By Redline Reviews | May 20, 2025

Looking for a luxury sedan that’s comfy, high-tech, and eco-friendly? The 2026 Lexus ES is here to impress. Unveiled at Auto Shanghai in April 2025, this eighth-generation midsize sedan gets a bold redesign, electrified powertrains, and a plush interior. Priced from ~$47,000 to ~$65,000, it competes with the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Genesis G80. With 44,000 units sold in the U.S. last year, the ES remains a Lexus bestseller. Whether you’re commuting in Seattle or road-tripping in Texas, this sedan promises elegance and efficiency. Let’s dive into our detailed review of the 2026 Lexus ES, filmed at Toyota’s HQ in Plano, Texas, to see if it’s the best luxury sedan for 2025.

Overview: A New Era for the Lexus ES

Since 1989, the Lexus ES has been the brand’s affordable luxury sedan, launched alongside the flagship LS. The 2026 model marks a major shift. It moves away from its Toyota Camry roots, sharing more DNA with the upscale Toyota Crown. Built on a redesigned TNGA GA-K platform, it supports hybrid and fully electric powertrains for the first time. At 202.3 inches long, it’s 6.5 inches longer than the 2025 model, with a 3-inch longer wheelbase (116 inches). It’s also 2 inches wider (75.5 inches) and 4 inches taller (61.9 inches), boosting interior space. The ES now feels closer to the flagship LS, raising questions about the LS’s future.

Why It Stands Out: The ES blends bold styling, diverse powertrains, and cutting-edge tech, appealing to younger buyers in Miami or eco-conscious families in San Francisco.

Buyer Tip: Wait for final pricing in late 2025 to compare trims and avoid early markup in Dallas dealerships.

Exterior: Bold and Modern Design

The 2026 ES looks sharper than ever, drawing from Lexus’s LF-ZC concept. Its “Clean Tech x Elegance” design language is sleek yet aggressive.

• Front: The spindle grille is gone, replaced by a sealed “spindle body” on electric models for a futuristic vibe. Hybrid models have a small grille slot for cooling. Split LED headlights feature L-shaped daytime running lights and fog lights. Active grille shutters enhance efficiency. The Copper Crest paint pops, especially in Chicago’s urban glow.
• Side: Flush door handles with pressure pads add a premium touch. A panoramic sunroof, a first for the ES, brightens the cabin. The L-shaped side trim adds texture, and 21-inch aerodynamic wheels (235/45 tires) on the ES 500e look stunning. It’s wider and taller for better proportions.
• Rear: A full-width LED light bar and illuminated “Lexus” badge scream modern luxury. The ES 500e badge and L-shaped turn signals in the bumper add flair. A power trunk opens to ~15 cubic feet, slightly more than the 2025’s 14 cubic feet, with a ski pass-through but no hatchback option.

Why It Matters: The bold design turns heads in Orlando’s suburbs or Denver’s downtown, rivaling the BMW 5 Series’ sleekness.

Buyer Tip: Choose Copper Crest or Wavelength (a Lexus-first color) for a standout look in Phoenix.

Powertrains: Electrified and Powerful

The 2026 ES ditches the V6 for three electrified options, a first for the model. All use the TNGA GA-K platform, optimized for hybrid and EV setups.

• ES 350h (Hybrid):
  • Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a sixth-generation hybrid system (2 or 3 electric motors).
  • Power: ~243 hp, up from 215 hp in the 2025 ES 300h.
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
  • Performance: 0–60 mph in 7.4 seconds (FWD) or 7.2 seconds (AWD).
  • Fuel Economy: Not finalized, but expect ~40 mpg combined, similar to the Toyota Crown (~41 mpg).
  • Best For: Budget-conscious buyers in Atlanta seeking efficiency without sacrificing luxury.
• ES 350e (Electric, FWD):
  • Motor: Single front electric motor, 221 hp.
  • Battery: ~74.7 kWh (similar to Lexus RZ).
  • Range: ~300 miles (EPA estimated).
  • Performance: 0–60 mph in ~8.9 seconds.
  • Best For: Eco-friendly commuters in Seattle wanting long range and lower costs.
• ES 500e (Electric, AWD):
  • Motors: Dual electric motors with DIRECT4 AWD, 338 hp.
  • Battery: ~74.7 kWh.
  • Range: ~250 miles (EPA estimated).
  • Performance: 0–60 mph in ~5 seconds, the quickest ES ever.
  • Best For: Performance seekers in Miami craving power and all-weather grip.

Charging: Electric models use NACS plugs, granting Tesla Supercharger access. Charging takes ~30 minutes for 10–80% at fast chargers, though exact rates are unconfirmed. No frunk is a miss, as the platform accommodates gas engines.

Why It Matters: Three powertrains offer flexibility for Denver’s snowy roads or Texas’s long highways, with the ES 500e rivaling the BMW i5’s power.

Buyer Tip: Choose the ES 350e for max range or the ES 500e for thrilling drives in San Francisco’s hills.

Interior: A Tech-Packed Sanctuary

The ES’s cabin is a leap forward, blending luxury with modern tech. It feels like a mini-LS, with premium materials and bold screens.

• Front Seats: 14-way adjustable, heated, ventilated, and plush with upgraded leather on the ES 500e. Three-person memory for driver and passenger adds convenience. Bamboo-inspired 3D-printed wood trim with ambient lighting creates a high-tech vibe, perfect for Chicago’s elite.
• Dashboard: A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14-inch touchscreen (up from 12.3 inches) run Lexus Interface with customizable graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a snappy interface rival Tesla’s setup. Touch-sensitive “Hidden Tech” buttons light up when powered, a Lexus first.
• Audio: The Mark Levinson system (upgraded for 3D sound) delivers concert-quality audio, ideal for Miami music lovers.
• Rear Seats: Stretched dimensions yield ample legroom (~38 inches, estimated) and 3 inches more headroom. The Executive Package (ES 350e only) adds reclining, massaging seats and an ottoman, turning the rear into a livery-worthy sanctuary for Dallas executives. USB-C ports, sunshades, and climate controls enhance comfort.
• Features: A panoramic sunroof, digital rearview mirror, dual wireless charging pads, and a two-way center console elevate practicality. Soft-touch plastics, leather, and aluminum trim feel upscale, though some hard plastics remain.

Why It Matters: The tech-heavy, spacious cabin suits families in Orlando or professionals in Seattle, rivaling the Audi A6’s refinement.

Buyer Tip: Splurge on the Executive Package for rear-seat luxury, ideal for chauffeured rides in Denver.

Driving Experience: Smooth and Refined

The 2026 ES prioritizes comfort but adds agility with its new platform and suspension.

• Ride: The taller, stiffer TNGA GA-K platform and multi-link rear suspension (a first) smooth out Phoenix highways. MacPherson front struts and possible adaptive dampers ensure a plush ride, rivaling the Genesis G80.
• Handling: Increased rigidity and a lower center of gravity (thanks to underfloor batteries) improve cornering. The ES 500e’s DIRECT4 AWD adjusts torque for better grip, though it’s no BMW 5 Series in sportiness.
• Performance: The ES 500e’s 338 hp delivers quick acceleration (~5 seconds to 60 mph), while the ES 350h and 350e prioritize efficiency. The hybrid’s eCVT is smooth but lacks the V6’s charm.
• Noise: Enhanced insulation and EV silence make the cabin whisper-quiet, perfect for Boston commutes.

Why It Matters: A comfy, responsive ride suits long Texas road trips or busy San Francisco streets.

Buyer Tip: Test the ES 500e for sporty drives or the ES 350h for fuel savings in Atlanta.

Safety: Top-Notch Protection

The ES continues Lexus’s safety legacy with advanced tech and strong ratings.

• Ratings: The 2025 ES earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick and five-star NHTSA rating; expect similar for 2026.
• Lexus Safety System+ 4.0: Includes automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Upgraded sensors may add hands-free driving, per MotorTrend.
• Extras: A 360-degree camera, digital rearview mirror, and parking sensors ease maneuvers in Miami’s tight lots.
• Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles (basic), six years/70,000 miles (powertrain), eight years/100,000 miles (hybrid/EV components).

Why It Matters: Robust safety tech protects families on Chicago school runs or Dallas highways.

Buyer Tip: Ensure ProPilot Assist is included for stress-free drives in Seattle’s traffic.

Practicality: Family-Friendly and Functional

The ES balances luxury with everyday usability, though it trails SUVs in cargo.

• Cargo: ~15 cubic feet in the trunk (up from 14 cubic feet), with a ski pass-through and underfloor storage. It’s less than the Genesis G80 (~16 cubic feet) and no hatchback is a miss.
• Seating: Roomy second row with ~38 inches of legroom and 3 inches more headroom. The Executive Package (ES 350e) adds rear-seat luxury for Orlando livery services.
• Costs: ~$2,200/year fuel for ES 350h (12,000 miles, $3.50/gallon, 40 mpg), ~$1,500/year electricity for EVs (12,000 miles, $0.15/kWh). Servicing ~$600/year, resale ~50% after three years.

Why It Matters: Ample space and low costs suit growing families in Phoenix or professionals in San Francisco.

Buyer Tip: Use the ski pass-through for weekend gear in Colorado’s mountains.

Comparison Table

Feature	Lexus ES	BMW 5 Series/i5	Genesis G80/Electrified
Price (Base)	~$47,000	~$58,000	~$55,000
Price (Top Trim)	~$65,000	~$75,000	~$70,000
Cargo	~15 cu-ft	~18 cu-ft	~16 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	~38 inches	~37 inches	~38 inches
Fuel Economy/Range	40 mpg (hybrid), 300 mi (EV)	30 mpg (gas), 295 mi (EV)	25 mpg (gas), 282 mi (EV)
Power (Top Trim)	338 hp (ES 500e)	389 hp (i5)	365 hp (Electrified)
Infotainment	14-inch touchscreen	14.9-inch touchscreen	14.5-inch touchscreen

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stunning, futuristic design
• Diverse electrified powertrains
• Spacious, tech-packed interior
• Quick ES 500e (338 hp)
• Competitive EV range (~300 miles)

Cons:

• No V6 option
• Limited cargo vs. rivals
• No frunk on EVs
• Pricing may rise significantly
• LS’s future unclear

Who Should Buy It?

The 2026 Lexus ES is ideal for:

• Families: Roomy seats and safety tech suit kids in Orlando.
• Eco Buyers: Hybrid and EV options appeal to Seattle’s green crowd.
• Executives: The Executive Package and plush cabin fit Dallas professionals.
• Tech Enthusiasts: Big screens and Mark Levinson audio thrill Miami buyers.

Need sportier handling or more cargo? Consider the BMW 5 Series or Genesis G80.

Verdict: A Game-Changer for Luxury Sedans

The 2026 Lexus ES redefines luxury with bold styling, electrified powertrains, and a tech-heavy cabin. Starting at ~$47,000, it offers value over pricier rivals like the BMW 5 Series. The ES 500e’s 338 hp and ~250-mile range excite, while the ES 350h’s ~40 mpg saves fuel. Cargo is tight, and the V6’s absence stings, but the ES’s comfort and reliability shine. Hitting U.S. dealers in mid-2026, it’s a must-test for sedan fans.

Love the new ES’s look? Visit Lexus.com for updates. Want the hybrid or EV? Comment below and subscribe for more reviews!

Sources:

• YouTube: The 2026 Lexus ES Is A Reborn Electrified Luxury Sedan With A Diverse Powertrain Lineup
• Lexus USA Newsroom
• MotorTrend
• Edmunds
• X posts on 2026 Lexus ES