Expect the Camry’s powerful and efficient Hybrid only drivetrain and the very latest ADAS technology. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 21, 2025 2026 Lexus ES LEXUS is set to unveil its all-new ES this coming Wednesday, April 23rd at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (April 23 - May 2). Details of the all-new ES, a global core model that refines advanced electrification technologies and pursues further evolution of its the hallmark quietness and ride comfort, will be announced at a press conference in the Lexus booth on April 23rd. In anticipation of the debut of this new proposition of luxury, Lexus has released the above teaser image. And about that all-new 2025 Camry drivetrain possibly dropped into the upcoming 2026 Lexus ES, the standard 2.5L I4 is mated to a 5th gen Hybrid system that provides a net 225 hp (FWD) or 232 net hp (AWD). Its EPA ranges from the XSE AWD at 44/43 mpgUS city/highway to the super star LE with a 53/50 mpgUS city/highway rating. Add the reliability and longevity of a Toyota design with numerous luxurious amenities of a Lexus and you have the start of a beautiful and long-lived relationship. And of course, where will it be built given the recent US tariff overhead. The current ES is built at both Toyota's Miyawaka Plant in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan, and the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky. Is there enough plant footprint to construct the entire US Lexus ES demand in KY along with everything else they build there as of late?
Hi All: The all-new 2026 Lexus ES is now a multi-platform vehicle, offered with both a hybrid and EV powertrain. The all-new, 8th gen 2026 Lexus ES was unveiled at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition today. Both the hybrid and the first ES EV will be offered with either a FWD or AWD layout. 2026 Lexus ES The ES was fully redesigned under a design focus Lexus called “Experience Elegance and Electrified Sedan”. The all-new ES is the second of three new Lexus EV models scheduled to debut by March 2026. The exterior takes its cue from the next-gen LF-ZC EV concept. The vehicle height was carefully determined to accommodate underfloor battery placement while preserving interior comfort. The front of the all-new ES integrates a sharply defined spindle shape that extends from the hood to the bumper edges. On hybrid models, a slim upper grill is added to ensure cooling performance. The ES features Twin L-Signature Lamps. The inward-facing DRLs and outward-facing turn signals form a double signature that enhances Lexus’ unique identity while also improving the visual clarity and functionality of the turn indicators. The rear features a new Rear L-Signature Lamp and illuminated Lexus logo. Compared to the previous model, overall length has been extended by approximately 6.5 inches and the wheelbase by 3 inches, resulting in even more passenger volume. In addition, the seating position has been set higher to improve ease of entry and exit, while also providing a wide field of vision. <-- Finally! For the first time in North America, an Executive Package is available on the ES, offering a more relaxing rear cabin environment. The package includes reclining rear seats with a passenger side ottoman, rear outboard massaging seats and rear seat heating and ventilation. The door trim includes either Bamboo Layering or Synthetic Leather to enhance the cabin’s clean look. A Mark Levinson Surround Sound System optimizes speaker placement to create an immersive, three-dimensional soundstage in the cabin. The new ES cockpit includes a low-profile meter hood housing a uniquely shaped 12.3” multi-information display. A special coating enhances surface quality, while the combination of suede materials and ambient lighting ups the all-new ES’ panache further. The multimedia system has a user experience with a new onscreen home button and split screen capability. Featuring a 14” touchscreen display, the system includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 2026 Lexus ES Drivetrain(s) The new ES was developed to use both an HEV or BEV powertrains, in a way that is uniquely Lexus. It is built on a redesigned TNGA GA-K platform, developed specifically to accommodate both HEV and BEV powertrains. Rigidity has been significantly increased at the front, floor and rear, resulting in a thoroughly reinforced structure. This enhancement reduces body vibrations and enables sharper steering. For the first time in an ES, a multi-link rear suspension has been adopted. The ES 350h offers enhanced power performance, along with the availability of an AWD model. The 6th gen 2.5L hybrid system features an integrated eAxle combining the power control unit and transaxle plus a higher battery output. The all-new ES 350e (FWD) and 500e (AWD) EVs use a skateboard platform improving with balance while providing a lower center of gravity to improve handling. The ES 350e has an estimated range of 300 miles when equipped with 19” wheels and charges at a peak of 150 KW. 2026 Lexus ES Safety The ES is the first Lexus model to receive the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, the latest version of Lexus’ active safety suite. The 2026 ES will go on sale next year. Additional details for LSS+ 4.0, as well as full vehicle specs and pricing will be available closer to launch. Wayne
Very happy to see a new EV sedan option on the market. There are really not enough of them. As a long time driver of Toyota / Lexus products, I was very eagerly awaiting their actual entrance into the EV space. From the high level specs, it looks relatively ok and about what I would expect from Toyota / Lexus. Charging sounds a bit slow, and the range isn’t as high as I’d like (though my calculations vs. the CLTC would put the base trim in the 320ish range) but you don’t expect spec topping offerings from Lexus. I’ll be very interested to see how all of the details turn out over the next year or so. If it ends up ticking all of the primary boxes, I could see either the base or more powerful EV offering as our next vehicle. I do wish they had departed a bit more from the Camry design as it really does have a cheap look about it…
