Debuting this week at Auto Shanghai, the all-new 2026 ES brings major updates both inside and out.
The new ES draws inspiration from the LF-ZL concept unveiled about a year and a half ago.
The new ES is significantly larger than its predecessor, growing by 6.5 inches (165 millimeters) to a total length of 202.3 inches (5140 mm). About half of the stretch is found in the wheelbase, which now measures 116.1 inches (2950 mm), an increase of 3.1 in (80 mm). It’s also 2.1 inches (55 mm) wider than before, at 75.6 inches (1920 mm). Despite growing, the ES is not replacing the LS. Lexus tells us it's keeping the flagship sedan.
In terms of height, the hybrid stands 4.3 inches (110 mm) taller than its predecessor, at 61.2 inches (1,555 mm), while the electric version adds an additional 0.2 inches (5 mm). Weight ranges from 3,935 pounds (1,785 kg) for the front-wheel-drive ES 300h to 5,037 lbs (2,285 kg) for the all-wheel-drive electric ES 500e.
Lexus is offering the new ES with two hybrid powertrain options based on 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines. However, the lesser of the two is strictly front-wheel drive and won’t be sold in the United States. America is getting the ES 350h with a choice between FWD and AWD. Total system output varies from 194 hp for the electrified 2.0-liter powertrain to 244 hp with the bigger engine. The slowest of the bunch takes 9.4 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h), whereas the quickest needs 7.8 seconds.
The fully electric model comes in front-wheel-drive ES 350e and all-wheel-drive ES 500e flavors. Stick to the cheaper EV and you get 221 hp, good for an 8.9-second sprint and a maximum range of 426 miles (685 kilometers). However, the range mentioned by Lexus is in the overly optimistic CLTC cycle. Lexus estimates the US-spec version will cover 300 miles (483 kilometers) on a charge. The dual-motor variant ups the power ante to 338 hp and cuts the sprint time to only 5.9 seconds. Because it’s a heavier car, the range takes a hit, falling to 379 miles (610 kilometers) per CLTC.
Lexus claims to have beefed up body rigidity by utilizing the latest iteration of Toyota’s TNGA GA-K platform.
Despite today’s world premiere, the next-gen Lexus ES won’t go on sale until the middle of 2026.
