2026 Lexus ES 350e First Look: Bigger, Electric, And Closer To An LS Than Ever
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When Lexus launched nearly 40 years ago, the brand started with two sedans. The flagship LS and the smaller ES. Fast forward to 2026, and things have changed a lot. The LS is gone from several markets, while the new eighth generation Lexus ES has grown into something much larger, more premium, and now fully electric for the first time.
The new 2026 Lexus ES is no longer just a comfortable luxury sedan based loosely around the Camry formula. Lexus has redesigned the car from the ground up with a new multi energy platform that supports hybrid and EV powertrains. The model shown here is the new ES 350e, the entry level electric version.
2026 Lexus ES 350e Powertrain And Performance
The ES 350e uses a single front mounted electric motor powered by a 74.7 kWh battery pack. Lexus says the setup produces 221 hp and 198 lb ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels through a single speed reduction gear transmission.
Key Specs
| Specification | 2026 Lexus ES 350e |
|---|---|
| Battery Pack | 74.7 kWh |
| Power Output | 221 hp |
| Torque | 198 lb ft |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| 0 to 60 mph | 7.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 99 mph |
| Range | Up to 307 miles |
| DC Fast Charging | 150 kW |
Lexus claims up to 307 miles of range with the smaller 19 inch wheels. Models equipped with the optional 21 inch wheels drop to 292 miles.
Charging performance looks decent but not class leading. The ES 350e supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10 to 80 percent charge in around 28 minutes. A full Level 2 charge takes roughly seven hours.
One thing worth noting is the weight. The electric ES now weighs around 4,700 pounds. That is roughly 1,000 pounds heavier than the older ES 300h hybrid.
ES 500e Is The Most Powerful ES Ever
Lexus will also offer a dual motor ES 500e with all wheel drive. This version makes 338 hp, making it the most powerful production ES Lexus has ever built.
Performance numbers improve quite a bit here.
| Specification | 2026 Lexus ES 350e |
|---|---|
| Battery Pack | 74.7 kWh |
| Power Output | 221 hp |
| Torque | 198 lb ft |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| 0 to 60 mph | 7.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 99 mph |
| Range | Up to 307 miles |
| DC Fast Charging | 150 kW |
The ES 500e still uses the same 74.7 kWh battery pack but adds a second motor on the rear axle.
Exterior Design Looks Nothing Like The Old ES
The new ES is much larger and bolder than before. Honestly, calling it a “fancy Camry” now feels outdated.
Size Increase
| Measurement | 2026 ES |
|---|---|
| Length | 202.4 inches |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 inches |
| Wider Than Before | +2.2 inches |
| Taller Than Before | +4.5 inches |
The new model is over 6 inches longer than the previous ES and even larger than some older Lexus LS generations.
Design highlights include:
- New split dual L shaped LED lighting
- Illuminated Lexus rear badge
- Sportback inspired rear styling
- Flush digital door handles
- Standard panoramic roof
- Available 21 inch wheels
The new front lighting setup is especially interesting. The inward facing L shape works as the daytime running light, while the outward section acts as the turn signal.
Lexus also improved aerodynamics with flush mounted digital latch door handles. The EV model has a drag coefficient of 0.25.
Bigger Trunk Than A Lexus LS
The trunk space has grown significantly.
| Cargo Space | Capacity |
|---|---|
| ES 350e Trunk | 18.3 cubic feet |
That is around four cubic feet larger than the previous ES and actually bigger than the current Lexus LS trunk.
The rear seats still do not fully fold down, although Lexus includes a ski pass through for longer items.
No front trunk is available despite this being an EV.
Interior Finally Feels Like A Proper Flagship
The cabin is where the new ES makes the biggest jump.
Lexus clearly wanted this car to feel closer to an LS than a traditional ES. The dashboard design is cleaner, material quality looks better, and the tech setup is much more modern.
Interior Highlights
- 14 inch touchscreen
- 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Lexus Safety System 4.0
- Available Mark Levinson 17 speaker audio
- Semi aniline leather seats
- Layered bamboo wood trim
- Soft close doors
- Digital rearview mirror
The cabin still keeps physical air vents and a real volume knob. That alone deserves appreciation in 2026.
Lexus also added features buyers actually use daily instead of overcomplicating things. The panoramic roof is now standard across the lineup, and there is finally a traditional glovebox again.
Rear Seat Package Adds LS Style Luxury
The optional Executive Rear Seat Package turns the ES into something much closer to a chauffeur driven sedan.
Available only on the ES 350e front wheel drive version, the package includes:
- Rear massage seats
- Heated and ventilated rear seats
- Ottoman leg support
- Reclining rear seat
- Power rear sunshade
- Additional rear climate controls
Rear seat legroom now measures 40.7 inches, which is actually more than the outgoing Lexus LS.
The ottoman seat setup especially feels very LS inspired. It is not perfect for taller passengers, but it definitely adds a proper luxury sedan feel.
2026 Lexus ES Pricing
Lexus has already confirmed pricing for the electric ES lineup.
| Variant | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| ES 350e Premium | $47,500 |
| Fully Loaded Luxury Trim | Around $60,000 |
Even at around $60,000, the ES still undercuts rivals like the BMW i5 and Mercedes Benz EQE by a noticeable margin.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Lexus ES is no longer playing the quiet background role in the Lexus lineup. This thing has grown into a much more serious luxury sedan.
The design is bolder, the cabin finally feels flagship level, and the technology is a huge improvement over the old model. Lexus also deserves credit for not turning the interior into a giant touchscreen disaster. There are still proper buttons where they matter.
The electric powertrain will probably divide buyers, especially loyal ES hybrid customers. Still, the ES 350e looks like a strong first attempt at an electric luxury sedan that keeps the comfort focused personality the ES has always been known for.
And honestly, offering massage rear seats with an ottoman in an ES still sounds a little wild. Five years ago, nobody expected that sentence.
Sources and References
- Lexus Official 2026 ES Page — Official Lexus USA showcase page with design, features, trims, and EV details.
- Lexus USA Newsroom – 2026 ES Press Release — Official press release with technical specs, dimensions, powertrain details, and launch information.
- Lexus USA Main Website — Official Lexus homepage for pricing, dealer locator, and future updates.
- MotorTrend 2026 Lexus ES First Look Review — Detailed US-focused first-drive impressions and design analysis from MotorTrend.
- MotorTrend 2026 Lexus ES Review — In-depth review covering performance, comfort, EV tech, and competitors.
- Car and Driver 2026 Lexus ES Overview — Pricing estimates, trims, specs, and buying advice for US buyers.
- Car and Driver – ES Hybrid & EV Reveal — Covers the reveal of the ES 350e and ES 500e with performance highlights.
- Car and Driver – 2026 ES Pricing Details — Detailed pricing breakdown for EV and hybrid trims in the US market.
- Kelley Blue Book 2026 Lexus ES Review — Consumer-focused overview with estimated pricing and ownership insights.
- The Verge – Lexus ES EV Breakdown — Tech-focused coverage explaining the new EV platform and interior technology.
- Lexus Canada – 2026 ES All-Electric Overview — Official Canadian market page with EV range and trim information for Canada-focused readers.
- Lexus Europe Design Story — Official European design deep dive explaining the styling philosophy behind the new ES.
- Official Lexus ES Reveal Video on YouTube — Official reveal video showing the exterior, interior, and design highlights.
2026 Lexus ES FAQ
1What is the 2026 Lexus ES 350e?
The 2026 Lexus ES 350e is the new fully electric version of the Lexus ES. It uses a single front mounted motor and a 74.7 kWh battery pack. Lexus positions it as the entry EV in the new ES lineup.
2How much power does the ES 350e make?
The ES 350e makes 221 hp and 198 lb ft of torque. Lexus says it can do 0 to 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds, with a top speed of around 99 mph.
3How far can the 2026 Lexus ES 350e go on a full charge?
Lexus lists up to 307 miles of range with the smaller 19 inch wheels. The version with 21 inch wheels is rated at 292 miles. Range will vary by wheel size, driving style, weather, and traffic.
4How fast does the ES 350e charge?
The ES 350e supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging. Lexus says a 10 to 80 percent charge takes around 28 minutes. On a Level 2 charger, a full charge takes roughly 7 hours.
5What is the difference between the ES 350e and ES 500e?
The ES 500e is the more powerful all wheel drive version. It adds a rear motor, raises output to 338 hp, and cuts the 0 to 60 mph time to around 5 seconds. Lexus also says it has a higher top speed of 112 mph.
6How big is the new Lexus ES compared with the old model?
The new ES measures 202.4 inches long with a 116.1 inch wheelbase. Lexus says it is about 2.2 inches wider, 4.5 inches taller, and more than 6 inches longer than the previous ES. In short, this is not a small sedan anymore.
7How much trunk space does the 2026 Lexus ES have?
The ES 350e offers 18.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which is more than the previous ES and even larger than the current Lexus LS trunk. The rear seats still do not fold fully, but there is a ski pass through for longer items.
8What are the main interior features in the new ES?
Key features include a 14 inch touchscreen, a 12.3 inch digital driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic roof, soft close doors on the luxury trim, layered bamboo wood trim, and available Mark Levinson audio. The luxury trim also adds a digital rearview mirror and a head up display.
9What is the starting price of the 2026 Lexus ES 350e?
The ES 350e Premium starts at $47,500. Lexus says the fully loaded luxury version can reach a little over $60,000 once the options, destination charge, and executive rear seat package are added.
10Will the hybrid Lexus ES still be available?
Yes. Lexus is also adding a new hybrid powertrain to the ES lineup. According to the data provided, the hybrid model is expected to arrive later, so the lineup will not be EV only.
