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?
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…
Hi All: The all-new, 8th gen 2026 Lexus ES release did not arrive with as much fanfare as I had hoped and I think I know why? But first the good stuff. It will be launched with both the Camry Hybrid’s drivetrain and with a BEV in either FWD or AWD. The all-new ES is the second of three new Lexus BEV models scheduled to debut by March 2026. And now the mediocrity… 2026 Lexus ES 500e The new ES was designed around a theme the brand is calling “Clean Tech x Elegance.” The exterior takes its design cues from the next-generation BEV concept LF-ZC with a new-generation spindle body. From my first look, it simply falls flat. The front of the all-new ES integrates a sharply defined flat front face. On hybrid models, a slim upper grill will be added but I have no media pics to post revealing that design. I hope it is an improvement. The side profile appears messy with an upper character line not aligning with anything on the car and a rocker panel insert extension that drives up into it from below. The sideview mirrors appear at first glance to be attached to the body vs integrated into it? Overall, the thought of being disjointed covers my first impression. The good part is that Lexus followed the 5th gen Prius’ slim front twin L-Signature lamp design and the rear features a new single light bar with both taillight and stoplight functions. Its overall length has been extended by approximately 6.5 inches and the wheelbase by 3 inches, resulting in a more spacious cabin. Another positive is that the seating position has been set higher to improve ease of entry and exit. 2025 Toyota Camry SE Let us hope the ES Hybrid has more in common with the Camry’s front grille and fascia than the bZ4X. 2026 Lexus ES 500h Interior Moving inside, the design looks more akin to a sparse Tesla design. While simple, it also appears cold and uninviting at first glance. For the first time in North America, an Executive Package is available on the ES with reclining rear seats, a passenger side ottoman, rear outboard massaging seats, and rear seat heating and ventilation. This is where Lexus is adding luxury touches that not only catch up but surpass some competitors in the passenger and rear seat relaxation space. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 with its extending driver’s seat lower leg support “Relaxation” function comes to mind. The door and center console trim features a unique looking Bamboo inlay. The new ES cockpit features a low-profile 12.3-inch driver display and 14” touchscreen central display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. Plain but functional. The bamboo inserts look nice. 2026 Lexus ES Drivetrain The all-new ES is built on a redesigned TNGA GA-K platform, developed specifically to accommodate both HEV and BEV powertrains. Rigidity has been increased at the front, floor and rear, resulting in a thoroughly reinforced structure. And for the first time, the ES will incorporate a multi-link rear suspension. <-- I will fact check this later as I thought for sure the previous gen was multi-link in the rear as well? ES 350h Hybrid Drivetrain The ES 350h offers more power and can be equipped with AWD. The 6th gen 2.5L hybrid system out of the Camry features an integrated eAxle combining the power control unit and transaxle, contributing to a more compact and lightweight powertrain, while also achieving higher battery output. Additionally, the reinforced rigidity of the power unit helps suppress vibrations, contributing to a quieter, more refined cabin experience. ES 350e and 500e BEV Drivetrain The BEV lineup offers two models: the 300-miles of all-electric range rated ES 350e FWD drive model and the 250-miles of all-electric range rated ES 500e AWD model. Both BEVs arrive equipped with a DCFC NACS charging port and an 11-Kw on-board AC charger. While DCFCing, the new ES can be charged from 10 to 80% in just under 30 minutes. Which means they failed to use the std. 800V DCFC capability of competitors who can charge a similar percentage in just over half the time. Not much fun out back. LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM+ The ES is the first Lexus model to receive the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0). The new version of Lexus’ active safety suite will have updates to its hardware and detection capabilities. 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
