More power, refinement, comfort, and luxury: The new Lexus ES for 2026

LEXUS

More power, refinement, comfort, and luxury: The new Lexus ES for 2026

Published 23 April 2025

Luxury for modern needs

It comes straight from the in-house technology center in Shimoyama, Japan: we are talking about the new 8th generation Lexus ES, which is currently celebrating its world premiere. The model has been completely redesigned, with more power, more comfort, and more luxury. The new design concept gives the model a clear, modern look, both inside and outside. The “Experience Elegant & Electrified Sedan” concept focuses on technology designed to take driving comfort, safety and connectivity to a new level while specifically addressing modern mobility needs – with a wide range of drive options, including a fully electric version for the first time. The vehicle offers a high level of travel comfort for both driver and passengers and is suitable for both private and business use thanks to its balanced design and quiet driving characteristics. The new Lexus ES follows a multi powertrain strategy and is available as a self-charging hybrid and, for the first time, as a battery-electric model. The ES 300h (201 PS/148 kW) combines a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with an optimized hybrid battery and offers a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A special control logic ensures powerful acceleration with efficient consumption, while the rigid drive unit reduces vibrations. The battery-electric variants ES 350e (front-wheel drive, 224 PS/165 kW) and ES 500e (all-wheel drive, 343 PS/252 kW) are based on the new Lexus K platform with integrated e-Axles. In particular, the ES 500e offers dynamic, stable handling with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive and intelligent torque distribution. The sales launch in Europe is planned for spring 2026. The Lexus Premium Service package including a 10-year warranty and 24/7 Assistance is offered – unique in this vehicle class. This service is directly linked to the vehicle. The warranty is therefore transferable even if the vehicle is sold, which means it retains a high resale value.

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Sleek and sophisticated

The design of the new Lexus ES follows the “Clean x Tech” concept and combines clean lines with technological sophistication. The body has a new, spindle-shaped design and features an elegant, minimalist and sporty presence – it also offers more interior space than its predecessor. The front and rear sections form a striking L-shaped light signature, while the streamlined side parts and dynamic rear emphasize the new layout. The clearly structured Tazuna-style cockpit offers intuitive operation via a 12.3-inch digital display and, for the first time, “hidden tech” controls that are only visible and come into play when activated. Details such as the freshly designed front seats for improved support and increased seating comfort as well as the reclining seats in the rear with leg rests, an attractive bamboo veneer with lighting technology as well as the Mark Levinson 3D sound system ensure an exclusive and particularly pleasant driving experience. Improved sound insulation in doors and glass in combination with acoustic optimizations complete the harmonious feeling of the interior.

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Made for tech-savvy drivers

The new Lexus ES is equipped with an extended version of the Lexus Safety System+ and thus follows the trend in terms of automated safety. The Adaptive cruise control uses map data to adapt the speed in anticipation of stop signs, bends or toll booths. The Pre-collision system now also recognizes electric scooters and reacts earlier to potential dangers. A new feature is the Driver monitor system with a camera above the steering wheel: it detects tiredness and distractions caused by smartphones and warns the driver if necessary. If there is no reaction, the emergency system intervenes and stops the vehicle safely. Additional functions such as blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert as well as the high-resolution adaptive high beam system improve active safety. The electrified ES models are equipped with the LexusConnect navigation system which enhances driving comfort by automatically integrating available charging stations into route planning. At the same time, it monitors the battery charge status in real time and always keeps the charging information up to date.

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