The Lexus ES has lengthy been the cornerstone of the Japanese luxurious model, a sedan outlined by its class, consolation, and sporty driving dynamics. Lexus followers might recall how the ES arrived alongside the flagship LS in 1989, and over the past three a long time, it has constructed a status for giving consumers the chief remedy at a aggressive beginning MSRP.
Here’s a fast look on the beginning MSRPs by trim degree for the 2026 Lexus ES. The chart beneath contains the $1,295 vacation spot cost.
Trim Degree
Beginning MSRP
ES 350e Premium
$48,795
ES 500e Premium AWD
$51,795
ES 350e Luxurious
$57,195
ES 500e Luxurious AWD
$60,195
ES 350h Premium
$50,995
ES 350h Premium AWD
$52,395
ES 350h Premium+
$55,795
ES 350h Premium+ AWD
$57,195
Now getting into its eighth era, the 2026 Lexus ES 350e and ES 500e signify a “multi-pathway” pivot for the model. Lexus is using a single structure that helps battery-electric, inner combustion, and hybrid powertrains concurrently in an try to cater to a variety of consumers.
From its cocoon-like rear-seat to its superior all-wheel drive system, listed here are the highest six issues to know in regards to the 2026 Lexus ES.
6
New all-electric ES
DIRECT4 AWD system from the Lexus RZ
The massive headline for 2026 is the arrival of the ES BEV (battery electrical automobile), the primary of its form for the long-running Lexus nameplate. Each electrical fashions share a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery positioned beneath the ground to decrease the middle of gravity, however they make the most of totally different eAxle configurations to outline their character.
The ES 350e is the a front-wheel drive mannequin that includes a single 221-horsepower everlasting magnet synchronous motor with an EPA-estimated 307 miles of driving vary (19-inch wheels). That vary drops to 292 miles with 21-inch wheels.
Against this, the ES 500e provides a second 118-horsepower motor to the rear axle, bringing the overall system output to 338 horsepower. It borrows the DIRECT4 AWD system from the Lexus RZ, which might instantaneously shift torque between the entrance and rear wheels in ratios starting from 100:0 to 0:100.
When launching from a standstill, the system routinely targets a 60:40 to 40:60 cut up to make sure the linear acceleration really feel Lexus homeowners have come to know and count on.
Mannequin
EPA-Estimated Driving Vary
0-60 mph
ES 350e
307 miles (19-inch wheels) / 292 miles (21-inch wheels)
7.4 seconds
ES 500e:
276 miles (19-inch wheels) / 272 miles (21-inch wheels)
5.1 seconds
5
Multi-pathway engineering
New suspension change
Credit score: Lexus
As famous a second in the past, Lexus is utilizing a brand new platform that helps a variety of powertrains for the 2026 ES. This evolution of the model’s well-known TNGA-Okay structure is the reimagining of a platform that has underpinned a era of Toyota and Lexus autos. Right here’s what stands out:
- Bolstered Rigidity: To deal with the moment torque of the electrical motors and the burden of the 74.7-kWh battery, Lexus considerably elevated rigidity on the entrance, ground, and rear. This bolstered construction is designed to scale back physique vibrations and enhance dealing with. No one does torsional rigidity fairly like Lexus, one thing the world noticed firsthand over a decade in the past with the reveal of the LC 500.
- Suspension Change: For the primary time within the historical past of the ES, Lexus has adopted a multi-link rear suspension to offer higher “posture management” throughout spirited driving.
- Hybrid Fashions: The upcoming 2026 ES 350h makes use of the identical platform and shares the identical general design as the electrical fashions. The sixth-generation gas-electric hybrid system options an built-in eAxle, combining the facility management unit and the transaxle right into a extra compact, light-weight unit. Hybrids might be optioned with both front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
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4
Latest development spurt
More room for drivers and passengers
Luxurious is usually outlined by the area you inhabit, and the 2026 ES has grown considerably. Constructed on a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase, the brand new ES is 6.5 inches longer and a pair of.2 inches wider than the earlier era. Lexus used each inch to overtake the passenger expertise:
- The Numbers: Rear-seat passengers profit from an additional 1.4 inches of legroom, whereas front-seat occupants take pleasure in a 1.9-inch enlargement in hip room. Even headroom sees a lift, with positive aspects of 0.8 inches within the entrance and 0.4 inches within the rear.
- Larger Hip Factors: Lexus has raised the hip factors for the entrance and rear seats. Mixed with an general peak enhance of as much as 4.5 inches, the upper hip factors will make getting out and in of the 2026 ES simpler.
- Digital Latch Debut: The ES options digital door latch releases as customary for the primary time. On the Luxurious trims, Lexus provides what it calls a soft-close characteristic, a elaborate strategy to say the doorways pull themselves shut routinely if they’re left open barely or solely partially closed.
3
New government bundle
Enter the “cocoon” for passengers
Credit score: Lexus
The Government Bundle, unique to the ES 350e Luxurious, transforms the rear seat into an upscale sanctuary. Here’s what the bundle contains:
- Uneven Luxurious: The facility changes aren’t an identical for either side. Whereas the driver-side rear seat includes a two-way energy adjustment, the passenger-side “throne” is a four-way power-adjustable unit that features a recline perform and a deployable ottoman.
- Thematic Local weather Management: The Government Bundle provides a multi-zone computerized local weather management system with controls built-in straight into the middle armrest. This enables rear passengers to handle their very own warmth and AC.
- Further Connectivity and Consolation: Government Bundle provides two further USB-C ports for the backseat, bringing the overall to 5 contained in the ES. The additional USB ports are paired with headrests which are particularly contoured for long-distance consolation.
Guarantee
5-year guarantee on instruments, as much as 3-year guarantee on batteries.
What’s Included
M12 affect driver, hammer drill, 3/8-inch ratchet, charger, two batteries
In the event you’re searching for an amazing DIY starter package from Milwaukee, this M12 3-tool combo package is it. With an affect driver, hammer drill, and three/8-inch ratchet, together with a 4Ah and 2Ah battery, this package is a superb start line for initiatives each at dwelling and in your automobile.
2
Customary NACS charging
Battery preconditioning obtainable
Credit score: Lexus
The 2026 Lexus ES has a North American Charging System (NACS) port, permitting homeowners to faucet into the Tesla Supercharger community.
In response to Lexus, underneath preferrred circumstances, the 2026 ES BEV can go from 10% to 80% cost in roughly 28 minutes utilizing DC quick charging with speeds of as much as 150 kW. An 11-kW onboard AC charger permits for Degree 2 dwelling charging in about seven hours.
Additionally included is a dual-voltage AC charging cable that helps each 120V Degree 1 and 240V Degree 2 inputs. Whether or not you might be at a resort or a pal’s home, this standardized cable successfully turns any outlet right into a usable energy supply.
Listed here are another excessive factors:
- CCS Bridge: Lexus features a CCS-to-NACS plug adapter with each 2026 ES BEV, granting native entry to over 76,000 public charging stations nationwide.
- Clever Battery Preconditioning: To make sure sooner charging, the ES includes a thermal administration system that may be activated through the touchscreen or routinely when a public charger is ready because the vacation spot within the Cloud Navigation. Just like the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV, the battery preconditioning system requires an energetic Drive Join subscription.
- Plug & Cost Simplicity: With an energetic Distant Join subscription, the 2026 ES helps the Lexus Plug & Cost characteristic. You may merely plug right into a suitable station and stroll away. The ES handles the handshake and the fee routinely.
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1
Digital-first inside
“Reins of a horse” precept
Credit score: Lexus
The inside represents what Lexus calls its Clear Tech x Magnificence design language. Primarily based on the Tazuna (“reins of a horse”) precept, the dashboard includes a 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
To maintain the look clear, local weather controls are housed on a soft-touch panel that includes backlit switches that stay invisible till the automobile is powered on. It’s a small contact that’s paying homage to the LS 430 from the early 2000s.
In a primary for Lexus, the Luxurious trims characteristic Bamboo Layering, and a complicated 3D-printing method that creates a layered impact on the door panels. The bamboo layering synchronizes with the Lexus Thematic Ambient Illumination system to create a three-dimensional visible impact.
Lexus has a profitable formulation
The 2026 Lexus ES proves that when shifting to an EV, you do not have to sacrifice the profitable formulation that made earlier generations of the ES among the many most snug and dependable vehicles on the street. By providing a bigger, extra refined cabin and the choice for a hybird powertrain, Lexus is hoping the ES stays the go-to customary for the trendy luxurious automobile purchaser.
