Lexus is making a bold move into the electric vehicle space with a fully redesigned 2026 ES — and for the first time, American buyers can get this luxury sedan with a fully electric powertrain. The new Lexus ES is longer, sharper, and more tech-forward than ever before, and the electric version is arriving first.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What’s New With the 2026 Lexus ES?
The 2026 Lexus ES has been completely redesigned from the ground up. The new ES is 6.5 inches longer than its predecessor, features a stiffer structure, and switches to a multilink rear suspension for better handling and a smoother ride. Consumer Reports
These are meaningful improvements for a car that was already one of the best luxury sedans in the segment. More length means more interior space, and the suspension upgrade should make the ES noticeably more composed and comfortable on American roads.
Electric or Hybrid — You Choose
For 2026, buyers can choose from a 244-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain or a fully electric version with either 221 hp in front-wheel drive or 338 hp with all-wheel drive. Consumer Reports
The AWD electric version with 338 horsepower is particularly exciting — that’s a meaningful performance upgrade over the outgoing ES, which was never known as a sporty car. The electric powertrain changes that equation significantly.
Impressive Electric Range
Range anxiety has been a major barrier for luxury EV buyers. Lexus addresses that head-on with the 2026 ES Electric: Lexus says the EV version will have a range of up to 307 miles. Consumer Reports
That’s a highly competitive number for a luxury sedan. For context, 307 miles is enough to handle the vast majority of American driving scenarios — daily commutes, weekend getaways, and even longer road trips with a charging stop or two.
Want to estimate your per-mile costs with the Lexus ES Electric versus your current car? Our EV Cost Per Mile Calculator can give you a detailed breakdown in minutes.
A Brand New Interior
The ES debuts a new streamlined interior design with better visibility, touch-sensitive buttons, suede accents, and an upgraded set of advanced driver assistance and safety technology. Consumer Reports
Lexus interiors have always been a strong selling point, and the 2026 redesign takes things even further. Touch-sensitive controls are becoming the norm in premium vehicles, and the suede accents give the ES a genuinely upscale feel that rivals German luxury sedans costing significantly more.
Pricing — What to Expect
The 2026 Lexus ES is priced from $47,500 to $60,195, going on sale in April 2026 starting with the electric version. Consumer Reports
That pricing positions it squarely against competitors like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Genesis G80. For buyers who want a luxury electric sedan without spending six figures, the ES Electric makes a compelling case.
One important note: the federal EV tax credit is no longer available, so the full purchase price is what you’ll pay. However, Lexus often offers competitive lease deals that can bring monthly payments down significantly.
If you’re planning to finance your new Lexus ES, use our Car Loan EMI Calculator to calculate your monthly payments and figure out your ideal down payment before walking into the dealership.
Hybrid Version Coming Later in 2026 
Not ready for a full EV? The electric version of the 2026 Lexus ES goes on sale first, with the hybrid version following later in 2026. Consumer Reports
The hybrid will use a 244-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain — a proven setup from Toyota’s hybrid technology, which powers some of the most reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. Expect excellent real-world fuel economy in the mid-40s mpg range.
How Does It Compare to the Competition?
The 2026 Lexus ES Electric faces some tough competition in the luxury EV sedan space:
- BMW i5 — Excellent performance and range, but pricier
- Genesis G80 Electric — A strong value with impressive specs
- Mercedes-Benz EQE — Premium tech, but polarizing styling
- Tesla Model S — The benchmark for range, but Tesla just ended production
Against this field, the Lexus ES Electric stands out for its combination of Toyota’s legendary reliability reputation, a competitive 307-mile range, and pricing that doesn’t push into six-figure territory.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Lexus ES Electric is a genuinely exciting development for the US luxury car market. It proves that going electric doesn’t mean giving up the refinement, comfort, and build quality that Lexus buyers expect.
With 307 miles of range, up to 338 horsepower in AWD form, and a beautifully redesigned interior, the ES Electric is one of the most compelling new luxury EVs of 2026.
Stay tuned to DriveGlobalNews.in for first drive reviews and more updates as deliveries begin this month.
Curious about EV charging costs for a car like the Lexus ES Electric? Use our EV Charging Cost Calculator to estimate what you’ll spend to keep it charged.
