Lexus will match its bigger sibling, the Toyota brand, model-for-model this coming year, each introducing 12 new vehicles. And, as with the mainstream marque, Lexus will put an emphasis on electrification, updating its first EV, the RZ, while taking a novel approach with the next-generation ES. But it isn’t writing off those who measure performance by the number of cylinders. Headlight.News explains.
Cynthia Tenhouse, Lexus marketing chief, says the luxury brand will roll out a dozen new or updated vehicles for 2026.
Toyota Motor Co. invited more than 150 journalists to its headquarters in Plano, Texas this week to get a sense of where the company is going in the year ahead. If you measure progress in terms of product, you’re in for some big news. As Headlight.News notes in a separate report, the Toyota brand will have an even dozen products coming out late in 2025 and through midyear 2026.
But the high-line Lexus division is ready to match it, model for model, with another dozen all-new or refreshed vehicles and special editions.
Like Toyota, the upscale brand has put a big premium on electrification, with hybrids and EVs expected to generate roughly half of its total U.S. sales this year, and even more in 2026. But there were a few surprises to be found at the Toyota Headquarters Confidential event.
Lexus RZ gets some much-needed enhancements
The Lexus RZ gets a big boost in power, range and performance as part of this midcycle refresh.
The first Lexus battery-electric vehicle was part of a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corp. and little Subaru. To be blunt, all three models fell short in several key areas; notably range, performance and charging. All three are addressing those problems for 2026.
In the case of the Lexus RZ, it gets a big boost in power, range and performance as part of this midcycle refresh. Unlike the Toyota bZ, only one battery pack will be available, delivering 74.7 kilowatt-hours and, depending upon the trim, providing up to 300 miles in range.
Better yet, you’ll be able to charge up in as little as 30 minutes while yielding as much as 300 miles of range, depending upon trim. The 2026 RZ also migrates to the North American Charging System port, allowing you to plug into the vast Tesla Supercharger network.
There will be three distinct variants: the RZ 350e, 450e and the new 550e F-Sport.
There will be three distinct variants: the RZ 350e, 450e and the new 550e F-Sport, which punches out a peak 402 hp from its twin motors. The 550e will introduce a new M Mode, which simulates manual shifting using steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and provides “simulated engine sounds” to help a driver know when to shift, said Cynthia Tenhouse, Lexus vice president of marketing.
Two options with the next-gen Lexus ES
One of the two models offered by Lexus when it debuted back in 1989, the ES is getting a complete makeover for 2026. The eighth-generation Lexus ES is longer but lighter, company officials noted during Monday’s debut.
While the Lexus RZ — and the Toyota bZ — are offered solely in all-electric form, Lexus is taking a decidedly different approach with the 2026 ES. It will be offered with a choice of hybrid or pure electric drivetrains.
The 2026 Lexus ES 350h will be offered in both all- and front-wheel drive.
The 2026 Lexus ES 350h will be offered in both all- and front-wheel drive and pairing a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with the latest version of Toyota’s hybrid-electric drive system.
There will be two all-electric versions, the front-drive 350e delivering an estimated 300 miles per charge. The 500e will sacrifice a bit of range for all-wheel drive and better performance. Both use the 74.7 kWh battery pack and should charge in around 30 minutes.
Look for the next-generation ES to roll into U.S. showrooms “during the first half of 2026,” Tenhouse said.
More Lexus News
- Lexus Unveils All-New ES for 2026 in Shanghai
- First Drive: 2024 Lexus GX 550
- From Plain Vanilla to Cutting Edge – is Lexus Design Going too Far?
2026 Lexus IS
The 500e will sacrifice a bit of range for all-wheel drive and better performance.
Don’t write off the V8 just yet. While Lexus (like Toyota) has largely migrated to electrified drivetrains with downsized internal combustion engines in its hybrids, there will remain one notable exception for 2026.
The IS remains a popular option for performance-minded Lexus buyers, and a special package will make its way into U.S. showrooms shortly.
The 2025 iS 500 Ultimate Edition will be one of the last naturally aspirated performance luxury cars on the market. The 5.0-liter package pushes out 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. It will feature niceties like 19-inch BBS wheels and Brembo brakes. Only 500 will be available for the U.S.
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