The eighth-generation 2026 Lexus ES has been formally unveiled on the Shanghai auto present, marking its entry into the all-electric section for the primary time.
Along with the brand new electrical variant, hybrid engines will stay accessible because the Lexus ES continues to compete with German rivals equivalent to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
As of now, Lexus Australia has not launched particulars concerning the lineup or pricing for the 2026 Lexus ES. The brand new electrical and hybrid sedan fashions are anticipated to be accessible within the first half of 2026.
The newest Lexus ES joins the already established Lexus EV lineup, together with the UX300e and the RZ SUV, and shares the TNGA-Okay platform with the Toyota Camry.
With a daring redesign, the brand new ES takes inspiration from the 2023 LF-ZC idea, showcasing a smooth, aerodynamically environment friendly profile and sportier fastback rear styling.
For these trying to distinguish between the electrical and hybrid variations, the hybrid mannequin incorporates a slim air consumption above the signature Lexus spindle grille, whereas the electrical mannequin has no grille opening.
On the entrance, the ES sports activities ultra-thin headlights above bigger, subtly built-in fundamental lamps that embrace an eye catching tick-shaped signature.
The aspect profile of the automobile incorporates a brand new hockey stick graphic and a rising beltline, complemented by giant alloy wheels accessible in 19 or 21 inches, underlining the ES’s sporty character.
The brand new ES is considerably bigger than its predecessor, measuring 5140mm in size—165mm longer, 55mm wider, and 110-115mm taller than earlier than—making it almost corresponding to a Mercedes S-Class limousine.
Inside, the cabin exudes luxurious, that includes a big infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Whereas the dashboard seems button-free at first look, it contains capacitive shortcut buttons. Further options embrace twin wi-fi smartphone charging, ambient lighting, an onboard perfume dispenser, and a panoramic sunroof that may change from clear to opaque with the press of a button.
Within the rear, the Lexus ES is provided with therapeutic massage seats that recline and embrace leg rests for final consolation, whereas the entrance passenger seat tilts ahead to supply further house.
The entry-level E300h mannequin introduces a 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine paired with Toyota’s electronically managed constantly variable transmission (E-CVT). This engine produces 145kW within the front-drive model and 148kW within the all-wheel-drive variant.
Advancing past the fifth-generation hybrid expertise discovered within the newest Prius, the ES incorporates Toyota’s next-generation hybrid elements, that includes a lighter, extra compact transaxle, referred to as the ‘e-axle,’ mixed with a bigger battery.
The previous 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid choice has been retained, now producing a extra strong 182kW and accessible in each front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
For the primary time, the ES introduces absolutely electrical choices with two variants: the front-drive ES 350e, producing 165kW and boasting a variety of as much as 685 km, and the all-wheel-drive dual-motor ES 500e, which delivers 252kW and a variety of 610 km. Nevertheless, these ranges are primarily based on the extra lenient Chinese language CLTC check cycle, suggesting decrease values below the stricter Euro WLTP requirements.
Whereas Lexus has not disclosed particular particulars about battery chemistry or energy density, the charging capability is capped at a charge of as much as 150kW, permitting for a 10-80% cost in round half-hour—considerably longer than some rivals’ 18-20 minute charging occasions.
Promising to be quieter and extra refined than its predecessor, the brand new Lexus ES is ready to compete strongly with the flagship LS limousine, that includes enhanced autonomous driving capabilities.
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