2027 Lexus ESMotorTrendBob HernandezTue, September 15, 2026 at 6:41 PM UTCAdd us on Google2027 Lexus ESBrian Vance - MotorTrendPlush, quiet rideExcellent hybrid efficiencyHuge rear-seat spaceNot especially engagingHybrid brakes feel inconsistentEV charging trails rivalsPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Lexus ES has long been the brand's comfort-focused midsize luxury sedan, prioritizing quietness, efficiency, and space over outright sportiness. Fresh off a full redesign for 2026, the 2027 lineup spans both hybrid and fully electric models, giving buyers two very different ways to get the same relaxed ES experience.Luxury midsize sedan rivals include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, Genesis G80, and Audi A6 sedan.What's NewThe 2027 ES carries over unchanged following a full redesign for 2026. The eighth-generation ES introduced a new multi-pathway platform, fresh exterior and interior styling, and a larger overall footprint.Lexus also shifted the ES toward a fully electrified lineup. The new ES350h adopted Lexus' sixth-generation hybrid system and added available all-wheel drive to the ES hybrid for the first time.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe redesign also brought the first battery-electric ES models: the front-wheel-drive ES350e and all-wheel-drive ES500e.Other 2026 updates included larger screens and Lexus Safety System+ 4.0.What We ThinkThe Lexus ES remains a comfort-first luxury sedan, and the redesigned model suits that mission well. The ES350h hybrid is quiet, roomy, efficient, and easygoing, with a cushy ride and strong everyday usability. It still isn't especially quick or engaging, but that feels secondary in a car built around relaxation and refinement.The hybrid's biggest strengths are its smooth power delivery, spacious cabin, and impressive efficiency, though brake feel can be inconsistent and the soft suspension gets less composed when pushed. For most buyers, it strikes the best balance in the lineup.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe electric ES models feel even smoother and quieter on the road, giving them a more serene, upscale character. But their road-trip limitations and slower charging performance make them a more lifestyle-dependent choice, leaving the hybrid as the more versatile all-around ES.Top-Ranked Competitors:Mercedes-Benz E-ClassGenesis G80Audi A6MotorTrend TestedThe ES350h hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with one or two electric motors, depending on drivetrain. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available, but both versions produce 244 hp.In MotorTrend testing, the AWD ES350h reached 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Lexus estimates the FWD model will do the same in 7.4 seconds.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe EV lineup spans a wider performance range. The front-drive ES350e uses a single 220-hp motor, and hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds in our testing. The ES500e adds a second motor for all-wheel drive and 339 hp, cutting the 0-60-mph time to 5.0 seconds.MPGs, Range, and ChargingAssuming no changes from 2026, the 2027 ES350h should remain one of the more efficient luxury sedans on the market. FWD models are rated at 48/44 mpg city/highway and offer about 667 miles of estimated driving range, while AWD versions return 47/42 mpg and about 638 miles. Those are impressive range numbers for a gas car.Both ES EVs use a 74.7-kWh battery. The FWD ES350e is rated for 307 miles of range with 19-inch wheels or 292 miles with 21s, while the AWD ES500e manages 276 and 272 miles, respectively.Our real-world MotorTrend Road Trip range testing was less impressive. An ES350e on 21-inch wheels traveled only 233 miles, while an ES500e with the same wheel size managed just 242 miles.AdvertisementAdvertisementCharging hardware is shared across the EV lineup. A native NACS port is standard, along with 150-kW DC fast-charging capability that Lexus says can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 28 minutes under ideal conditions. An 11-kW onboard charger supports Level 2 charging, with a full charge taking about seven hours in ideal conditions.Safety FeaturesEvery 2027 ES comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, emergency steering intervention, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane centering assistance, road sign recognition, and automatic high-beams. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard.Available driver-assist features include front cross-traffic assist, intuitive parking assist with automatic braking, Advanced Park with remote parking capability, rear pedestrian detection, and lane change assist.Cargo Space and Interior RoomChoosing an ES EV does not mean giving up passenger or cargo space; the electric models offer the same interior dimensions and trunk capacity as the hybrid. Rear-seat room is especially generous compared to Mercede-Benz and Genesis competitors, and the ES also has an edge in trunk space.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery 2027 ES comes with a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless phone charger and four USB-C ports are also standard.Sound SystemThe base model features a 10-speaker setup. Lexus also offers 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound premium audio for the top model.Available UpgradesThe ES comes generously equipped from the start, so the options list is relatively short. Notable available upgrades include a head-up display, headlight washers, and a digital rearview mirror.ValueStandard FeaturesEvery 2027 ES comes generously equipped with power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a heated steering wheel, and memory settings for the driver's seat, side mirrors, and steering wheel.AdvertisementAdvertisementOther standard amenities include ambient interior lighting, acoustic front and side window glass, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power trunk lid.Recommended TrimFor most buyers, we recommend the ES350h. It delivers the comfort, refinement, generous standard equipment, and excellent efficiency that define the ES without the charging compromises of the EV models. We'd stick with the standard FWD version unless AWD is a priority.