THE 2026 LEXUS ES IS NO LONGER PLAYING IT SAFE - OBTAINS FLAGSHIP STATUS

EV Channels Review

The 2026 Lexus ES undergoes a significant transformation, shedding its conservative image to embrace a more assertive, flagship-worthy design. The reviewer highlights the striking new exterior, particularly the radical hood design and the adoption of Lexus's latest design language, drawing comparisons to the LF-ZC concept and even suggesting it blurs the lines between the ES and LS. While the exterior is praised for its boldness, the interior receives mixed reactions. The materials are generally upscale, with notable mentions of bamboo trim and soft-touch surfaces, but some elements like the thin steering wheel and the shared shifter with the RAV4 are criticized. The reviewer appreciates the hidden physical buttons for climate control and the intuitive cruise control setup. Powertrain options include a hybrid with around 243 horsepower and available AWD, and two BEV models (ES 350e and ES 500e). The ES 350e is estimated at 300 miles of range, while the ES 500e offers AWD and is estimated at 250 miles. The reviewer notes the adoption of NACS charging ports and DC fast charging capabilities. Overall, the new ES is seen as a substantial upgrade, positioning itself as a more premium and visually engaging offering in the sedan market, potentially even taking over the flagship sedan role from the LS.