The arrival of the new Lexus ES sedan is drawing closer. The ES is one of the models that the company offered when it launched in 1990. With the withdrawal of the IS from the lineup and the LS at the end of 2026, the ES will remain the only vehicle remaining from the brand’s original lineup.
Lexus launched the first ES (250) in 1990
The new iteration will be the eighth generation
Lexus will offer two electric variants
To set the stage for the official unveiling of the eighth-generation sedan, the company released a video, along with a few photos of the future model, which was first announced back in April.
What we notice about this new ES is a break from the design that has been the brand’s signature for about fifteen years, namely the spindle grille. We’ve seen other models in the lineup break from this, and now, it’s the ES’s turn.
This design change was actually requested of Lexus stylists by senior management at Toyota.
Toyota Moves Lexus ES Production Back to Japan as Kentucky Plant Prepares for Electrified Future
A More Refined Sedan
What we notice with this new generation is that it bears a more refined design. In terms of electrification, the grande dame takes it a step further by introducing an all-electric approach (two variants), while an improved hybrid version will also be available.
Inside, we see that refinement was also part of the stylists’ design brief. The dashboard is significantly more streamlined. We note more touch controls (haptic), fewer buttons (inevitably), and an electronic gear selector, which frees up space between the front seats.
2026 Lexus ESThe central touchscreen of the multimedia system measures 14.0 inches, while the digital display screen, located in front of the driver, measures 12.3 inches diagonally. The latter promises to be highly customizable, allowing you to display the information you like to see permanently in front of you.
We will have the opportunity to see this car up close during an event that Lexus will hold in December. We will then have the opportunity to share more information with you about the one that survives at Lexus, in a context where sedans are becoming increasingly rare across the auto industry.
This is excellent news.
