2026 Lexus ES Launches With LS-Level Rear-Seat Luxury

Lexus has officially launched the eighth generation of the ES sedan in the United States. Available in both fully electric and hybrid iterations, the ES 350e EV will be arriving in dealerships in April at a starting price of $47,500, which is actually cheaper than the hybrid variants.

The EV will be followed by the hybrid version in June, giving Lexus buyers in this category an interesting choice to make, given the price parity between the two powertrains. We’ve covered the 2026 ES sedan before, so we’ll focus only on key specifications and take a look at the options available in the new configurator—one of which sounds like something you'd expect in an S-Class.

2026 Lexus ES Key Specifications

The 350e and 500e are the two electric versions of the new Lexus ES. The 350e is a front-wheel-drive model with 221 horsepower and up to 307 miles of range, while the 500e is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive model with 338 hp and a range of 276 miles.

The 350h hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 244 hp combined; the output stays the same whether or not it has AWD. The FWD EV and both hybrids all have a 0-60 time of between 7 and 7.5 seconds, while the 500e is the performer of the lineup, with a 5.1-second 0-60 time.

All models come with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen. The Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 is the company’s latest driver-assistance suite and is also found across the lineup. 

Related: Lexus Reveals Stunning All-New 2026 ES In Two Electrified Flavors

Lexus ES Optional Extras

The Lexus ES fully electric trims are now available to configure on the automaker’s website. On the base 350e Premium, there are six color options: Wavelength, Iridium, Ultra White, Cooper Crest, Caviar, and Cloudburst Gray. Only Caviar is standard, with the others going for between $500 and $595.

Standard black NuLuxe upholstery with Checkered trim can be upgraded to white or Palomino at no extra charge. This trim’s main upgrade is the $1,220 Convenience Package with a driver monitor, intuitive parking assist with auto braking, and front cross-traffic alert. At $375, a Cold Area Package adds a radiant knee heater, a windshield wiper de-icer, and headlamp washers.

The ES 350e Luxury gains semi-aniline leather and Bamboo Layering trim. It’s uniquely available with the $3,635 Executive Package, which includes:

• Rear passenger center armrest with climate controls
• Soft Type rear headrest
• Heated and ventilated rear outboard seats
• Rear seat massage
• Power trunk with kick sensor
• Power-reclining rear seats

This package is rare in the midsize sedan segment and adds a touch of Lexus LS-type luxury at a much more reasonable price point. With this option, the 350e Luxury costs just over $60k including destination, roughly as much as you’ll pay for a base BMW 5 Series with no options. The package may have been added in light of the fact that Lexus will be discontinuing the larger LS sedan. Oddly, this upgrade isn’t available on the more powerful Lexus ES 500e.

Final Thoughts

Lexus has taken a leaf out of BMW’s book with the new ES. Whether you choose hybrid or electric propulsion, the car looks and feels much the same. The BMW 5 Series and i5 follow the same recipe.

Where the Lexus differs from its German rivals is in how it prioritizes luxury at a lower price point. For the executive who will sometimes be chauffeured, it’s a much more affordable option than an S-Class or 7 Series, or even a well-specced E-Class. The Lexus isn’t as powerful as these rivals, but this is a luxury car first and foremost, not a sports sedan.

We look forward to getting behind the wheel of the new ES soon.

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