Stretch Out in the New, 2026 Lexus ES!

Expected to arrive at dealers next year, the 2026 Lexus ES grew more than six-inches in length, offers both hybrid and battery-electric propulsion, FWD and AWD.

Departing well away from the current model, Lexus recently revealed the eighth-generation, 2026 Lexus ES. Now stretching more than 200-in long, the ES rides on a new platform built to accept both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains. It’s similar—and similarly bold—to what Mercedes-Benz launched with the new CLA.

BRAND WIDE NEW DESIGN

Based on the Lexus LF-ZC concept shown last fall, the ES sees a revolutionary design change, one that’s intended to form the entire brand over time. At the front, to me at least, it looks like the fifth-generation, 2023 RX turned to 11. Then again, it goes without the upper front grille and gets a new set of headlights.

Indeed, Lexus calls it a spindle front fascia, similar to the spindle grille of the RX. You see several acute angles and sharp lines cut into the body. Just beneath the Lexus badge, a shark nose front-end juts out. On either side, you see sharp checkmark like daytime running lights as part of a headlight assembly named Twin L-Signature.

In profile, the additional length and wheelbase really stands out. The ES now measures 202.3-in from nose to tail, 6.4-in longer than before. Likewise, the wheelbase stretched out to 116.1-in, a good three inches longer than the outgoing ES. You also see aerodynamic thin mounts for the sideview mirrors and interesting character lines cut into the doors.

At the rear, things look more familiar with modern trends, as a light bar streaks across the full width of the car, from one taillight to the other. As a nice touch, you get Illuminated LEXUS lettering in the middle, which the light bar runs through.

GO EXECUTIVE

For the first time, Lexus will offer U.S. customers the executive package for the ES, which adds reclining rear seats, rear outboard massaging seats, seat heat and ventilation, and an ottoman on the passenger side. Think of it as a way to maximize the additional passenger space of the longer wheelbase.

Engineers put a lot of thought into space. The vehicle stands taller than before, with a higher ride height to accommodate an underfloor battery pack. But it also provides a more upright seating position and easier ingress and egress. Furthermore, the ES makes use of thinner seats and trim elements to maximize space in the cabin. Finally, Lexus upholstered those seats in synthetic leather and sprinkled ambient lighting throughout.

2026 Lexus ES. Interior. Image courtesy of Lexus

TECH HEAVY INTERIOR

Surprising absolutely no one, you see new and larger screens in the new ES. The driver gets all the pertinent information from a fully digital 12.3 instrument cluster. From there, both front passengers use the 14-in center display for all other car related duties. Moreover, it uses the latest processing power to operate quickly and easily. And, of course, connects wirelessly to smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

When on the road, the driver gets help from a suite of driving aids called Lexus Safety System plus 4.0. This marks one level higher than I’ve personally driven in any other Lexus product. I presume that means more automation in more places. Time will tell.

2026 Lexus ES. Front. Image courtesy of Lexus

POWERTRAIN CHOICES

We’ll see three different trims at launch: the ES350h, 350e, and 500e. The first makes use of the sixth-generation Toyota Hybrid System, which itself incorporates a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine and multiple electric motors built into an electronic continuously variable transmission. The hybrid will come as either a front- or all-wheel-drive ES.

While Lexus kept mum about peak outputs, I expect we’ll see at least 250 horsepower from the total system. And, likely, an unknown amount of torque, but I speculate the electric motor itself will twist up at least 220 lb.-ft. By the way, the hybrid rolls on 19-in wheels.

The other two trims use battery electric propulsion. The 350e gets one motor to power the front wheels. The 500e gets two motors to power all four wheels. Being an all-electric all-wheel-drive system, of course torque split can go full front, full rear, or anything in between.

We do not yet know battery pack size, but engineers estimates that the 350e with 19-in wheels will travel 300 miles on a single charge. But, if you wish, Lexus will offer 21s.

2026 Lexus ES. Rear. Image courtesy of Lexus

COMING NEXT YEAR

Do not expect to see the new ES to arrive in the U.S. until 2026. I assume that means early 2026, otherwise, we’d be learning about a 2027 model year car. Either way, I look forward to hearing more about this TNGA GA-K platform based car and its ability to readily accept both hybrid and BEV powertrains. Lexus plans to share more as the launch date approaches.

A lot of these specs looks promising, as does the design. But I need to see how the rubber meets the road before I can access what the new ES is truly about.