All-new 2026 Lexus ES unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show

In 2024, Lexus unveiled the facelifted ES at the Auto Guangzhou. While that may indicate that the current generation will get an extension, that won't be the case. This comes after the Japanese premium marque officially revealed the new generation 2026 ES at the 21st Auto Shanghai.

The 8th-generation Lexus ES marks a significant change not just in terms of design but also in powertrain technology. Developed under the concept of “Experience Elegance and Electrified Sedan,” Lexus says this iteration aims to provide an even more sophisticated driving experience in any setting.

Lexus also claimed that the new ES promises enhanced levels of quietness and ride comfort. The new ES will be available in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) options, catering to a wide spectrum of mobility preferences, which we'll get to later.

Stepping inside the all-new Lexus ES, occupants will be greeted with the Responsive Hidden Switches that cleverly integrate physical controls into the interior design. Also present is the Sensory Concierge, a Lexus-exclusive feature designed to create a personalized and immersive cabin experience tailored to the occupant’s preferences. Lexus builds upon its already spacious rear seating for the ES, and the new generation elevates interior comfort and luxury even further.

The all-new Lexus ES has also undergone significant refinements to its driving dynamics and electrification technologies to deliver a more comfortable ride for passengers and a more engaging experience for the driver. Furthermore, the new ES incorporates a next-generation multimedia system for seamless connectivity and enhanced convenience, along with the latest iteration of LEXUS Safety System+ to provide advanced safety features and unwavering peace of mind.

HEV and BEV variants

As mentioned earlier, the Lexus ES can be had either as an HEV or as a BEV. The HEV range benefits from an electric motor and includes the ES 300h, which is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated (NA) four-cylinder engine, and the ES 350h, which is equipped with a 2.5-liter NA inline-four engine.

Both HEV models utilize an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT), and buyers of the ES 300h can choose between a front-wheel drive (FWD) or an all-wheel drive (AWD), with a peak power output of 148 PS. The ES 350h, meanwhile, is also offered in both FWD and AWD configurations, delivering up to 185 PS at the wheels.

For those seeking full electric power, the BEV lineup features the FWD ES 350e and the AWD ES 500e, with the latter providing a significant maximum output of 252 PS at the wheels. These BEV models are scheduled to debut by March 2026.