Sleek 2026 Lexus ES makes debut with EV and hybrid options

The 2026 Lexus ES premium sedan has been launched at the Shanghai motor show ahead of its debut in Australian showrooms next year, with the BMW 5 Series rival set to be offered with both hybrid and all-electric powertrains for the first time. 

Arriving to join the battery-powered Lexus UX300e and the Lexus RZ SUV, the eighth-generation sedan is related to the latest Toyota Camry and remains on an updated version of the last car's TNGA-K platform. 

Featuring styling inspired by the 2023 LF-ZC concept, the new ES features a far sleeker look than before, with a pointier nose designed for less drag. 

While the electric version features a closed-off front bumper design, the hybrid has the slimmest of openings below both car's modest take on Lexus' trademark spindle grille. 

Featuring a fastback rear profile, the ES sports a pair of ultra-thin headlamps that feature a tick-shaped daytime running light graphic, sat above the larger main lamps. 

Along its flanks is a striking hockey stick shape, plus a rising beltline and a set of new large alloy wheels that are available in either 19 or 21-inches and ramp up the Lexus' sportiness. 

Measuring in at a huge 5140mm long, the ES is a sizeable 165mm longer, 55mm wider and between 110-115mm taller than before, which means the mid-size sedan is now almost as large at a Mercedes S-Class limo. 

Within, there's a large infotainment screen that's combined with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver. While buttons appear absent, there are capacitive shortcut buttons along the dash and dual wireless smartphone chargers are also present. 

As well as ambient lighting there will be an onboard fragrance dispenser, while the large panoramic sunroof can be switched from transparent to opaque. 

In the rear, the large sedan gets a pair of massage seats that recline and have leg rests that rise up while the front passenger seat tilts forward to provide extra space.

Under the bonnet of the new entry-level E300h is a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid that's matched with Toyota's electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) automatic and produces 145kW in the front-drive version and 148kW with all-wheel drive. 

Instead of borrowing from the latest Prius or Lexus LBX, the new ES gets Toyota's sixth-generation hybrid tech that packages the power control unit and electronics in a lighter, more compact transaxle, dubbed e-axle - and blends it with a bigger battery. 

The old car's 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid is carried over and updated and produces a more muscular 182kW; it's also available with front- or all-wheel drive. 

The new addition to the Lexus ES line-up is the choice of two all-electric powertrains. 

The ES 350e is strictly front-drive only and comes with a 165kW front-motor that is said to provide a range of up to 685km, while the all-wheel drive dual-motor ES 500e produces 252kW and still covers 610km - although both ranges are recorded on the more lenient Chinese CLTC test cycle. 

Lexus has not disclosed the battery chemistry or power density but says charging is limited to a rate of up to 150kW with a 10-80 per cent top-up taking around 30 minutes. 

Developed to be quieter and more refined than ever before the new Lexus ES will come with the car-maker's next-generation driver assist tech, although full details will be released later. 

It's a similar story for what cars we'll get Down Under with Lexus Australia yet to announce the 2026 Lexus ES line-up or pricing. Both will be released later ahead of the premium sedan's debut which is tipped to take place in the first half of 2026. 

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