The Lexus ES has a firmly established identity and a loyal base of repeat buyers. That’s what every automaker aims for. Many months, it’s the best-selling midsize luxury sedan in America. So Lexus designers don’t alter the ES lightly.
That’s what makes the 2026 Lexus ES shocking. Lexus has given its best-selling sedan perhaps the most dramatic makeover the car has seen since its 1989 debut. The all-new 2026 ES wears a radically reimagined body and comes as either a hybrid or a fully electric vehicle (EV).
Lexus unveiled the vehicle at this week’s Shanghai auto show — another sign that the heart of the global auto industry is now in China. Lexus says it will sell the same model in the U.S. It has not disclosed pricing. The 2025 model in showrooms today starts at $43,190, including delivery fee.
The Most Sedate Sedan Gets Stylish
The ES has long been the tamest luxury sedan. While BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and others compete to advertise their sedans’ performance chops, Lexus sells the ES as a serene cocoon isolated from traffic.
At least, the company used to. We wonder if this model might not be advertised with shouting announcers and distorted guitar riffs. Lexus says the look is inspired by the 2023 Lexus Concept LF-ZC, a design study that looked almost ready to race in some future Le Mans event.
The changes start with the grille, which is almost gone. The oversized spindle shape Lexus has used in recent years is still there, but only hinted at with sheet metal. Air intake comes low to the road, a trapezoid flanked by a gradient of diamonds purely for flair. A pair of deep vents flank the not-a-grille, under thin LED headlights.
The greenhouse has almost a fastback shape, terminating in an abbreviated trunk.
The car’s flanks wear a thick jagged styling line, almost reminiscent of the previous-generation Dodge Charger. Yes, this is an ES with muscle car accents. No, we weren’t prepared, either.
Radically Simplified Interior
It doesn’t look like what you would expect an ES to look like inside, either. Here, designers have embraced flat surfaces and straight lines. If this cabin borrows from anything, it’s the Hyundai Ioniq 6, not the previous-generation ES.
“Compared to the previous model, overall length has been extended by approximately 6.5 inches and the wheelbase by 3 inches, resulting in a more spacious cabin,” the company says. The seating position is higher for better visibility and easier entry and exit.
A 14-inch screen sits high so drivers don’t have to look down from the roadway to see it. “The ES also launches the newest version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system. The system enhances the user experience with a new onscreen home button and split screen capability,” the company says. Navigation cues can display on the 12.3-inch driver’s instrument screen.
For the first time, Lexus has brought its Executive Package to the ES. Common on more expensive Lexus models, this gives the rear seats reclining capability, massaging, heating, ventilation, and an ottoman on the right side.
Hybrid, EV Options
Buyers will have their choice of powertrains – electric or half-electric. Strangely, Lexus has not revealed power figures for any of them.
The hybrid option, called the ES 350h, combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Lexus says it will be available with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The electric option comes in two configurations. The ES 350e uses a single electric motor driving the front wheels. The ES 500e uses one motor per axle for all-wheel-drive grip. Lexus is keeping almost all specifications close to the vest for now, but says the 350e will achieve a range of up to 300 miles on 19-inch wheels.
“Rigidity has been significantly increased at the front, floor, and rear, resulting in a thoroughly reinforced structure. This enhancement reduces body vibrations and enables sharp, intuitive steering, along with smooth acceleration and deceleration,” the company says.
Perhaps more important to handling, it’s the first ES to use a multi-link rear suspension.
Personality Changes With the New Look?
The model’s dedicated fan base likely means the 2026 Lexus ES will continue the nameplate’s strong sales. However, the new suspension, the strong acceleration inherent in EVs, and the stiffer structure have us wondering if they’re aiming for the canyon-carving reputation of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The company still has many details to reveal, so we expect to learn more over the coming months.