You always have to credit a carmaker that’s ready to mess with success. Take the Lexus ES. Long the entry-level model, the Camry-based sedan was pleasant, efficient, and over the years polished into something quite lovely – if not all that thrilling to the enthusiast.

Well, here we are with the heavily redone 2026 model, and Lexus has taken the ES into a bold new direction inside and out. Bold or reckless? Let’s find out!

Speaking a new language

Lexus says the ES introduces a new design language – Clean Tech x Elegance. Like most design-speak, you’re left scratching your head about what that actually means, even though the carmaker says, “seamlessly blending its functional and emotional value at a higher level, resulting in a simple and clean design aesthetic.”

Well. We think it’s a real breakaway from the previous ES, which has always been pleasant and premium, but didn’t seem intent on making waves. The new model is a much bolder statement, with a front end that reminds us of the RX SUV with a sharp cheese-grater grille, slender upper grille that looks more appropriate for an EV (there is an ES EV model available), blacked-out side grilles, and new Twin L-shaped signature lamps.  This is the most aggressive ES front end ever!

Speaking of EV-ness, that part of the design shows up in the profile, where the ES looks taller (easier to get in!) with a very rakish greenhouse, sloping rear window, and short overhangs front and rear. What really catches your eye is the deep cut-ins in the front door that waterfall down the side to just ahead of the rear wheel. Very cool.  Finishing off the presentation are 18-inch 5-spoke dark gray/black finish wheels. They look more like they are designed for hybrid efficiency than sportiness, and we think this design could carry a more aggressive set of kicks.

The rear echoes the front, and really trades off on horizontal sleekness, with a new Rear L-Signature Lamp, a cool single light bar that spans the width of the car, with L E X U S spelled out in simple bold letters (that lights up at night!). Dual taillights sit low and wide, emphasizing the car’s width, while the lower fascia again feels like it’s leaning heavily on the EV architecture the ES shares. Finishing things off on our tester was the refined optional Cloudburst Gray paint that really helps sell the multiple contours and shapes.

Overall, we love the look. This is a bold design, and it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea – but kudos to Lexus for taking such a strong stand!

A new take on luxury

Inside is a massive departure from the previous model as well, and it shows a complete rethinking of luxury. It also reminds us of the handsome new design in the Mazda CX-5, a blending of lux and Swedish style simplicity that’s particularly tasty.

Open the door, and you have a more horizontal approach with a lower dash that spans the width of the cabin, a separate hooded housing for the gauges, and a massive 14-inch touchscreen display in the center of the dash, reminiscent of the direction we’ve seen in many of the latest Toyota models.

Adding to this is an attractive two-tone design Lexus calls Palomino, with dark tones on the upper dash, while the lower dash, seats, door trim, and center console feature an off-white that keeps things bright and fresh.

That spaciousness is more than just visual, with a noticeably higher seating position for easier entry/exit, and a 3-inch longer wheelbase that really pays off dividends for rear seat passengers – it’s limo-like stretch-out legroom for those in back!

You immediately feel cossetted, with Lexus-first design elements like “Bamboo Layering” that recreates the depth and flow of natural bamboo using 3D printing paired with “Thematic Ambient Illumination” and new dynamic themes. The hybrid ethos means you’ll be parked on synthetic NuLuxe, but it’s very leather-like in appearance.

The driver enjoys a very fresh presentation, with a 12.3-inch display that resides in a hooded canopy that looks focused, and serves up loads of information, and does an especially nice job putting your navigation map right in front of you. Soft felt surrounds give a cozy vibe. We also liked how L E X U S is now spelled out in letters on the steering wheel hub, replacing the previous L-shaped logo.

It seems like automakers are either going for seamless wide screens (like the Genesis GV80 we recently tested) or ultra-large stand-alone screens like the ES. Either works fine, especially when it’s as well-thought-out as the Lexus. On the ES, this is their newest multimedia interface with a new onscreen home button and split-screen capability. In addition, the native Voice Assistant has been improved with quicker response times.

Lexus continues to give you a dedicated volume control, in this case a metal tumbler that looks very Audi-like, but to be honest, we still prefer the straightforward function of a good-old volume knob. Speaking of volume, the Mark Levinson^® Surround Sound System was wonderful.

One thing we really love is the new soft-touch controls for climate below the screen. A sort of touch-bar that’s a blend of rubbery and haptic controls, it’s super easy to use, gives a positive response to your touch, and has a matte finish that doesn’t smudge like piano black. It’s just a very elegant attention to detail.

While we traditionally like a large shift lever (like the previous model), a small nubby control in the center console seems to suit the design, and like the climate controls, it has a very good feel, even for such a small switch. It also leaves plenty of space for generous dual cupholders and a wireless charging pad for your smartphone.

While our tester was not so equipped, Lexus really caught our imagination with an Executive Package offered for the first time in a North American ES. Available on the 350e FWD Luxury trim, it includes reclining rear seats with a passenger-side ottoman, rear outboard massaging seats, and rear seat heating and ventilation.

This is the kind of stuff we’ve seen on big-buck luxury imports, and it’s nice to see this kind of goodness migrating down to the entry-level models like the ES.

Even without the Executive Package, we found the rear seating exceptionally roomy, and a small surprise is that the rear seats are fixed, with only a small pass-through – most sedans we’ve tested offer a split-folding rear seat for added cargo flexibility.

We guess Lexus offers so many choices in crossover/SUV models; it wasn’t needed here. Just something to keep in mind if you occasionally carry long/large items.

Hello Hybrid

Another big change with the all-new model will be saying adieu to the 302-horsepower V6 engine. Instead, you’ll have a choice of hybrid and full-on EV models (which we will test separately).

While the previous ES Hybrid model produced 215 horsepower, the new model with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder with two electric motors pumps things up to a more respectable 244 hp in Front Wheel Drive format. Interestingly, opting for all-wheel drive gets you a third electric motor, but the power rating remains unchanged. Go figure…

While we will miss the V6’s power, the 350h power is a smooth operator, and like most Toyota/Lexus hybrid models is a spirited performer if not outright fast. Give credit to lots of low-end power, thanks to the well-designed hybrid system and a smooth CVT transmission.

We estimate 0-60 mph in the low 7-second range, and it feels quicker than that with strong off-the-line power. Dropping it into sport mode gives more oomph and quicker response. Hybrid buyers will probably be more interested in efficiency, and here the numbers are stellar, with 47 mpg city, 42 mph highway and 44 mpg combined.

Lexus says that rigidity has been significantly increased for reduced vibration and sharper steering, along with a new multi-link rear suspension – the first ever in an ES model. We think the driving dynamic is a huge improvement – previous ES models were very smooth, but also a snooze to drive. The new model feels lively and responsive, light and direct. No, it’s no BMW, but it is a much more enjoyable drive than before, and that’s a major win in our books!

The ES350h also enjoys a new Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which includes Pre-Collision with intersection turn assist, Lane Tracing and Departure Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and Blind Spot and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability. Available features include Traffic Jam Assist with low-speed hands-free driving support, Lane Change Assist, and one of our faves, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor. Typical Lexus, the systems are all well-integrated and easy to use.

How Much ES it?

The ES lineup starts with the 350h Premium at $51,095. For a step into the Lexus brand and all the goodness, quite reasonable.  Our Premium Plus tester started at $55,895, with the sole option being $550 for Cloudburst Gray paint. Add $1,395 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $57,795.

If you like the ES, you might also want to look at the Toyota Crown, comparably equipped at $56,000. It’s available with a more powerful 340-horsepower hybrid 4-cylinder, but its larger size means you’re looking at similar performance. Overall, it’s a great luxury sedan if you don’t hanker for that Lexus badge (and dealership experience).

Those looking for the European driving feel and performance should stop by the BMW dealer and drive the BMW 530e. With similar power to the ES, it’s a rocket, and the handling and ride are the kind of things that earned the Ultimate Driving Machine name. Still at $71,000, you are paying mightily for that performance!

Bold looks, a cosseting interior, loads of tech and smooth, ultra-efficient performance, the 2026 Lexus ES 350h takes the ES in an exciting new direction, and still serves up the refinement and quality buyers demand.