Lexus Unveils All-New ES for 2026 in Shanghai

Luxury automaker Lexus took to the stage at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition to reveal the all-new 2026 Lexus ES — in hybrid and battery-electric form. The ES is the brand’s entry-level sedan.

The newest version is the eighth generation of the ES and the first to be offered as an EV. In addition to multiple powertrain options, it can be had in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It made its debut in 1989 alongside the flagship LS model.

Lexus looks as if it borrowed from the Toyota Crown for the new model, but officials claim the design language comes from its next-gen BEV concept, the LF-ZC.

“Deepening the expression of elegance, the design creates a clean, welcoming atmosphere,” the company said in a release. “The exterior strikes a delicate balance between intelligent packaging and proportions that highlight the sedan’s inherent beauty — realizing a sleek, flowing silhouette that hints at the emotional driving experience to come.”

A new gen with a new look

Brand officials note the new ES aims to introduce a new design concept for Lexus: Clean Tech x Elegance. The goal is to take the brand’s long-held design cues and refine them further while accommodating new technology and functionality.

Again, borrowing from the LF-ZC concept, designers made certain the new ES could be produced as either a hybrid or battery-electric model with a minimum of compromises. For example, the new car’s height was determined to accommodate the placement of the EV batteries under the floor.

As a result, a new-generation “spindle” body was developed to ensure all of the advantages of EV design could be exploited.

“Using the overall height of the new ES as a foundation, the design focuses on achieving the most elegant and visually striking proportions for a sedan,” officials noted. “It boasts a flowing, trunkless profile, a sharply tapered rear cabin, and a lower body shaped around the theme of bold planar and sculptural integration.”

Cutting the wind

While the new ES is a bit taller than conventional sedans, the overall look is more streamlined with the car’s aerodynamic needs really driving the overall feel. The front of the ES is sculpted to cut through the wind, i.e. reduce drag. However, the same feel comes as you get to the rear of the new model as well.

While you’re there, you’ll see the new Rear L-Signature Lamp on the ES. The look is pure Lexus, and is seamlessly integrated into the Lexus logo.

The single light bar consolidates taillight and stoplight functions, while repositioning other lighting elements to the outer edges. By placing these elements lower and farther outward, the design emphasizes the vehicle’s wide stance and enhances the sculpted rear profile.

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Moving inside

Since the platform is new from the ground up, designers took advantage of the opportunities that presented. The new model is 6.5 inches longer, including a 3-inch longer wheelbase. Between the additional length, height and flat floor, there was plenty that could be done.

“For the first time in North America, an Executive Package is available on the ES, offering a more spacious and relaxing rear cabin environment,” officials said. “The package is available on the ES 350e FWD Luxury model and includes reclining rear seats with a passenger-side ottoman, rear outboard massaging seats and rear seat heating and ventilation.”

The interior showcases a slew of high-end materials, including the use of bamboo layering to recreate the “depth and flow” of natural bamboo with 3D printing. Synthetic leather embossing further enhances the luxury feel of the new ES. Adding a Mark Levinson Surround Sound System certainly doesn’t hurt.

The multimedia system is controlled through a 14-inch touchscreen display, allowing the driver to quickly and easily glean necessary information for navigation or entertainment and make any changes or adjustments while driving. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as is simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity.

What’s coming

Three variants of the ES will be available, when it hits dealers sometime early next year, according to Lexus officials. The ES 350h is the hybrid while the ES 350e and ES 500e are the two battery-electric offerings.

The hybrid can be had in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The 350e is front-wheel only while the 500e is all-wheel drive only. No pricing details were revealed.