World premiere of the all-new Lexus ES

Allow us to introduce the all-new, eighth-generation Lexus ES. When it launches in the UK in spring 2026, the model will bring new technologies and advanced comfort, connectivity and safety features that will sustain – and indeed build on – the luxury saloon’s global reputation. The following information relates specifically to the ES line that will be available to UK customers, including model range, provisional performance data and principal equipment features.

Lexus ES: a new saloon for a new era

The Lexus ES has been a fixture in our global range since the brand’s launch in 1989. In this eighth iteration, the model builds on its long-established reputation for luxury and refinement. It was conceived to address the priorities and concerns of today’s customers, including an increased choice in electrified powertrains. Both hybrid and, for the first time, battery electric models will be offered in a line-up that includes front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options.

Exterior design

The new ES was developed with a new Lexus design concept: Clean Tech x Elegance. Elegance has been a defining characteristic of the ES line, and in this all-new model the quality has been further refined to blend functional elements with greater emotion to produce a clean design aesthetic.

The overall dimensions were calculated to produce elegant yet striking proportions, while ensuring the car is comfortable to enter and exit. The frontal design presents a further evolution of our iconic spindle grille (hybrid models have an additional grille above the numberplate for optimal cooling performance), which rises from the low-set nose and informs the shape of the front wings and body sides. Meanwhile, the front lights create a twin L-signature that will become a new Lexus detail for the electrification era, pairing inward-facing L-shaped daytime running lights with outward-facing L-shaped indicators.

The side view is sleek, streamlined and almost coupe-like at the rear, contrasting beautifully with a lower body that is defined by contrasting planar and sculpted surfaces. The tapered cabin and wide stance accentuates the ES’s low centre of gravity, giving a sporty and athletic impression. This impression continues at the rear where a single light bar spans the width of the car, incorporating an illuminated Lexus logo as well as the tail and stop lights.

Interior design

Continuing the Clean Tech x Elegance concept, Lexus designers ensured that the interior is simple, clean and sophisticated. Excess details were avoided, leaving the upper cabin section feeling open and spacious and the lower area more encapsulating. Comfort is assured with the option of reclining rear seats and an ottoman leg support for the nearside rear passenger. The front passenger seat also has a forward-folding function to maximise rear leg room and offer a chauffeur-style experience.

Two new design elements make their debut in the new ES. First, bamboo layering (see above) uses advanced printing techniques and light transmission technology to create a surface illumination effect that synchronises with the cabin’s ambient illumination. Secondly, synthetic leather embossing produces a precise embossed pattern which combines with ambient lighting to produce a clean and modern aesthetic.

Noise reduction was prioritised with improved door sealing and the use of glass with high sound insulation quality in the front doors. The way sound is distributed within the cabin has been carefully managed to deliver a more natural and harmoniously balanced acoustic experience. The level of sensory quality is further raised by the optimal placement of the Mark Levinson audio system’s speakers to create a three-dimensional sound stage and a harmonious blend of sound and lighting in the cabin.

The high quality of the ES’s interior is supported by new ‘hidden’ switches. When the car is turned off, the switches are not visible beneath the dashboard trim. But when the driver switches the car on, they light up and are revealed. While having the sleek look of a touch-panel, the switches give satisfying tactile feedback when used.

Lexus ES: powertrains

Western European markets, including the UK, will be supplied with a choice of three powertrains, in line with our multi-pathway strategy: one hybrid model and two battery electric models.

The ES 300h petrol-electric hybrid features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and upgraded drive battery for a total output of 199bhp. The system uses bespoke control logic to deliver a combination of strong acceleration and fuel efficiency. As an additional benefit, the power unit’s increased rigidity helps suppress vibrations, contributing to a quieter and more refined cabin atmosphere. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions will be available.

The ES 350e is a front-wheel drive battery electric model delivering an output of 221bhp, while the ES 500e is equipped with our Direct4 intelligent electric all-wheel drive system and has an output of 338bhp. Both versions benefit from lightweight e-axles that integrate both the power control unit and transaxle to reduce its overall size and optimise interior space. The high-capacity battery is located beneath the floor, lowering the car’s centre of gravity.

Lexus ES: technical specifications

Details of the new Lexus ES were correct at the time of publishing, with all performance data remaining tentative prior to homologation. The full UK model range and specifications (which may be different to those seen in the images)
will be announced ahead of its launch in spring 2026.