OverviewThe ES has dutifully served as Lexus’s entry-level luxury sedan since the marque’s inception, and now an electric variant joins the lineup. In terms of appearance, the ES EV, as it’s called, is indistinguishable from the standard ES—itself now only available as a conventional hybrid—which was comprehensively redesigned for 2026. Powered by either of two electric powertrain options under its sharp, contemporary bodywork, the entry ES350e delivers 221 horsepower to its front wheels while the ES500e trim ups output to 338 horsepower and features all-wheel drive. With an enduring reputation for its quiet and comfort-oriented personality, silent electric propulsion might well enhance those traits, making the ES even more tranquil—something its buyers will no doubt appreciate. What’s New for 2026?This is the first year that the Lexus ES is offered with electric propulsion. Like the standard ES, the ES EV wears entirely new bodywork and is over six inches longer than the previous ES. Lexus claims that its new platform not only affords the ES EV more interior space but also reduces cabin noise and improves ride comfort. The ES EV features a new 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Lexus’s latest multimedia software that enhances voice assistant and navigation functionalities. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Lexus ES EV starts at $60,000 and goes up to $65,000 depending on the trim and options.ES350e$60,000ES500e$65,000Lexus hasn’t released any pricing information for the 2026 ES EV yet, but we do know that there will be two trims on offer. The ES350e will be the entry-level model, sporting front-wheel drive and a less powerful electric powertrain. The ES500e trim will be the pricier option, with more power and all-wheel drive. An Executive Package is available, which ups the chauffeur factor with reclining rear seats equipped with massage, heating, and ventilation functions. As electric vehicles tend to be more expensive than those powered by other propulsion types, there’s little doubt that the all-electric ES will be more expensive than its hybrid counterpart. Getting Started with EVsEV Motor, Power, and PerformanceThe ES EV will be offered with the choice of two electric powertrains. Lexus claims that the 350e trim will deliver 221 horsepower to the front wheels, while the upper-tier 500e will send 338 horsepower to all four wheels via a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. Lexus claims that the combination of increased body rigidity and a new multi-link front suspension will enable the ES EV to exhibit sharper steering and more agile handling. Of course, the ES is known for prioritizing a soft ride and quiet cruising over sporty driving dynamics, so the ES EV will almost assuredly continue that tradition. 0–60-MPH TimesLexus says that the ES 350e can reach 62 mph from a standstill in a somewhat unremarkable 8.9 seconds. The all-wheel drive ES 500e improves on that time substantially, with a 0-62 mph estimate of 5.9 seconds. We’ll update this section once we have a chance to test the ES EV’s acceleration for ourselves. More on the ES EV SedanRange, Charging, and Battery LifeLexus has only released range information for the front-wheel drive ES 350e variant, which it claims can travel 300 miles on a single charge when fitted with 19-inch wheels. The ES 500e will likely offer less range given its additional power and all-wheel drive system, but that’s impossible to know based on the information that is available currently. We’ll update this section once more details have been released. Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe ES EV’s interior achieves a sophisticated look via an uncluttered design and the use of high-quality materials. We’ve only seen the new ES EV’s interior in photos so far, but both rows look like they offer enough stretch-out room for the long-legged, and the seats look attractive. Ambient interior lighting and 3D-printed faux bamboo wood trim are used on the door panels, giving the ES EV’s cabin some visual intrigue. The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityA 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen takes a prominent location on the ES EV’s dashboard. It features wireless connectivity for smartphones with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10-speaker stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio is standard, but a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system is available as an option.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesLexus says that the ES EV is fitted with the newest version of its Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite of hardware and detection equipment. While there isn’t yet any clarification beyond that, the 2026 ES EV will probably come with enhanced versions of the safety features found in the 2025 Lexus ES, which includes pedestrian and cyclist detection, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. We’ll update this section once we know more about the ES EV’s safety and driver-assistance features. For more information about the ES EV’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Source: caranddriver.com
