2026 Lexus ES launched at Shanghai Motor Show with hybrid and EV options

by Marouf Hussain Chowdhury. April 23, 2025.

Lexus has pulled the covers off the all-new 2026 Lexus ES sedan at the ongoing Shanghai Motor Show, offering it for the first time with both hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The luxury sedan now blends traditional Lexus comfort with electrification, while boasting sharper design, a roomier cabin, and a tech-heavy interior.

With this new model, Lexus is expanding its electrified portfolio, offering buyers more sustainable options without losing sight of what makes the ES one of the brand’s best sellers.

Exterior Design

The 2026 ES introduces Lexus’ latest design direction, dubbed “Clean Tech x Elegance”, which pushes the brand’s signature aesthetics into more minimalist and futuristic territory. The front features a reimagined spindle body, evolving from the well-known grille into a sculpted fascia that now better reflects electrified powertrains. Sharp lines flow from the bonnet to the wide front fenders, while L-shaped LED DRLs and indicators define the new headlamp design.

Hybrid variants keep a functional upper grille for cooling, while the fully electric models opt for a closed-off look. A full-width LED light bar at the rear, featuring L-shaped elements, adds visual width and reinforces the Lexus identity.

Dimensionally, the new ES is larger all around, measuring 5,140 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,560 mm in height, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. That’s a significant size increase over the outgoing model, promising more interior room and improved presence on the road.

Interior Design

Inside, the ES drops unnecessary clutter in favour of clean lines and hidden controls, thanks to Lexus’ new “Responsive Hidden Switches” system, which only reveals physical buttons when needed. A new Sensory Concierge function adjusts ambient lighting, scent, and sound based on the drive mode.

Interior themes range from bold white-green combos to more traditional black and tan, paired with natural materials like open-pore wood and fabric inserts. The cabin features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment screen, ambient lighting, and enhanced connectivity. Lexus now offers dual-phone Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and integrated navigation as standard.

Lexus ES Powertrains: Hybrid and EV

Buyers now have the choice between a hybrid and a fully electric ES.

Hybrid variants:

ES300h: 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with an electric motor, producing 198 hp (FWD).
ES350h: More powerful setup with 244 hp and optional AWD.

Electric variants:

ES350e: Single motor, 221 bhp, with a claimed 685 km range.
ES500e: Dual-motor AWD, outputting 338 bhp, and a 610 km range.

This move signals Lexus’ growing focus on EVs, especially for key global markets. However, the hybrid options remain a critical part of the lineup for those who are not ready to go fully electric.

Lexus ES relevance in the GCC

With its increase in size, range, and equipment, the new ES is expected to remain a favourite among Middle East buyers who value Lexus for its comfort, reliability, and resale value.

In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the Lexus ES is the most popular choice of vehicle for drivers using ride-hailing apps like Careem.

The hybrid variants will appeal to those who seek better fuel economy without needing to plug in. At the same time, the electric models may interest early adopters as the region’s EV infrastructure continues to develop.