Sleek New 2026 Lexus ES Unveiled With Hybrid and Electric Variants
The all-new 2026 Lexus ES was unveiled today at Auto Shanghai 2025. It will go on sale in Canada early next year with a selection of hybrid and electric models, a first.
This eighth generation of the Japanese midsize luxury sedan has been developed under the theme of “Clean Tech x Elegance,” with inspiration from the LF-ZC concept. It marks another evolution of the Lexus design language.
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The company says that the car’s height was carefully determined to accommodate underfloor battery placement while preserving interior comfort. The body is also way more sculpted than before, with bold character lines and inserts on the hood and sides.
Up front, Lexus’ signature spindle grille is now largely closed, giving the new ES a cleaner fascia. On hybrid models, a slim upper grille is added to ensure cooling performance. In the rear, the long, fastback-style roofline and window merge with a short trunk lid to create the impression of a coupe, most likely at the expense of easy cargo access.
Lexus has also redesigned the wheels, headlights and taillights. In keeping with an industry trend, the single light bar in the rear consolidates taillight and stoplight functions while incorporating an illuminated Lexus logo.
More Space, Comfort and Refinement
Compared to the previous ES, overall length has been extended by approximately 165 mm and the wheelbase by 80 mm, resulting in a more spacious cabin. In addition, the seating position has been set higher to improve ease of entry and exit, the seats and trim elements have been made as slim as possible, and the lower edges of the front and side window frames have been lowered to increase the glass surface area.
The door trim introduces two Lexus-first design elements. Bamboo layering recreates the depth and flow of natural bamboo using 3D printing, while synthetic leather embossing pairs sharp embossing with ambient lighting.
When it comes to technology, an optimized Mark Levinson surround sound system is part of the mix. A uniquely shaped 12.3-inch digital display is paired with a 14-inch touchscreen powered by the newest version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system. The latter features a new onscreen home button and split screen capability, as well as an improved voice assistant with quicker response times. Naturally, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included, too.
For the first time in Canada, an Executive VIP Package will be available on the ES. It includes reclining rear seats with a passenger-side ottoman, rear outboard massaging seats and rear-seat heating and ventilation.
No More Gas Engines
Quieter and more comfortable, the 2026 Lexus ES is built on a redesigned TNGA-K platform, developed specifically to accommodate both hybrid and batter-electric powertrains. Rigidity has been significantly increased at the front, floor and rear, resulting in a thoroughly reinforced structure with fewer vibrations, Lexus claims. Furthermore, a multi-link rear suspension has been adopted, joining the MacPherson strut front suspension.
The lineup starts with the ES 350h offering enhanced performance and equipped with standard AWD in Canada. The new 2.5-litre hybrid system is lighter and more compact, too. Alas, power and fuel consumption are not available at this point.
The big news, of course, is the addition of the FWD-equipped ES 350e and AWD-equipped ES 500e, the latter with DIRECT4 technology. A large-capacity high-voltage battery is positioned beneath the floor to lower the centre of gravity and enhance driving stability. Again, specs are largely missing. All we know is that the ES 350e has a manufacturer-estimated range of 480 km when equipped with 19-inch wheels.
By the way, the new 2026 Lexus ES is the first model to receive the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 with updated hardware and detection capabilities.
Additional details including pricing will be available closer to launch next year. In the meantime, a comprehensive reimagining of the Lexus brand will be revealed at the Japan Mobility Show in October.
