The 2027 Lexus ES Is The Best Luxury Car, But It Has One Problem

2026 Lexus ES Review: Hybrid, Electric, and Major Changes

The Lexus ES undergoes the most radical redesign in its 35-year history. Redesigned for the 2026 model year, the new ES grows significantly in size, moves production entirely to Japan, eliminates its traditional gas-only V6 engine, and introduces a dual-track lineup featuring both proven hybrid powertrains and fully electric variants.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the major updates, powertrain options, interior comfort, tech features, and market value.

Key Changes and Platform Updates

1. Grown to Near-Flagship Dimensions

Compared to the outgoing model, the 2026 Lexus ES is roughly 6 inches (15 cm) longer and 4.5 inches taller. Its expanded footprint makes it nearly as large as previous generations of the flagship Lexus LS sedan, offering midsize-to-full-size luxury proportions and substantial rear legroom.

2. Built Exclusively in Japan

Unlike previous generations assembled in North America, all 2026 Lexus ES models are built in Japan. This shift ensures top-tier factory build quality and fit-and-finish across the board.

3. V6 Engine Retired

The standard naturally aspirated V6 gas engine—a hallmark of the ES platform since its inception—has been officially discontinued. The lineup now relies strictly on hybrid (HEV) and battery-electric (BEV) powertrains.

Powertrain Options and Performance

The Proven Choice: Lexus ES 350h Hybrid

The ES 350h features the 6th-generation Lexus/Toyota Hybrid System, pairing a naturally aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with electric motors and a planetary-gear eCVT transmission.

• Output & Acceleration: Produces 244 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 7 seconds.
• Fuel Efficiency: Rated at an impressive 46 MPG (5.3 L/100 km).
• Drivetrain: Standard front-wheel drive, with a third electric motor added to the rear axle for standard electronic all-wheel drive in select markets like Canada.
• Durability: Built on a proven hybrid setup refined over 25 years. ES hybrids are widely recognized in fleet and livery services for reaching over 250,000 miles (400,000 km) with minimal maintenance.

The All-Electric Options: ES 350e & ES 500e

For drivers seeking a zero-emissions luxury sedan, Lexus offers two battery-electric configurations:

• Lexus ES 350e:
  • Output: 221 horsepower (FWD or AWD).
  • Range: Rated up to 303 miles (481 km) on a full charge.
  • Performance: Similar acceleration to the hybrid (0–60 in ~7 seconds).
• Lexus ES 500e:
  • Output: 338 horsepower via standard dual-motor AWD.
  • Range: Rated at 272 miles (438 km) per charge due to higher power draw.
  • Performance: Bolder acceleration, hitting 60 mph in approximately 5 seconds.

Ride Quality and Driving Dynamics

True to the ES moniker, the 2026 model prioritizes supreme ride comfort over aggressive sportiness:

• Plush Suspension: Suspension tuning favors soft, road-smoothing dampening that completely eliminates harshness.
• Acoustic Isolation: Double-pane glass and extensive floor sound-deadening create a whisper-quiet highway ride.
• Effortless Cruising: Makes no attempt to track-test or carve canyon corners; instead, it provides a low-stress, relaxing luxury environment.

Interior, Tech, and Option Packages

High-End Materials

The interior utilizes premium materials, including standard NuLuxe synthetic leather (known for superior wear resistance), optional genuine leather, real bamboo wood inlays, and soft suede wrapping the driver's display shroud.

Technology Suite

• Central Display: Runs the latest Lexus Interface software on a massive central touchscreen, offering ultra-fast processor response and clean menu structures.
• Safety Features: Standard Lexus Safety Sense 4.0 driver-assist systems across all trims.
• Physical Controls Compromise: Most secondary climate and vehicle settings have been absorbed into the central screen, reducing the number of physical buttons.

Unusual Option Packaging

Lexus limits high-end luxury packages primarily to the electric models:

• Hybrid Limitations: The popular ES 350h hybrid is restricted to three core trim packages, omitting high-end options like soft-close doors, power rear sunshades, and genuine leather.
• Chauffeur Package (ES 350e Only): High-tier Executive Packages—designed largely for overseas markets—add power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging rear seats with an Ottoman footrest, but omit front-seat massage options.

Pricing and Value Breakdown

• Lexus ES 350h (Hybrid): Starts around $51,000 USD ($62,000 CAD).
• Lexus ES 350e (EV): Starts around $49,000 USD ($65,000 CAD).
• Lexus ES 500e (EV): Starts around $52,000 USD ($68,000 CAD).

The base ES 350h Hybrid stands out as the overall value leader. It costs tens of thousands less than German midsize competitors (e.g., BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class) while offering lower depreciation, lower routine maintenance costs, and exceptional fuel economy.

The Main Competitor: Toyota Crown

Before purchasing a 2026 Lexus ES, buyers should carefully evaluate its closely related sibling, the Toyota Crown:

• Physical Controls: The Crown retains tactile physical buttons for climate and audio functions, making it more user-friendly on the road.
• Standard Features: Offers standard genuine leather seats, standard all-wheel drive, and identical hybrid fuel economy for thousands less.
• Shared Japanese Assembly: Like the ES, the Toyota Crown is built in Japan and shares identical long-term reliability standards.

Verdict

The 2026 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid remains one of the smartest long-term luxury buys on the market—delivering unmatched reliability, supreme comfort, and Japanese build quality. However, buyers looking for traditional physical interior controls or better option packaging may find equal value in the Toyota Crown.

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