The Lexus ES luxury sedan has entered its eighth generation with familiar hybrid power or, for the first time in its 35-year history, electric powertrains.
Electric Cars
The 2026 Lexus ES luxury sedan has debuted in China with electric power for the first time in its 35-year history, along with a familiar hybrid powertrain.
Australian showroom arrivals are due sometime in 2026, with the battery-electric version confirmed to join the Lexus UX300e and Lexus RZ electric SUVs in the brand's local line-up.
The eighth-generation Lexus ES remains related to the Toyota Camry sedan, with both models underpinned by Toyota's GA-K platform also shared with the Lexus NX and RX, among other models.
However, Lexus says it has made updates to its GA-K architecture to accommodate the addition of electric power for the ES, with its large-capacity batteries positioned below the floor in the all-electric ES350e and ES500e.
Chassis improvements include increased rigidity, optimised suspension-arm bush characteristics, and rear-wheel steering for the first time in an ES.
The new ES, which made its global debut at the 2025 Shanghai motor show this week, will be the first electric sedan from Lexus – and its Toyota parent – to be sold outside of the Chinese market, where Toyota offers the Corolla-sized bZ3 and Camry-sized bZ7.
"The ES has long been a key model for Lexus in Australia," a Lexus Australia spokesperson said.
"We look forward to the arrival of the all-new ES in 2026. It will offer customers class-leading contemporary luxury and the latest in battery-electric powertrain performance."
The reveal of the eighth-generation Lexus ES comes less than six months after a second facelift of the outgoing model debuted in China, where it could remain available alongside the new-generation model.
Lexus refers to the new ES as a "global core model," as the future of the full-size Lexus LS sedan – the brand's first-ever model when it was introduced in 1989 – remains uncertain, amid rumours it could be replaced by a new hybrid, super-luxury SUV.
The ES will continue to be sold alongside the rear-wheel-drive IS in some markets, while the GS was discontinued globally in 2020.
VFACTS new-car sales data shows 1025 examples of the Lexus ES were delivered in Australia in 2024, making it the brand's fourth most-popular model behind the NX, RX and LBX, while 11 deliveries were recorded for the LS – one more than the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost.
The new-generation Lexus ES is an evolution of the LF-ZC electric sedan concept unveiled in October 2023, with an updated design language rolling out to future Lexus models, including another electric model set to debut by March 2026.
Electric models feature a closed-off front bumper while the hybrid version includes a "slim" version of Lexus's spindle grille to cool its petrol engine.
Other new design elements include flush exterior door handles, "L-Signature" headlights and tail-lights, and rear light strip with an illuminated Lexus logo, along with a "low centre-of-gravity" stance.
Compared to the outgoing model, the new ES is 165 millimetres longer – taking its length to 5140mm, almost as long as a standard-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class – with an 80mm longer wheelbase for more cabin room.
It is also 55mm wider and 110mm to 115mm taller than the outgoing model.
Inside, the ES has fewer physical controls than the previous version, with a larger, floating-look infotainment touchscreen, an integrated, optional passenger display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, capacitive shortcut buttons, and a dual wireless smartphone charger.
It is the first application of Toyota's next-generation 'Arene' software platform in a production Toyota or Lexus model.
The capacitive shortcut buttons will illuminate when a hand approaches for a cleaner appearance, Lexus says.
Ambient lighting which can respond to the music playing will be offered, along with five cabin fragrances including a bamboo scent.
Its panoramic sunroof includes adjustable dimming 'Low-E' glass offering heat insulation, thermal protection and 99 per cent ultraviolet (UV) light reduction, while its centre roof reinforcement has been eliminated to maximise the opening width.
Rear-seat occupants are now offered a seat relaxation function with air bladders to "gently press" from the thighs to the back, along with seat reclining, an ottoman, and a full-forward folding front passenger seat for increased legroom.
The electric Lexus ES line-up will include the front-wheel-drive ES350e and the all-wheel-drive ES500e, with the entry-level model offering a driving range of up to 685 kilometres when fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels.
Electric models will offer the choice of 19-inch and 21-inch alloy wheels, while the hybrid grades will be limited to 18- and 19-inch wheel designs.
With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive 'Direct4' powertrain, the ES500e can adjust torque distribution to all four wheels based on road conditions and driving inputs, with a drive force ratio between the front and rear wheels of 100:0 to 0:100.
The front or all-wheel-drive ES350h hybrid will continue to be offered, pairing a familiar 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an updated 'sixth-generation' hybrid system for a 182kW combined output.
An entry-level ES300h will also be available, with a 145kW or 148kW 2.0-litre non-turbo engine similar to the Lexus UX300h and Toyota Corolla Cross small SUVs, matched to an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) automatic.
It has skipped the 'fifth-generation' hybrid system – which debuted in the latest Toyota Prius, Lexus LBX and Lexus LM – with several revisions, including an integrated e-Axle for the power control unit and transaxle, a "more compact and lightweight" powertrain, and a higher battery output.
In addition, the power control unit is said to be more rigid than before to suppress vibrations for a "quieter, more refined cabin experience" compared to the outgoing model.
Lexus has confirmed the ES will debut its next-generation advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) featuring a wider field-of-view at greater distances and increased sensor coverage, with additional details still to be announced.
More details on the 2026 Lexus ES will be confirmed closer to its Australian launch next year.
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Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
