The Lexus ES has long been a cornerstone of the Japanese luxury brand, a sedan distinguished by its elegance, comfort and sporty driving dynamics. Lexus fans may remember how the ES arrived alongside the flagship LS in 1989, and over the past three decades it has earned a reputation for giving buyers executive treatment at a competitive starting MSRP.
Here’s a quick look at the starting MSRPs for the 2026 Lexus ES by trim level. The schedule below includes a $1,295 destination charge.
|
Cutoff Level |
MSRP starts |
|
ES 350e Premium |
$48,795 |
|
ES 500e Premium AWD |
$51,795 |
|
ES 350e Lux |
$57,195 |
|
ES 500e Luxury AWD |
$60,195 |
|
ES 350h Premium |
$50,995 |
|
ES 350h Premium AWD |
$52,395 |
|
ES 350h Premium+ |
$55,795 |
|
ES 350h Premium+ AWD |
$57,195 |
Now in its eighth generation, the 2026 Lexus ES 350e and ES 500e represent a “multi-track” turn for the brand. Lexus uses a unified architecture that simultaneously supports battery-electric, internal combustion and hybrid powertrains to serve a range of buyers.
From its cocoon-like rear seat to its advanced all-wheel drive system, here are the six best things to know about the 2026 Lexus ES.
6
The new all-electric ES
DIRECT4 AWD system from Lexus RZ
The big headline for 2026 is the arrival of the ES BEV (battery electric vehicle), a first of its kind for the long-running Lexus nameplate. Both electric models share a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery that sits under the floor to lower the center of gravity, but use different eAxle configurations to define their character.
The ES 350e is a front-wheel-drive model with a 221-hp single permanent magnet synchronous motor with an EPA-estimated driving range of 307 miles (19-inch wheels). That range drops to 292 miles with 21-inch wheels.
In contrast, the ES 500e adding a second 118-hp engine to the rear axle, bringing the system’s total power to 338 hp. It borrows the DIRECT4 AWD system from the Lexus RZ, which can instantly switch torque between the front and rear wheels at ratios ranging from 100:0 to 0:100.
When activated from a standstill, the system automatically aims for a 60:40 to 40:60 split to deliver the linear acceleration sensation that Lexus owners have come to know and expect.
|
Model |
EPA-Estimated Driving Range |
0-60 mph |
|
ES 350e |
307 miles (19-inch wheels) / 292 miles (21-inch wheels) |
7.4 seconds |
|
ES 500e: |
276 miles (19-inch wheels) / 272 miles (21-inch wheels) |
5.1 seconds |
5
Multi-track engineering
New suspension change
As mentioned earlier, Lexus uses a new platform for the 2026 ES that supports a wide range of powertrains. This evolution of the brand’s famous TNGA-K architecture is a reimagining of the platform that underpins generations of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Here is what stands out:
- Enhanced Stiffness: To handle the instant torque of the electric motors and the weight of the 74.7kWh battery, Lexus has significantly increased front, floor and rear stiffness. This reinforced structure is designed to reduce body vibration and improve handling. Nobody does torsional rigidity like a Lexus, something the world only saw a decade ago With the launch of the LC 500.
- Suspension changes: For the first time in the history of the ES, Lexus adopted a multi-link rear suspension for better “stance control” during spirited driving.
- Hybrid Models: The upcoming 2026 ES 350h uses the same platform and shares the same overall design as the electric models. The sixth-generation gas-electric hybrid system features an integrated eAxle that combines the powertrain and transmission into a more compact, lightweight unit. Hybrids can be front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
4
Final growth rate
More space for drivers and passengers
Luxury is often defined by the space you live in, and the 2026 ES has stepped up significantly. Built on a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase, the new ES is 6.5 inches longer and 2.2 inches wider than the previous generation. Lexus has used every inch to overhaul the passenger experience:
- Numbers: Rear-seat passengers benefit from an additional 1.4 inches of legroom, while front-seat occupants enjoy a 1.9-inch increase in hip room. Even headroom sees a boost, with gains of 0.8 inches in the front and 0.4 inches in the rear.
- High hip points: Lexus has raised the hip points for the front and rear seats. Higher hip points, along with an increase in overall height of up to 4.5 inches, will make it easier to get in and out of the 2026 ES.
- Digital Latch debut: For the first time, the ES has electronic door lock releases as standard. In Luxury trims, Lexus adds soft close, which is a fancy way of saying that the doors will close automatically if they’re left slightly open or partially closed.
3
New executive package
Enter “cocoon” for passengers
Exclusive to the ES 350e Luxury, the Executive Package transforms the back seat into an upscale sanctuary. The package includes:
- Asymmetrical Luxe: Power arrangements are not the same for both parties. While the driver-side rear seat has two-way power adjustment, the passenger-side “couch” is a four-way power-adjustable unit with a reclining function and a pull-out ottoman.
- Thematic Climate Control: The Executive Package adds a multi-zone automatic climate control system with controls integrated directly into the center armrest. This allows rear passengers to control their heat and AC.
- Additional Connectivity and Convenience: The Executive Package adds two additional USB-C ports for the rear seat, bringing the total to five inside the ES. Additional USB ports are paired with specially contoured headrests for long-distance comfort.
- Warranty
-
5-year warranty on tools, up to 3 years on batteries.
- What’s Included
-
M12 impact driver, hammer drill, 3/8-inch ratchet, charger, two batteries
If you’re looking for a great DIY starter kit from Milwaukee, this M12 3-tool combo kit is it. With an impact driver, hammer drill and 3/8-inch ratchet, 4Ah and 2Ah batteries, this kit is a great starting point for projects both at home and in your car.
2
Standard NACS charge
Battery conditioning is available
The 2026 Lexus ES features a North American Charging System (NACS) port that allows owners to access the Tesla Supercharger network.
Under ideal conditions, the 2026 ES BEV can go from 10% to 80% in about 28 minutes using up to 150kW of DC fast charging, according to Lexus. The 11 kW AC charger allows for a Level 2 home charge in about seven hours.
Also included is a dual-voltage AC charging cable that supports 120V Level 1 and 240V Level 2 inputs. Whether you’re at a hotel or a friend’s house, this standard cable turns any outlet into an efficiently usable power source.
Here are other high points:
- CCS Bridge: Lexus includes a CCS-to-NACS plug adapter with every 2026 ES BEV, providing local access to more than 76,000 public charging stations nationwide.
- Making a Smart Battery: To ensure faster charging, the ES has a thermal management system that can be automatically activated via the touchscreen or when a public charger is set as a destination in Cloud Navigation. as 2027 Toyota Highlander EVthe battery preconditioning system requires an active Drive Connect subscription.
- Plug & Charge Simplicity: With an active Remote Connect subscription, the 2026 ES supports Lexus Plug & Charge. You can simply tune in to the appropriate station and away you go. ES handles handshake and payment automatically.
1
Digital-first interior
“Horse bridle” principle
The interior features what Lexus calls the Clean Tech x Elegance design language. Based on the Tazuna (“horse bridle”) principle, the dashboard has a 14-inch Lexus Interface touch screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.
To keep the look clean, the climate controls are housed in a soft-touch panel with backlit switches that remain invisible until the car is started. This is a small touch Reminiscent of the LS 430 from the early 2000s.
In a first for Lexus, the Luxury trim features Bamboo Layering and a advanced 3D printing techniques this creates a layered effect on the door panels. The bamboo layer is synchronized with the Lexus Thematic Ambient Lighting system to create a three-dimensional visual effect.
Lexus has a winning formula
The 2026 Lexus ES proves that when you go EV, you don’t have to sacrifice the winning formula that made previous generations of the ES among the most comfortable and reliable cars on the road. By offering a larger, slimmer interior and the option for a hybrid powertrain, Lexus hopes the ES will remain the standard for modern luxury car buyers.
