Lexus ES (2026): The 8th generation comes with a hatchback
The pillar of Toyota's luxury division is entering its eighth generation. The Lexus ES was launched at the NAIAS in Detroit in 1989. Positioned in the upper midsize segment, it was based on the Toyota Camry platform.
The brand's co-founder only arrived in Western Europe with the seventh generation in 2018. Eastern Europe already had it in 2010, where the sedan has enjoyed considerable popularity. The eighth generation of the Lexus ES recently celebrated its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai . Now, the model aims to assert itself against strong competition in Europe with new all-electric and electrified powertrains.
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Exterior | Interior | Drivetrain and chassis
Originally launched as a classic sedan, the rear end has become increasingly flowing over the generations – although a slight kink in the rear has always remained noticeable. However, the Japanese still refer to the latest ES as a sedan, even though it now has a more fluid shape without a noticeable stubby rear end, at times reminiscent of the new Audi A5 – which, in turn, is also advertised as a sedan.
The new ES also features slim taillights and a continuous light strip with an illuminated logo. Even the proportions, the distinctive spoiler lip on the hood, and the lines at the rear are reminiscent of its Ingolstadt counterpart. This is likely due more to current trends and aerodynamics than to copying.
At the front, the ES loses its massive grille with its gathered honeycomb center. If we're expecting a Supra facelift soon... I could certainly imagine a similar design language. The front end is extremely dynamic, with long, narrow headlights that extend back, featuring a new double-L daytime running light and turn signal signature, and a small frontal area.
Image by: Lexus
Image by: Lexus
Image by: Lexus
Lexus calls this design "Clean Tech x Elegance": a spindle-shaped front end with sharply contoured fenders, minimalist lines, and a clearly defined, steadily sloping roofline. At first glance, there's already quite a lot going on in the body of the new Lexus ES.
The dimensions have grown significantly compared to the seventh generation. The ES breaks the five-meter mark and, at 5.14 meters, is now 165 millimeters longer than its predecessor. Its width has grown by 55 millimeters to 1.92 meters, and its height has increased by 110 to 115 millimeters, to 1.55 meters to 1.56 meters. The wheelbase has also increased by another 80 millimeters to 2.95 meters.
interiorThe cockpit of the new Lexus ES follows the Tazuna principle: the driver-oriented layout is designed to arrange controls and information sources so that they can be operated and recognized with only minimal hand and eye movements.
That's why the Japanese manufacturer has not only equipped the sedan with physical buttons, but also with hidden-tech controls – touch panels that only illuminate when needed. However, these are designed to provide a tangible operating experience with clear feedback when activated. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster displays the most important information for the driver, while a 14-inch touchscreen serves as the control center for entertainment and settings.
Image by: Lexus
Image by: Lexus
Image by: Lexus
For greater comfort and reduced noise, Lexus has improved the door seals and acoustic glass in the front doors. The front seats are designed to provide better posture support. The minimalist interior is equipped with sustainable materials such as bamboo appliqués and embossed synthetic leather.
Seventeen Mark Levinson speakers ensure optimal sound. An optional ottoman with leg rest can be ordered in the rear for that relaxed chauffeur experience.
Drivetrain and chassisThe new Lexus ES is available as a full hybrid and in two electric versions. The electrified ES 300h combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric drivetrain and battery. The system output of the full hybrid, available as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, is 148 kW (201 hp).
Image by: Lexus
Image by: Lexus
However, the eighth generation focuses entirely on electric drivetrains. The ES 350e offers front-wheel drive, a 77 kWh battery, and 165 kW (224 hp), and the ES 500e with all-wheel drive, a 75 kWh battery, and 252 kW (343 hp). The former accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.2 seconds, while the latter takes 5.7 seconds.
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Lexus states the range for both models as 530 kilometers according to the WLTP. Preconditioning prepares the battery for the upcoming charge in less-than-optimal outside temperatures. Charging takes place at a maximum of 150 kW (DC). The Japanese company promises a charging time of approximately 30 minutes from 10 to 80 percent. Unfortunately, this already puts the sedan far behind charging champions from Hyundai and others, which cover this range in around 18 minutes.
All BEV versions utilize the new e-Axle unit for compact packaging and a low center of gravity. The ES also features a stiffer body and a wider track (+64 mm at the front, +82 mm at the rear). For the first time, the ES features a multi-link rear axle, which is designed to provide more grip and reduce vibration. A variable rack ratio is designed to provide more direct feedback and smoother ride.
The Lexus ES is scheduled to launch in Europe in spring 2026. Currently, the entry-level model, the ES 300H, is priced at €55,350. With updates and the electric variants, an entry-level price above €60,000 seems likely.
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