At Auto Zurich 2025, we got up close with the new Lexus ES Hybrid, which is moving to its eighth generation next year. The re-engineered ES, which we showed you from its premiere in Auto Shanghai earlier this year, wears a new design, leveled-up interior, and a reworked platform that supports both hybrid and battery-electric versions.
During our time with the current-generation model, we praised its comfort and efficiency but felt it was starting to show its age. Lexus has now addressed all those concerns for the 2026 model year.
Design
The 2026 Lexus ES is a bold evolution, inspired by the LF-ZC concept. The traditional spindle grille gives way to a “spindle body,” where the hood, bumper, and lower fascia take on an angular and aerodynamic shape.
Its long 202.3-inch length and stretched 116.1-inch wheelbase help retain the familiar proportions, while the sculpted surfaces give it the same vibes as the Lexus RZ.
At the front, the new Twin L-Signature Lamps, with inward-facing daytime running lights and outward-facing turn signals, present a strong identity. The rear L-Signature Lamp integrates an illuminated Lexus logo and a continuous light bar to highlight the width of the vehicle. A new exterior color called Wavelength debuts for 2026.
Interior & Features
The cabin stays true to Lexus’s “Clean Tech × Elegance” theme, endowing it with the latest tech, without an intimidating feel. The frame has been designed with a 3-inch longer wheelbase to further improve rear seat comfort and ease ingress and egress. The driver sits slightly higher than before, benefiting from improved outward visibility through lowered window lines.
For North America, the ES Hybrid will offer a new Executive Package on Luxury trim, adding reclining rear seats, heating, ventilation, and even massaging functions for the outboard positions. Bamboo Layering door trims and Synthetic Leather Embossing paired with Thematic Ambient Illumination transform the cabin atmosphere. The Mark Levinson Surround Sound System has been optimized for a three-dimensional acoustic field.
Displays
The Tazuna-themed cockpit is driver-centric yet open. A 12.3-inch multi-information display sits behind a low meter hood, and a 14-inch touchscreen handles the latest Lexus Interface system.
The infotainment package now includes a dedicated home button, split-screen multitasking, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and faster voice recognition. Native navigation and maps are integrated directly into the gauge cluster for easier viewing while driving.
Experience in the 2026 ES Hybrid
Ingress in the new Lexus ES Hybrid is easy, and once inside, the cabin feels quiet and well-insulated. The front seats are supportive, with soft cushioning and extra padding around the shoulders to accommodate wider frames. Back support is excellent, and under-thigh comfort is good.
I had adequate headroom even with the sunroof, and the overall driving position was easy to fine-tune. The steering wheel feels solid, though I’d prefer individual buttons instead of grouped controls on each side.
The dashboard design combines digital and physical interfaces, including padded HVAC buttons and a knurled volume knob that give the car a tactile, premium touch. The center console features a wireless charger, concealed cupholders, and a deep storage compartment with USB and HDMI ports.
Moving to the rear, space is generous. The knee room is excellent, and even as a six-footer, I had ample headroom. There is no recline feature, but the seatback angle feels comfortable for long trips, though under-thigh support could be slightly better. Two adults can travel in comfort, while the middle passenger will find it uncomfortable due to the central tunnel.
Rear occupants get wide adjustable headrests and good outward visibility helped by the small quarter glass panels. Getting in and out is smooth, as the doors open wide and the car’s low stance doesn’t demand excessive bending.
Specifications
The ES 350h retains the 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid engine paired with an e-CVT. The sixth-generation hybrid system integrates its power control unit and transaxle into a compact eAxle design, improving efficiency and reducing weight. System output is 243 hp (182 kW), with 0-60 mph times of 7.4 seconds for FWD and 7.2 seconds for AWD models.
A new multi-link rear suspension and stiffer chassis mounts should improve stability and ride comfort. Engine and battery mounts have been re-engineered to reduce vibration and deliver a quieter cabin during acceleration. Noise and vibration levels have been further lowered through new insulation and sound-damping materials around the cabin floor and firewall.
The 2.5-liter hybrid system targets better real-world efficiency than the outgoing model while delivering stronger mid-range torque. Lexus says the new power unit’s rigidity and software tuning reduce energy loss and improve the transition between electric and gas power.
Price & U.S. Launch
The new Lexus ES will arrive at U.S. dealers in 2026, offering front- and all-wheel-drive hybrid options as part of the ES 350h variant lineup. We’re expecting prices to start at well under USD 45,000. For many American buyers, the refined ES Hybrid will continue to be the sweet spot between gas and electric, without stepping up to the RX.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
