The All-New 2026 Lexus ES: A Complete Redesign from the Ground Up

2026 Lexus ES: The Most Significant Redesign in the Sedan's 35-Year History

The 2026 Lexus ES isn't just a refresh of the 2025 model, it's a full generational overhaul. Unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, the eighth-generation ES rides on an entirely new TNGA GA-K platform engineered specifically for hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, debuts Lexus's first-ever all-electric ES variants, and introduces the brand's most advanced safety system to date. For buyers who knew the outgoing ES, the 2026 model represents the most dramatic transformation in the sedan's 35-year history.

What Went Away: 2025 ES Models That Are Gone

The 2025 Lexus ES lineup was built around a series of trim levels spanning gas, hybrid, and F Sport variants. For 2026, Lexus eliminated the entire previous structure and replaced it with a new three-powertrain, eight-trim lineup.

Discontinued for 2026:

• ES 250 AWD: The entry-level gas V6 AWD model is gone entirely; no gas-only ES exists in 2026
• ES 350 (gas): The 3.5L V6 naturally-aspirated base model has been discontinued
• ES 350 F Sport: The sport-trim gas ES is no longer offered
• ES 300h F Sport: The F Sport hybrid trim has been dropped
• ES 250 Luxury AWD / ES 350 Luxury: The old Luxury trim structure has been replaced

The bottom line: the 2026 ES is no longer available with a traditional gas-only engine. Every 2026 ES is either a hybrid or fully electric.

What's New: The 2026 ES Lineup

The 2026 ES is offered in three powertrains across eight total trim levels:

• Hybrid: ES 350h: Available in Premium (FWD) and Luxury (FWD or AWD) trims
• All-Electric (BEV) ES 350e: Available in Premium and Luxury trims (FWD)
• All-Electric (BEV) ES 500e: Available in Premium and Luxury trims (AWD)

2026 Lexus ES Trim Overview

ES 350h Premium

The entry point to the new ES lineup, the 350h Premium pairs a 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid with an electric motor for 244 combined horsepower, up from 215 hp in the outgoing ES 300h. Standard features include:

• 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen (upgraded from 12.3-inch)
• 12.3-inch digital driver's Multi-Information Display (new for 2026)
• 19-inch alloy wheels with Gray Metallic finish and black aero covers
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof
• Thematic ambient interior illumination
• Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (standard on all trims)

ES 350h Luxury

Adds to the Premium with upgraded interior materials, available AWD, a panoramic view monitor, and the optional Executive Package (available here for the first time) which adds power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging rear seats plus a passenger-side ottoman.

ES 350e Premium

The base all-electric ES delivers 221 horsepower via a front-wheel-drive motor with an EPA-estimated range of up to 307 miles, making it the longest-range ES model in the lineup. Standard equipment mirrors the 350h Premium with the addition of:

• NACS fast-charge port (standard on all electric trims)
• 10%–80% charge in approximately 30 minutes via DC fast charging
• Active Sound Control for a refined cabin experience

ES 350e Luxury

Adds to the 350e Premium with the full 1,800-watt, 17-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound system, panoramic view monitor, and upgraded NuLuxe interior surfaces.

ES 500e Premium

The performance anchor of the lineup. The ES 500e uses dual electric motors for DIRECT4 all-wheel drive and produces 338 horsepower with an estimated 276 miles of range. Acceleration to 60 mph takes approximately 5.1–5.4 seconds. Standard features include all 350e Premium equipment plus the AWD powertrain.

ES 500e Luxury

The flagship ES combines the 500e's AWD performance with the full Luxury interior package, including the PurePlay audio system, rear Executive Package availability, panoramic view monitor, and the broadest suite of comfort features available on any ES.

2026 Lexus ES Performance

The 2026 ES marks a significant performance step up across the board compared to its predecessor:

• New platform: Built on the redesigned TNGA GA-K architecture, which is more rigid at the front, floor, and rear, improving both handling precision and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness)
• Multilink rear suspension: Replaces the old strut-type rear setup, delivering improved ride quality and cornering stability
• Increased horsepower: The ES 350h gains 29 hp over the outgoing ES 300h, from 215 hp to 244 hp
• All-electric performance: The new ES 500e produces 338 hp and AWD traction with a 0–60 time under 5.4 seconds
• Extended wheelbase: At 116.1 inches (up 3.1 inches), the new ES provides a more planted, stable ride feel
• Drive mode select: Normal, ECO, Sport, and Custom modes with paddle shifters on the hybrid

2026 Lexus ES Technology

The 2026 ES introduces the most significant interior tech overhaul in the model's history:

• 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen: Replaces the previous 12.3-inch unit; features integrated climate control knobs with individual temperature readout screens
• 12.3-inch digital Multi-Information Display: All-new fully digital driver's display
• NACS charging port (EV trims): Compatible with Tesla Supercharger network and growing NACS infrastructure nationwide
• DC fast charging: 10% to 80% battery in approximately 30 minutes on EV trims
• DIRECT4 AWD system (ES 500e): Intelligent torque vectoring across both axles for improved cornering
• Optional Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound: 17-speaker, 1,800-watt system on Luxury trims
• Remote Start, FOB window/sunroof activation, and wireless smartphone integration
• Active Sound Control across all trims for refined cabin acoustics

2026 Lexus ES Luxury & Comfort

The 2026 redesign prioritizes a more open, refined cabin experience with measurable improvements:

• Longer wheelbase and overall length: At 202.4 inches overall (over 6 inches longer than outgoing), rear passenger legroom is significantly improved
• Raised front seating positions: Improved ease of entry and exit, wider driver field of vision
• Lowered window frame edges: Increased glass surface area throughout the cabin for a more open, airy feel
• 3D-printed door accents: A first for the ES; available on select trims
• Executive Package (Luxury trims): Power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging rear outboard seats plus passenger-side ottoman — a feature previously reserved for the LS
• New "Wavelength" exterior color: A Lexus-first paint option exclusive to the 2026 ES
• NuLuxe premium seating surfaces across all trims
• Thematic ambient interior illumination (standard on Premium and above)
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof (standard)

2026 Lexus ES Safety

The 2026 ES debuts Lexus Safety System+ 4.0: the most advanced driver assistance suite Lexus has ever offered, and this is the first vehicle in the entire Lexus lineup to receive it:

• Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0): Upgraded cameras, radar sensors, and enhanced software with expanded detection range compared to LSS+ 3.0
• Pre-Collision System with expanded pedestrian detection: Improved recognition in a wider range of driving scenarios
• Traffic Jam Assist: New for 2026; helps manage low-speed stop-and-go freeway conditions
• Refined All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: More intuitive response and smoother speed management
• Refined Lane Tracing Assist: More precise lane-keeping support
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Pre-Collision System: with Left Turn Intersection Support
• Electronic Stability Control and ABS
• Emergency SOS Capability
• Reinforced TNGA GA-K platform: with increased rigidity at front, floor, and rear sections for improved crash structure

Shop the 2026 Lexus ES at Ray Catena Lexus of Freehold

The all-new 2026 Lexus ES is available now at Ray Catena Lexus of Freehold in Freehold, NJ. Whether you're drawn to the efficiency of the ES 350h hybrid, the 307-mile range of the ES 350e, or the performance AWD of the ES 500e, our team is ready to help you find the perfect configuration.

Browse our new Lexus ES inventory or contact us today to schedule your test drive.