Lexus is set to launch the next-gen ES in India on March 20, 2026. Like the outgoing ES, the new model will rival the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series LWB and Audi A4 in the midsize luxury sedan segment.
- New Lexus ES sports a more futuristic design language
- Dashboard features significantly fewer physical controls
- Hybrid powertrain likely to launch in India; EV variants possible too
2026 Lexus ES exterior design
The new ES adopts a sharper, more rakish design philosophy than its predecessor. Up front, it sports sleek Z-shaped lights that include the daytime running lamps (DRLs) and indicators. The main headlight units sit underneath and are concealed by vertically oriented gloss-black trim pieces. There’s no spindle grille like on the current ES; instead, there’s a small air dam at the base of the front bumper, flanked by diamond patterns.
Over to the sides, the most notable element is a pronounced crease highlighted with gloss-black trim, along with new alloy wheel designs and a sporty, sloping roofline. At the back, the new ES features a slim LED light bar that houses illuminated ‘LEXUS’ lettering, with L-shaped creases underneath lined with chrome.
Dimensionally, the new ES is 165mm longer, 55mm wider and 110-115mm taller than the current model. It has an 80mm longer wheelbase too.
2026 Lexus ES interior and features
14-inch touchscreen incorporates various key functions
Inside, the new ES eschews the button-heavy layout of its predecessor in favour of a cleaner design that folds several in-car functions into the larger 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, which supports OTA updates. Many other controls, like the ones on the centre console, are also touch-capacitive. Thankfully, the three-spoke steering wheel appears to include physical controls, and it sports ‘LEXUS’ lettering instead of the ‘L’ emblem.
The equipment list includes a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a Mark Levinson sound system, an electrochromic panoramic glass roof, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a Boss mode, powered front seats with memory function, reclining rear seats, and more. Lexus also claims to have reduced NVH levels with “improved door sealing and the use of glass with high sound insulation quality in the front doors”.
2026 Lexus ES powertrains
Hybrid setup expected for India; it remains to be seen if EV variants launch here
Globally, the new ES comes with hybrid and EV powertrain options. Since the outgoing ES is sold in hybrid form in India, we can expect the new model to also be offered as a hybrid. The new ES 300h is available in 197hp 2.0-litre and 201hp 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid setups, while the higher-spec 350h uses the latter powertrain but in a 247hp state of tune. All ES hybrid variants are mated to an e-CVT, with options for FWD or AWD.
As for the ES EV, it’s available in 224hp 350e and 343hp 550e guises; Lexus has yet to specify the battery capacities for the ES EV. The former employs a single-motor (FWD) setup and delivers a CLTC-claimed range of 685km, whereas the latter uses dual motors (AWD) and can travel up to 610km on a single charge. Coming to the claimed 0-100kph times, the 350e takes 8.9 seconds, while the 550e is rated at 5.9 seconds.
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