New 2026 Lexus ES Revealed 

Electrified Luxury Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

I’ve just returned from Brussels where I got an exclusive early look at the all-new 2026 Lexus ES, and let me tell you – it’s a quite a game-changer for the famed Toyota luxury marque. This isn’t just a facelift or mild refresh. No, this is a complete reinvention of the ES saloon. Sleeker, smarter, and now electrified; both hybrid and fully electric for the first time ever.

Bold New Design: Clean x Tech Styling

Lexus calls the new design language “Clean x Tech” – and it shows. Gone is the controversial spindle grille as we knew it. In its place? A more integrated, sculpted “spindle body” that still nods to Lexus design themes, but now screams futuristic. The L-shaped light signatures front and rear, the sharp lines across the waist, and the coupe-like fastback rear (don’t be fooled – it’s still a saloon) give this luxury car a seriously premium stance.

The car rides on the Lexus Global Architecture-K platform, which has allowed designers to stretch the body – it’s 165mm longer, 55mm wider, and now rides on 21-inch alloys that really fill out the arches.

Powertrains: Hybrid or Fully Electric – You Decide

Lexus is going all-in on its multi-pathway strategy, offering both full self-charging hybrid and battery electricversions of the 2026 ES.

Here’s the rundown:

• ES 300h (Western Europe): 199bhp hybrid, FWD or AWD
• ES 350h (Eastern Europe): 244bhp hybrid, FWD or AWD
• ES 350e (BEV): 221bhp, FWD, 0-62mph in 8.2s
• ES 500e (BEV): 338bhp, AWD, 75kWh battery, 0-62mph in 5.7s

That last one? That’s the model featured in the video above – and it’s a stunner. It uses Direct4 AWD, capable of sending 100% torque to either axle, thanks to lightweight new eAxles. Batteries are under the floor for better balance and a low centre of gravity.

Interior: Premium Tech Meets Japanese Craft

Step inside and it’s like falling into a luxury tech cocoon. There’s a minimalist, almost zen atmosphere with bamboo-effect ambient lighting, 3D-printed surface textures, and rich materials all around. The rear seats? Recline. You even get an ottoman seat experience for that full chauffeur vibe. Space is generous thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider cabin.

Tech-wise, this is the first ES with a fully digital cockpit. It features:

• 14-inch LexusConnect infotainment screen
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• Hidden Switches that magically appear when the car is on and provide haptic feedback
• 17-speaker Mark Levinson 3D audio system
• Google-integrated nav, EV route mapping, battery pre-conditioning
• Over-the-air updates via the Lexus Link+ app

Safety: Lexus Doesn’t Mess About

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lexus without top-tier safety. The Lexus Safety System+ now includes:

• Driver monitor with fatigue and phone use detection
• Emergency stop assist with automatic door unlocking and eCall
• Adaptive cruise with road sign & map data integration
• Pre-collision with e-scooter detection
• Blind Spot Monitor with bike/motorbike alert
• Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Alert

Watch My Walkaround Video Now!

I cover all of this and more in my full walkaround video of the 2026 Lexus ES 500e. Get the full tour, see the design details, and hear my thoughts on the all-new Lexus.

The 2026 Lexus ES is no longer playing catch-up. It’s leading the charge – literally. Whether you’re in the market for a quiet, refined hybrid or want to go full BEV with the ES 500e, there’s a lot to like here. It’s a genuine luxury experience with forward-thinking tech, comfort that rivals top-tier German saloons, and crucially Lexus’ famed solidity and luxury.

---

If you found this useful, interesting or fun, consider supporting me via Patreon, Ko-Fi, or even grabbing a copy of one of my books on Amazon. Every bit helps me keep creating independent automotive content that actually helps people.

Order my books now!

---

Support independent car journalism 🙏🏽☺️ grab my books on Amazon, take up membership to BrownCarGuy on YouTube, or join me on Ko-Fi or Patreon.

👉🏽 Channel membership: https://www.youtube.com/browncarguy/join
👉🏽 Buy me a Coffee! https://ko-fi.com/browncarguy
👉🏽 Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/BrownCarGuy

MY BOOKS ON AMAZON!
📖 Want to become an automotive journalist, content creator, or car influencer? Check out my book: How to be an Automotive Content Creator 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/7VTs0ii
📖 Quantum Races – A collection of my best automotive sci-fi short stories! 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/0Y93s9g
📖 The ULEZ Files – My all-action thriller set in a dystopian ULEZ future! 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/jhADkOt

Big Thanks to my Supporters!
Stratigency – Book your FREE 15-minute strategy call now: 👉 https://meeting.calendarhero.com/BCG15#DriveToScale
Design5IT
Tom Conway-Gordon (https://www.instagram.com/anycoloursolongasits_black/)
And others! 🙏🏽☺️