trimming back on the ethanol.
The decision follows the company’s mission to offer a “100% electrified” lineup by 2035 (you probably caught that that’s along the same vein as Toyota’s mission statement), and with a BEV range of about 300 miles with all-wheel drive, it’s nothing to sneeze at. And since we know the hybrid technology comes from Toyota, the company’s industry sister, the new ES will be reliable and efficient.
To address the elephant in the room, the new Lexus ES went in for a nip and tuck. Lexus says it speaks a “new” design language, though in my opinion, it looks a lot like the Toyota Crown Signia. The wheelbase has been extended and the overall length has increased to improve passenger comfort, refine the ride quality, and create enough space to enjoy all the new technology that Lexus has fit into it. Before we give away the other noteworthy additions (and subtractions), let’s begin.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
1. The 2026 Lexus ES is Cutting Back on the Corn Juice
Similar to what Toyota did with the RAV4, the ES, which has been around since 1986, will no longer offer a gas engine. The ES has been available as a hybrid since 2013, but from here on out, the ES can only be bought as either a BEV or a PHEV. This is the first time the ES has been offered as an all-electric model, though.
The EV can be bought either as a front-wheel drive model, the ES 350e, which translates to a higher overall range of 300 miles. The all-wheel drive model, the ES 500e, has a shorter range of about 250 miles.
Both utilize an NACS charger capable of DC charging, allowing drivers to plug in at their closest Tesla Supercharger, and can reportedly charge from 10% to 80% within 30 minutes under “ideal conditions.”
READ MORE: The 2025 Lexus LX 700h Has More Luxury and Hybrid Power, But is it Right For Your Family?
2. It Isn’t a Concept Car, But it Draws Inspiration From One
When Lexus said the new ES was inspired by the LF-ZC EV concept, it was hard to believe until they parked the two next to each other. Then it was easy to see that the headlight designs were similar; they both have the same “nose,” under-headlight accents (which look like dimples, in my opinion), and the minimal hybrid-only grille. The aerodynamic sloping of the windshield into the roof is nearly identical, as well as the slender trunk. The company calls it a “spindle body.”
Lexus says the design improves airflow around and through the car, which gives the ES a bit of an edge, and of course, improved range. You know, since there’s less resistance or friction from the air passing by and whatnot. Instead of wearing the polished loafers to work, the ES showed up in racing shoes—it looks sporty yet refined thanks to a black accent across both sides, which is exactly what Lexus was aiming for.
Wavelength, a sort of gunmetal gray color, is exclusive to the ES to pay homage to the concept it was inspired by, and any hybrid or EV models can be built in that color.
3. For Once, We Should Be Grateful For the Extra Inches in the Waistband
The automotive industry has been making cars bigger, wider, and longer for years now to accommodate crucial technology. That’s no secret. No car on the road today is the same size it was 10 years ago. But the Lexus ES is quite larger than the previous generation, with an added 6.5 inches to the total length, and an extra three inches to the wheelbase.
The argument here is that with more space, the ride quality is supposed to be more stable because of a wider footprint, a lower stance (which is new for this model year), and a quieter ride. The rear passengers benefit the most, with a plethora of foot room and new accommodations. The truck is larger, making it more suitable as a daily driver or a road trip car, too.
While the stance is lower, the entry point is higher along with the seating position, improving outward visibility and making it much easier to get in and out of. Lexus made it a point to make the windows bigger to open up the interior.
READ MORE: 10 Reasons Why the Lexus Performance Driving School Made Me a Better Driver
4. It’s Jam-Packed With New, Exciting Technology
For the first time in an ES sold in America, the rear seats can recline, are ventilated, and can massage. Yes, you read that right. The rear passengers can truly feel like they’re being driven by a chauffeur as they enjoy a quiet ride and a lower back massage. All that’s missing is the champagne and quiet classical violin playing through the Mark Levinson sound system.
If your front passenger decides to use the reclining feature, they can also enjoy an ottoman to rest their weary feet on, and take in the 3D printed—yes, 3D printed bamboo layering trim and ambient lighting to make an already classy Lexus even more elegant, futuristic, and most importantly, cozy.
If you noticed that the interior looked a little like the Tazuna concept, you’d be a hammer coming down on the nail’s head. It’s very driver-focused, though the passenger can easily access the 12.3-inch media screen to control media, set navigation, or change the lighting settings. This model year will see a new user interface that’s designed to make it easier to use, more reliable, and come with improved voice recognition and assistance technology.
READ MORE: 10 Reasons the Lexus RX 450h Plug-in Hybrid is Worth the Splurge
5. Lexus Will Debut a New Safety Suite
The 2026 Lexus ES will be the first model of the new year that will come with the newest version of the Lexus Safety System, or LSS + 4.0. Just like Toyota’s newest update, the front, rear, and side sensors have been updated, as well as the software to improve object and pedestrian detection and overall performance.
From what we know about Toyota’s new system, we can assume the same will go for Lexus’s new system. It runs on a new platform, Arene, which is allegedly faster, more capable, and can be updated faster over the air than the last edition of TSS. Lexus models will likely reap the benefits of enhanced lane centering technology that allows the car to make lane changes without help from the driver, too.
Other improvements, Toyota says, will come to road sign detection, dynamic cruise control, pre-collision, and automatic high beams as well.
READ MORE: Putting the 2024 Lexus TX to the True Family Test
6. We Think the Pricing Won’t Change By Too Much
Lexus announced everything cool about the new ES, except for the pricing. There’s a lot more competition nowadays, so it’ll have to be priced fairly to be able to hold its head up—especially since models from Acura, Audi, and Genesis keep the price below $80,000. Since the least expensive 2025 ES is $43,355 and the most expensive is $53,480, we’re hoping to see the peak float around $65,000. That way, it would push the G80, TLX, and the A6 closer to the sidelines.
Keeping within that price range would maintain Lexus’s original ideals that luxury didn’t have to break the bank.
Official pricing will be announced shortly before the new model hits dealership lots later this year. We’re truly rooting for the 2026 Lexus ES and its new identity, but we hope it doesn’t lose too much of its original charm of being the ultimate sedan without costing an arm and a leg.
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