2026 Lexus ES Debuts with First-Ever Electric Option

The iconic Lexus ES lineup expands into new territory with the unveiling of its eighth generation. For the first time in its history, the 2026 Lexus ES will offer fully electric powertrain options alongside its hybrid counterpart, establishing a new chapter for the luxury sedan that has been a staple in the Canadian market since 1990.

Revealed at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition on April 23, 2025, the redesigned ES introduces Lexus' electrification vision. The lineup includes three distinct powertrain options: the ES 350h hybrid with standard all-wheel drive, the front-wheel drive ES 350e electric, and the all-wheel drive ES 500e electric model.

Three Distinct Powertrains for Every Luxury Driver

The 2026 ES lineup gives you unprecedented choice in how you experience luxury sedan driving. The ES 350h features an enhanced 2.5-litre hybrid system with a more compact and lightweight powertrain design, delivering improved performance while maintaining exceptional fuel efficiency. The hybrid system now incorporates an integrated eAxle that combines the power control unit and transaxle, contributing to reduced vibration and a quieter cabin experience.

For those ready to embrace all-electric driving, the ES 350e provides front-wheel drive performance with an impressive manufacturer-estimated range of 480 km when equipped with 19-inch wheels. This positions the ES as a practical daily driver that requires minimal charging intervention for typical weekly driving patterns.

Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the ES 500e with its advanced DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system. This intelligent technology continuously adjusts torque distribution to all four wheels based on road conditions and driving inputs, with a drive force ratio that can vary from 100:0 to 0:100 between front and rear wheels. The result is enhanced acceleration, superior handling stability, and optimized energy efficiency.

Reimagined Design Language Defines Luxury

The 2026 ES introduces Lexus' new design concept called "Clean Tech x Elegance." This approach enhances the signature elegance that has long defined the ES while integrating functional and emotional value at a higher level.

Drawing inspiration from the next-generation BEV concept LF-ZC, the exterior pairs presence with refined minimalism. The vehicle height accommodates underfloor battery placement while preserving interior comfort, creating proportions that showcase the sedan's expressive form.

The front features a sharply defined spindle shape extending from the hood to the bumper corners, creating a distinctive and grounded impression. Hybrid models include a slim upper grille to ensure optimal cooling performance. The side profile presents a taut, streamlined appearance with enhanced shoulder contours for improved aerodynamics.

Interior Excellence and Advanced Technology

Step inside the 2026 ES, and you'll discover a cabin designed with passenger comfort as the top priority. Compared to the previous generation, the overall length has been extended by approximately 165 mm and the wheelbase by 80 mm, creating a more spacious interior environment.

The seating position sits higher to improve entry and exit ease while providing an expanded field of vision. Throughout the cabin, seats and trim elements have been made as slim as possible, and the window frames have been lowered to increase glass surface area, enhancing the sense of openness.

The ES introduces two Lexus-first design elements that elevate the sensory experience: Bamboo Layering, which recreates the depth and flow of natural bamboo using 3D printing, and Synthetic Leather Embossing, which pairs sharp embossing with ambient lighting to enhance the cabin's clean, elegant atmosphere.

Executive VIP Package Elevates Rear Seat Luxury

For the first time in Canada, the ES offers an Executive VIP Package on the ES 350e FWD Luxury model. This premium option transforms the rear cabin into a first-class experience with reclining rear seats, a passenger-side ottoman, rear outboard massaging seats, and rear seat heating and ventilation.

This addition positions the ES as an attractive option for both drivers and those who prefer to be driven, adding versatility to its luxury appeal. The package complements the updated Mark Levinson Surround Sound System, which optimizes speaker placement to create an immersive, three-dimensional soundstage throughout the cabin.

Advanced Safety Leads the Way

The 2026 ES will be the first Lexus model to feature the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0). This latest version of Lexus' active safety suite includes updates to both hardware and detection capabilities, though specific details will be released closer to the vehicle's launch next year.

This commitment to safety innovation continues Lexus' tradition of prioritizing driver and passenger protection, ensuring that the ES remains at the forefront of automotive safety technology.

Your Next Luxury Evolution Awaits

The 2026 Lexus ES marks a pivotal moment in the model's history, offering unprecedented powertrain choices while maintaining the comfort, refinement, and elegance that have defined the ES for generations. Whether you prefer the efficiency of the hybrid model or the quiet performance of an all-electric luxury sedan, the new ES lineup adapts to your driving preferences. Visit Erin Park Lexus today to register your interest in the 2026 Lexus ES and secure your place among the first to drive this luxury sedan when it arrives next year.