The new-gen Lexus ES initially went on sale in India in all-electric 500e guise a few months ago. Lexus has now launched the strong hybrid 350h version of the new ES in India as well, completing the sedan’s powertrain line-up. We compare the 2026 Lexus ES to its rivals – the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series LWB and Audi A6 – on paper to find out how the Japanese luxury sedan stacks up.
2026 Lexus ES vs rivals: Dimensions
ES is one of the longest overall but has the second-shortest wheelbase
The ES is the widest and tallest car in its segment, and the second-longest overall, falling short of the 5 Series LWB by only 30mm. However, the ES’s wheelbase is trounced by those of the E-Class and 5 Series LWB, and the Lexus sedan also has the smallest boot here. The ES hybrid does get 19-inch wheels as standard, though, beating the likes of the E-Class and A6 – only the ES EV gets 21-inchers.
2026 Lexus ES vs rivals: Powertrains and performance
ES hybrid is not as powerful as 5 Series LWB and A6
H: Hybrid, P: Petrol, D: Diesel
E: Engine, M: Motor
As noted previously, the ES is the only luxury sedan in its class available in strong hybrid and electric guises. The 2.5-litre engine of the ES 350h is the largest 4-cylinder mill in its segment, though it’s beaten in power output by the A6 and 5 Series LWB. The ES hybrid also claims the slowest 0-100kph time in this company, but it is worth noting that this powertrain is geared more towards fuel efficiency and ease of driving instead of outright performance.
What community is saying on the ES?
Coming to the ES 500e EV, it is the second most powerful here, with the 6-cylinder E450 edging ahead – the E-Class stands out as the only sedan in its segment to offer diesel and 6-cylinder petrol engine options. Both the ES 500e and E450 uniquely offer AWD as well, but Lexus’s electric sedan takes a full second longer for the 0-100kph sprint.
2026 Lexus ES vs rivals: Price
ES hybrid has the second lowest price tag in its class
The Lexus ES 350h hybrid is the second most affordable option in its segment, beaten only by the A6. However, it’s worth noting that the A6 currently sold in India is quite old, and there’s a new-gen model available globally. Still, the ES hybrid is a whopping Rs 10.5 lakh more affordable than the 5 Series LWB and undercuts the base E-Class by a staggering Rs 15.4 lakh. As for the ES 500e EV, its price can be compared with that of the top-spec E450, which costs Rs 5 lakh more.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
