Lexus has officially taken the covers off the eighth-generation ES, and it’s clearly been to finishing school. Longer, smarter, and more electrified than ever, the 2026 ES promises to balance silent luxury with real-world performance. It’s still a sedan, still plush, but now comes with sharper lines, smarter tech, and—yes—even an ottoman.
At the heart of the redesign is Lexus' push for what it calls the “Elegant & Electrified” experience. Which, roughly translated, means more electrification across the range and fewer excuses for sticking with petrol alone.
The range includes two hybrids and two all-electric options. The ES 300h and ES 350h use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, offering 201 bhp and 247 bhp, respectively, paired with an e-CVT. Power is sent to either the front wheels or all four, depending on the spec.
Those leaning toward battery-only serenity get the ES 350e and ES 500e. The former sends 224 bhp to the front wheels, while the latter delivers a meatier 343 bhp through an intelligent AWD system that constantly shifts power between axles depending on traction.
Built on a re-engineered global platform, the new ES is 5,140 mm long—165 mm longer than before—with a stretched 2,950 mm wheelbase. What does that mean? More space, obviously. But also better dynamics. Lexus has stiffened the chassis and refined the suspension to make the ES feel more planted, especially when pushing past the school-zone speed limit.
Noise, vibration, and general racket have been banished. Lexus has added acoustic glass, improved insulation, and paid special attention to how sound travels through the cabin. The result? A car that lets you hear your own thoughts—or at least your passenger’s playlist—at 120 kmph without feeling like you're inside a wind tunnel.
On the outside, Lexus has evolved the ES’s look with a sleeker, more sculpted body. The traditional spindle grille has been replaced by what Lexus calls a spindle body, which flows into the bumper with a kind of understated flair. New L-shaped LED headlamps and a full-width rear light bar complete the look. It’s recognisably Lexus, but with better posture.
Inside, less is more. A 12.3-inch digital display anchors the cabin, with controls placed exactly where you’d want them—even if you weren’t looking. New materials debut here too: Bamboo Layering and something called Synthetic Leather Embossing, which sounds complicated but looks rather nice. Rear passengers get reclining seats and, if you're feeling particularly indulgent, an ottoman.
No, this isn't a tyre-shredding sports saloon. And it’s not trying to be. What the new Lexus ES offers is refinement, range (in every sense), and a bit of serenity in a world that doesn’t seem to pause anymore. It’s a car you’ll arrive in, not just turn up with.
Expect it to hit Indian showrooms by the end of 2027. Just in time to make your uncle’s German sedan feel a bit… shouty.
