The Lexus ES, a mainstay of the Japanese luxury brand, is entering a new era with the 2026 model year, offering a multi-pathway approach to powertrains that includes a first-ever all-electric variant. The ES has long been recognized for its blend of elegance, comfort, and competitive pricing, arriving alongside the flagship LS 400 in 1989 and establishing itself as a key model for Lexus.
The 2026 ES lineup features a range of trims with starting MSRPs beginning at $48,795 for the ES 350e Premium and reaching $60,195 for the ES 500e Luxury AWD (including a $1,295 destination charge). Hybrid models, designated as ES 350h, start at $50,995.
The most significant development is the introduction of the ES BEV, marking the first battery-electric vehicle in the long-running ES nameplate’s history. Lexus is utilizing a single architecture to support battery-electric, internal combustion, and hybrid powertrains, catering to a diverse range of buyer preferences. The electric models share a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery positioned beneath the floor to lower the center of gravity.
The ES 350e, a front-wheel drive model, features a single 221-horsepower permanent magnet synchronous motor and achieves an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles with 19-inch wheels, decreasing to 292 miles with 21-inch wheels. The ES 500e adds a second 118-horsepower motor to the rear axle, producing a total system output of 338 horsepower. It incorporates the DIRECT4 AWD system, borrowed from the Lexus RZ, enabling instantaneous torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, ranging from 100:0 to 0:100. Lexus states the system targets a 60:40 to 40:60 split during launch for linear acceleration.
The ES 350e accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while the ES 500e achieves the same speed in 5.1 seconds. The ES BEV models can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 28 minutes using DC fast charging at speeds up to 150 kW. An 11-kW onboard AC charger allows for Level 2 home charging in about seven hours. Lexus includes a dual-voltage AC charging cable supporting both 120V and 240V inputs, and a CCS-to-NACS plug adapter for access to a wider charging network.
Underpinning the 2026 ES is an evolution of Lexus’s TNGA-K architecture, significantly reinforced to handle the weight of the battery and the instant torque of the electric motors. Rigidity has been increased at the front, floor, and rear to reduce body vibrations and improve handling. A multi-link rear suspension has been adopted for the first time in ES history, aiming to enhance “posture control” during spirited driving.
The 2026 ES has grown in size, with a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase, resulting in a 6.5-inch increase in overall length and a 2.2-inch increase in width. Rear-seat passengers benefit from an extra 1.4 inches of legroom, while front-seat occupants gain 1.9 inches of hip room. Headroom has also increased, by 0.8 inches in the front and 0.4 inches in the rear. Electronic door latch releases are standard, with a soft-close feature available on Luxury trims.
The Executive Package, exclusive to the ES 350e Luxury, offers enhanced rear-seat comfort with a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat including a recline function and deployable ottoman, alongside asymmetric power adjustments. It also includes a multi-zone automatic climate control system integrated into the center armrest, two additional USB-C ports, and headrests contoured for long-distance comfort.
The interior features Lexus’s “Clean Tech x Elegance” design language, centered around a 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Climate controls are integrated into a soft-touch panel with backlit switches that remain invisible until the vehicle is powered on. Luxury trims feature Bamboo Layering, created using a 3D-printing technique to create a layered effect on the door panels, synchronized with the Lexus Thematic Ambient Illumination system.
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