6 big changes as the luxury icon goes electric

The Lexus ES has long been the cornerstone of the Japanese luxury brand, a sedan defined by its elegance, comfort, and sporty driving dynamics. Lexus fans may recall how the ES arrived alongside the flagship LS in 1989, and over the last three decades, it has built a reputation for giving buyers the executive treatment at a competitive starting MSRP.

Here is a quick glance at the starting MSRPs by trim level for the 2026 Lexus ES. The chart below includes the $1,295 destination charge.

Now entering its eighth generation, the 2026 Lexus ES 350e and ES 500e represent a “multi-pathway” pivot for the brand. Lexus is utilizing a single architecture that supports battery-electric, internal combustion, and hybrid powertrains simultaneously in an attempt to cater to a range of buyers.

From its cocoon-like rear-seat to its advanced all-wheel drive system, here are the top six things to know about the 2026 Lexus ES.

6

New all-electric ES

DIRECT4 AWD system from the Lexus RZ

The big headline for 2026 is the arrival of the ES BEV (battery electric vehicle), the first of its kind for the long-running Lexus nameplate. Both electric models share a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery positioned beneath the floor to lower the center of gravity, but they utilize different eAxle configurations to define their character.

The ES 350e is the a front-wheel drive model that features a single 221-horsepower permanent magnet synchronous motor with an EPA-estimated 307 miles of driving range (19-inch wheels). That range drops to 292 miles with 21-inch wheels.

By contrast, the ES 500e adds a second 118-horsepower motor to the rear axle, bringing the total system output to 338 horsepower. It borrows the DIRECT4 AWD system from the Lexus RZ, which can instantaneously shift torque between the front and rear wheels in ratios ranging from 100:0 to 0:100.

When launching from a standstill, the system automatically targets a 60:40 to 40:60 split to ensure the linear acceleration feel Lexus owners have come to know and expect.

5

Multi-pathway engineering

New suspension change

Credit: Lexus

As noted a moment ago, Lexus is using a new platform that supports a wide range of powertrains for the 2026 ES. This evolution of the brand’s famous TNGA-K architecture is the reimagining of a platform that has underpinned a generation of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Here’s what stands out:

• Reinforced Rigidity: To handle the instant torque of the electric motors and the weight of the 74.7-kWh battery, Lexus significantly increased rigidity at the front, floor, and rear. This reinforced structure is designed to reduce body vibrations and improve handling. Nobody does torsional rigidity quite like Lexus, something the world saw firsthand over a decade ago with the reveal of the LC 500.

• Suspension Change: For the first time in the history of the ES, Lexus has adopted a multi-link rear suspension to provide better “posture control” during spirited driving.

• Hybrid Models: The upcoming 2026 ES 350h utilizes the same platform and shares the same overall design as the electric models. The sixth-generation gas-electric hybrid system features an integrated eAxle, combining the power control unit and the transaxle into a more compact, lightweight unit. Hybrids can be optioned with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

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4

Recent growth spurt

More space for drivers and passengers

Luxury is often defined by the space you inhabit, and the 2026 ES has grown substantially. Built on a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase, the new ES is 6.5 inches longer and 2.2 inches wider than the previous generation. Lexus used every inch to overhaul the passenger experience:

• The Numbers: Rear-seat passengers benefit from an extra 1.4 inches of legroom, while front-seat occupants enjoy a 1.9-inch expansion in hip room. Even headroom sees a boost, with gains of 0.8 inches in the front and 0.4 inches in the rear.

• Higher Hip Points: Lexus has raised the hip points for the front and rear seats. Combined with an overall height increase of up to 4.5 inches, the higher hip points will make getting in and out of the 2026 ES easier.

• Digital Latch Debut: The ES features electronic door latch releases as standard for the first time. On the Luxury trims, Lexus adds what it calls a soft-close feature, a fancy way to say the doors pull themselves shut automatically if they are left open slightly or only partially closed.

3

New executive package

Enter the “cocoon” for passengers

Credit: Lexus

The Executive Package, exclusive to the ES 350e Luxury, transforms the rear seat into an upscale sanctuary. Here is what the package includes:

• Asymmetric Luxury: The power adjustments aren’t identical for both sides. While the driver-side rear seat features a two-way power adjustment, the passenger-side “throne” is a four-way power-adjustable unit that includes a recline function and a deployable ottoman.

• Thematic Climate Control: The Executive Package adds a multi-zone automatic climate control system with controls integrated directly into the center armrest. This allows rear passengers to manage their own heat and AC.

• Extra Connectivity and Comfort: Executive Package adds two additional USB-C ports for the backseat, bringing the total to five inside the ES. The extra USB ports are paired with headrests that are specifically contoured for long-distance comfort.

Warranty

5-year warranty on tools, up to 3-year warranty on batteries.

What’s Included

M12 impact driver, hammer drill, 3/8-inch ratchet, charger, two batteries

If you’re looking for a great DIY starter kit from Milwaukee, this M12 3-tool combo kit is it. With an impact driver, hammer drill, and 3/8-inch ratchet, along with a 4Ah and 2Ah battery, this kit is a great starting point for projects both at home and on your vehicle. 

2

Standard NACS charging

Battery preconditioning available

Credit: Lexus

The 2026 Lexus ES has a North American Charging System (NACS) port, allowing owners to tap into the Tesla Supercharger network.

According to Lexus, under ideal conditions, the 2026 ES BEV can go from 10% to 80% charge in approximately 28 minutes using DC fast charging with speeds of up to 150 kW. An 11-kW onboard AC charger allows for Level 2 home charging in about seven hours.

Also included is a dual-voltage AC charging cable that supports both 120V Level 1 and 240V Level 2 inputs. Whether you are at a hotel or a friend’s house, this standardized cable effectively turns any outlet into a usable power source.

Here are some other high points:

• CCS Bridge: Lexus includes a CCS-to-NACS plug adapter with every 2026 ES BEV, granting native access to over 76,000 public charging stations nationwide.

• Intelligent Battery Preconditioning: To ensure faster charging, the ES features a thermal management system that can be activated via the touchscreen or automatically when a public charger is set as the destination in the Cloud Navigation. Like the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV, the battery preconditioning system requires an active Drive Connect subscription.

• Plug & Charge Simplicity: With an active Remote Connect subscription, the 2026 ES supports the Lexus Plug & Charge feature. You can simply plug into a compatible station and walk away. The ES handles the handshake and the payment automatically.

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1

Digital-first interior

“Reins of a horse” principle

Credit: Lexus

The interior represents what Lexus calls its Clean Tech x Elegance design language. Based on the Tazuna (“reins of a horse”) principle, the dashboard features a 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

To keep the look clean, climate controls are housed on a soft-touch panel featuring backlit switches that remain invisible until the vehicle is powered on. It’s a small touch that is reminiscent of the LS 430 from the early 2000s.

In a first for Lexus, the Luxury trims feature Bamboo Layering, and an advanced 3D-printing technique that creates a layered effect on the door panels. The bamboo layering synchronizes with the Lexus Thematic Ambient Illumination system to create a three-dimensional visual effect.

Lexus has a winning formula

The 2026 Lexus ES proves that when moving to an EV, you don’t have to sacrifice the winning formula that made previous generations of the ES among the most comfortable and reliable cars on the road. By offering a larger, more refined cabin and the option for a hybird powertrain, Lexus is hoping the ES remains the go-to standard for the modern luxury car buyer.