In the world of luxury sedans, few names carry the weight of consistency and refinement quite like the Lexus ES. For decades, this stalwart of the Japanese luxury brand has represented the perfect balance of comfort, reliability, and understated elegance. Now, as we approach 2026, Lexus is writing a bold new chapter in the ES story – one that embraces electrification while staying true to the model’s core values.
The 2026 Lexus ES lineup, set to arrive in Australian showrooms next year, marks a watershed moment for the brand down under. For the first time, Lexus will offer the ES with both fully electric and hybrid powertrain options, significantly expanding the appeal of its midsize luxury sedan in a market increasingly hungry for electrified vehicles.
I was fortunate enough to attend the regional preview event in Sydney last month, where Lexus Australia unveiled its plans for this iconic nameplate. What I discovered was not merely an electrified version of a familiar car, but a thoughtfully evolved luxury sedan that embraces the future while honoring its heritage.
A Design Evolution, Not Revolution
The 2026 ES doesn’t stray far from the successful formula that has made it a quiet achiever in Lexus’s lineup. Instead, it refines and modernizes the familiar silhouette with subtle yet meaningful changes. The distinctive spindle grille remains, though slightly revised with a more three-dimensional texture on the electric variant, which Lexus calls the ES Electric.
“We wanted to ensure the ES remained instantly recognizable as a Lexus, while signaling its technological advancement,” explained Takatomo Suzuki, Chief Designer for the ES, during the unveiling. “The design philosophy centers around what we call ‘Provocative Elegance’ – a balance between forward-thinking styling and timeless luxury.”
The front fascia features slimmer, more angular LED headlights that enhance the car’s wide stance. Along the profile, stronger character lines create a more dynamic presence, while the rear shows off redesigned LED taillights connected by a light bar – a feature becoming increasingly common in premium vehicles but executed here with typical Lexus restraint.
During my walk-around inspection, I noticed how the proportions remain classically sedan-like, bucking the trend toward coupe-like profiles that sacrifice rear headroom for style. This commitment to passenger comfort over fashion-forward design remains a cornerstone of the ES philosophy.
Interior Refinements: Where Tradition Meets Technology
Stepping inside the cabin reveals perhaps the most significant evolution in the ES story. The 2026 model features Lexus’s next-generation cockpit design, which strikes an impressive balance between digital advancement and analog comfort.
The centerpiece is a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system that, thankfully, retains physical controls for climate and essential audio functions. This hybrid approach addresses a common criticism of earlier Lexus models, which relied heavily on sometimes-frustrating touchpad controllers.
“Our research consistently shows that Australian luxury buyers value intuitive interfaces that don’t require a learning curve,” noted David Nordstrom, Lexus Australia’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’ve embraced touchscreen technology while ensuring essential functions can still be accessed without taking your eyes off the road.”
Material quality has always been an ES strong suit, and the 2026 model raises the bar further. Sustainable options abound, with recycled materials and non-animal alternatives available alongside traditional leather and wood trim. The craftsmanship remains impeccable, with hand-stitched details and perfectly aligned panels demonstrating the takumi (master craftsman) touch that Lexus prides itself on.
During my brief seat time at the preview, I was struck by the exceptional quietness of the cabin – a Lexus hallmark made even more impressive in the electric variant, which benefits from additional sound insulation to counter the absence of engine noise masking road and wind sounds.
Powertrain Options: Embracing the Electric Future
The headline news for the 2026 ES lineup is undoubtedly the introduction of the ES Electric, Lexus’s first battery-electric midsize sedan for the Australian market. Based on parent company Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, the ES Electric will offer two battery options in Australia:
- A 75 kWh standard-range battery providing approximately 450 kilometers of range (WLTP)
- A 90 kWh extended-range battery offering up to 580 kilometers (WLTP)
Both configurations feature dual-motor all-wheel drive, with system outputs of 270 kW and 320 kW respectively. The performance figures are impressive: the extended-range model can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, while maintaining the serene character expected of an ES.
“The instant torque delivery of electric motors perfectly complements the ES character,” explained Matthew Callachor, President and CEO of Toyota Australia, which oversees Lexus operations. “It enhances the effortless performance that has always defined this model, while significantly reducing its environmental footprint.”
For those not yet ready to make the full electric leap, the ES Hybrid continues with an evolved version of Lexus’s proven hybrid system. The 2026 model pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a more powerful electric motor and larger battery pack, boosting both performance and efficiency. System output increases to 179 kW (up from 160 kW), while combined fuel consumption drops to a claimed 4.2L/100km.
Interestingly, Lexus Australia has opted not to offer a pure internal combustion engine option for the 2026 ES, signaling the brand’s accelerated shift toward electrification in our market.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort First, But Not at All Costs
While full driving impressions remain under embargo until closer to the official launch, Lexus provided a brief demonstration route around Sydney Olympic Park during the preview event. Even in this limited context, certain characteristics of the new ES stood out.
The electric variant delivers acceleration that is both potent and refined. Unlike some EVs that emphasize neck-snapping launches, the ES Electric builds speed with authority but without disrupting the car’s composed character. Throttle mapping is progressive rather than aggressive, maintaining the model’s emphasis on smoothness.
Ride quality remains exemplary, with the adaptive variable suspension doing an impressive job of filtering out road imperfections while maintaining body control. The ES has never claimed to be a sports sedan, but the 2026 model demonstrates greater agility than its predecessors without compromising its primary mission as a comfort-focused luxury car.
One particularly notable advancement comes in the regenerative braking system of the electric model, which offers multiple levels of recuperation, including a one-pedal driving mode that can bring the car to a complete stop without using the brake pedal. The transition between regenerative and friction braking is virtually seamless – a feat that many electric vehicles still struggle to achieve.
Technology and Safety: Comprehensive and Intuitive
In keeping with Lexus’s reputation for incorporating technology that serves rather than overwhelms the driver, the 2026 ES comes equipped with an impressive array of features that enhance both convenience and safety.
The previously mentioned 14-inch infotainment display runs the latest version of Lexus Interface, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant that responds to natural language commands. During the demonstration, the system proved responsive and intuitive, representing a significant improvement over previous Lexus infotainment offerings.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the range, offering multiple display configurations to suit driver preferences. The optional head-up display is among the largest and clearest in the segment, projecting essential information including navigation guidance and driver assistance alerts onto the windshield.
On the safety front, the 2026 ES debuts Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes enhanced versions of familiar features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. New additions include intersection collision avoidance, emergency steering assist, and a driver monitoring system that can detect signs of fatigue or distraction.
“Safety has always been a core value for Lexus,” emphasized Sean Hanley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lexus Australia. “With the 2026 ES, we’re introducing technologies that not only protect occupants in the event of an accident but actively work to prevent collisions from occurring in the first place.”
Australian Specification and Pricing: Premium Positioning
While final specification details and pricing will be announced closer to the model’s Australian launch in mid-2025, Lexus has confirmed that the ES lineup will be positioned as a premium offering within its segment.
The range is expected to start with the ES300h Luxury hybrid at approximately $75,000 before on-road costs, extending to around $120,000 for the fully-loaded ES Electric Sports Luxury with the extended-range battery.
All variants will come generously equipped, with even the entry-level models featuring leather-accented upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and the full Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite.
“The 2026 ES represents a significant investment for Lexus Australia,” noted Hanley. “We’re confident that the combination of traditional Lexus values with cutting-edge electrification technology will resonate strongly with Australian luxury buyers.”
A Thoughtful Evolution for Changing Times
After spending time with the 2026 Lexus ES lineup at its preview event, I came away impressed by how successfully the model maintains its identity while embracing necessary change. In a market segment increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the ES makes a compelling case for the traditional luxury sedan – particularly in its new electrified forms.
The ES has always been something of an understated achiever in the Lexus lineup, perhaps overshadowed by the flashier IS sports sedan or the flagship LS. However, this 2026 model – with its thoughtful blend of comfort, technology, and electrified performance – deserves serious consideration from luxury buyers who prioritize refinement and reliability.
As the automotive landscape continues its electric transformation, the 2026 Lexus ES demonstrates that embracing new technology doesn’t require abandoning the values that made a model successful in the first place. This balance of innovation and tradition has always been a Lexus strength, and it’s on full display in this latest iteration of one of the brand’s most important vehicles.
The 2026 Lexus ES lineup is scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms in mid-2025, with pre-orders opening in early 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the 2026 Lexus ES be available in Australia? A: The new model is scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms in mid-2025.
Q: What powertrain options will be available? A: The 2026 ES will offer both hybrid (ES300h) and fully electric (ES Electric) options in Australia.
Q: What is the electric range of the ES Electric? A: The standard battery offers approximately 450km of range, while the extended battery provides up to 580km (WLTP).
Q: Will the 2026 ES still be available with a conventional petrol engine? A: No, Lexus Australia will only offer hybrid and electric powertrains for the 2026 ES.
Q: How much will the 2026 Lexus ES cost? A: While final pricing hasn’t been announced, the range is expected to start around $75,000 for the hybrid and extend to approximately $120,000 for top-spec electric models
Also Read:-Tesla Reveals Cheaper Cybertruck With Longest Range