The 2026 Lexus ES has a sleek look and comes in both fully electric and hybrid models. The ES350h hybrid can drive all four wheels or the front wheels, and it has 244 horsepower. They are the ES350e, which has 221 horsepower and front-wheel drive, and the ES500e, which has 338 horsepower and all-wheel drive. We thought that the Lexus ES, which shares the same platform, would soon be part of a new generation when Toyota updated the popular Camry car for the 2025 model year, giving it cleaner lines and, most importantly, a hybrid drivetrain as standard. The 2026 Lexus ES, which made its debut at the Shanghai car show, looks even more different from the Camry’s roots. It has an angular design and could have either a hybrid or fully electric drivetrain. Choose Between Hybrid and Electric The ES, unlike the Toyota, will have both hybrid and electric powertrains. However, it will still use Camry’s TNGA GA-K frame. The hybrid car, which is called the ES350h, will come with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The gas engine is an inline-four 2.5-liter, the same size as the one in the ES300h. When paired with an eAxle, the transaxle and power control unit are put together in a smaller, lighter package. A continuously variable engine gives the system 244 horsepower, which is more than the ES300h’s 215 horsepower. With all-wheel drive, the hybrid car can go from 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds. With front-wheel drive, it takes 8.0 seconds. The ES350e, which drives only the front wheels, and the ES500e, which drives all four wheels, will both be electric. The ES500e is said to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds with 338 horsepower, while the ES350e is said to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.9 seconds with 221 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive system in the dual-motor ES500e can move torque between the front and back wheels when needed. Even though the battery size isn’t shown, Lexus says the ES350e can go 300 miles on a single charge when it has 19-inch wheels. For the first time, the Lexus car gets a multi-link rear suspension, which should make it easier to drive. The ES, on the other hand, still has a MacPherson strut front suspension. Appearing Like a Lowered RZ The 2026 ES has more straight lines and sharp edges than the 2025 ES, which has a flat surface. It was based on the 2023 LF-ZC concept car, and the RZ SUV, which was Lexus’s first electric car, is a clear example of the design. The hourglass form, like on the RZ, comes from creases in the bodywork rather than being added on. The “spindle” grille, which has been a Lexus trademark for a while, doesn’t show up very often. Electric cars don’t have a grille; instead, they have a blank panel. A hole in the lower bumper sends cold air to the battery. A small screen on top of hybrid cars keeps the engine cool. The ES’s main headlights are in a black triangular panel in the bumper. The headlights are designed in a current split style. The daytime running lights are above and shaped like a checkmark. The turn signals are the same shape but face the opposite way. Lexus says that the ES is about 6.5 inches longer and has a wheelbase that is 3 inches longer than the previous model. The ES is higher because electric cars need to have their batteries moved under the floor. The roof has a gentle slope, which makes the silhouette fastback. A black trim piece on the front doors cuts a dramatic slit that goes above the door sill and then drops down in front of the rear wheels. It’s a unique but crowded touch. A simple full-width LED taillight on the back has a lit “Lexus” letter built into it. Large Displays and Imitation Bamboo Lexus says that the longer length makes the interior roomier than before, and it’s simple and clean inside. Lexus says that they moved the seats back to make getting in and out easier, but the location of the battery also played a part in this. The ES’s door trim, which “recreates the depth and flow of natural bamboo” through 3D printing and built-in ambient lighting, is what makes the cabin stand out. One more thing that the ES has is a Mark Levinson surround sound system. It has a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel and a 14.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen shows the latest version of Lexus’ infotainment system. Lexus says the built-in navigation system can now be seen on the gauge cluster, so you don’t have to look at the main screen to find your way. The voice aid is also more responsive than before. For the first time in North America, Lexus will offer an executive package for the ES. This package includes heated and cooled back seats, an ottoman for the passenger side, and the choice to massage the back seats on the sides. It can only be added to the Luxury trim level of the ES350e. For the first time, the 2026 ES will also come with the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which has all of the newest active safety and driver-aid systems. Lexus says that more information about this technology and the 2026 ES for the US market will be released later. The 2026 ES will go on sale in the US sometime next year. We’ll have to wait a little longer to learn more.
