Written by Kimatni Rawlins
The Lexus ES has long stood as a symbol of luxury and reliability since its American debut in 1989, sharing the stage with the flagship LS model. Known for its blend of sporty dynamics and comfort, the ES has been reimagined in its eighth generation, paving the way for a fresh architectural design that embraces modernity while respecting tradition.
Lexus has strategically engaged with Black auto consumers, making inclusivity a central theme in its marketing endeavors. A standout example is the partnership with Marvel Studios for the blockbuster film Black Panther. Attending several red-carpet events showcased custom Lexus vehicles designed to resonate with the film’s themes. This initiative extended to the Lexus 0 to 60 campaign featuring celebrities like Omar Benson Miller, who raced to emphasize the performance capabilities of Lexus vehicles.
The subsequent introduction of the NX model was another leap for the brand, bringing luxury styling to a more compact format. Through partnerships with urban influencers and entertainers, Lexus elevated its brand perception in various lifestyle contexts. Notable personalities such as Myles Frost, Nafessa Williams, Monica McNutt, Milan Rouge, and Khaneshia JaNea Smith participated in electrifying video sessions that brought the Lexus experience to life, facilitated by Automotive Rhythms.
The unveiling of the 2026 ES marks another significant chapter in Lexus’s storied legacy. I had the opportunity to attend the HQ Confidential event at their Plano, Texas headquarters, where a stunning ES 500e in Copper Crest was on display. This model showcases a bold redesign influenced by the LF-ZC Concept, featuring hybrid and electric powertrains, as well as cutting-edge technologies that redefine modern luxury. Notably, the ES is the inaugural Lexus to include the advanced Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, enhancing occupant protection features.
The design elements of the 2026 ES signal a transformative shift for Lexus, encapsulated in the brand’s mantra of Clean Tech x Elegance. The newly sculpted body features sleek L-shaped LED headlights and a revised grille that conveys the essence of electrification, replacing the iconic Spindle Grille with a more streamlined design. The aesthetic is decidedly sharper, presenting a futuristic flair that is sure to attract the discerning eyes of ES aficionados.
Measuring 6.5 inches longer than its predecessor—with a wheelbase increased by 3 inches—the new ES boasts a more aerodynamic profile. The innovative side profile retains the Spindle motif while introducing a striking black outline through both doors. Additionally, the rear features a sleek light bar dubbed the Rear L-Signature Lamp, and buyers can opt for dark aero wheels in either 19-inch or 21-inch sizes, paired with Michelin Primacy all-season tires.
Power options for the ES are equally compelling, featuring three configurations: a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder hybrid system for the ES 350h (available in FWD or AWD), and two battery-electric variants—the FWD ES 350e and the AWD ES 500e with DIRECT4 technology. The hybrid setup delivers 243 horsepower and reaches 0 to 60 mph in about 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the BEV ES 350e boasts 220 horsepower and an impressive estimated driving range of 300 miles.
The performance-oriented ES 500e generates 338 horsepower and offers roughly 250 miles on electric power alone, though future iterations may aim to enhance this range further. Inside the cabin, the redesign is equipped with luxurious materials and clever detailing, such as door panels with intricate 3D-printed bamboo layering and soft-touch leather embellished with embossed patterns. A driver-focused 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster pairs seamlessly with a 14-inch Lexus Interface multimedia system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Mark Levinson sound system.
For the first time in North America, the ES will present an Executive Package, elevating rear-seat comfort with extended legroom and premium amenities like power-reclining seats that also feature heating, ventilation, and massage options. This advancement underscores Lexus’s commitment to providing flagship-level luxury in its midsize segment.
The 2026 Lexus ES is not just a car; it embodies the transition into a new electrified age while preserving the essence of Japanese luxury that has defined the brand for over thirty years.
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