2026 Lexus ES Goes Electric and Has a New RoleLexus (Lexus)When Lexus first launched as a brand in 1989, it offered two sedans: the ES and the LS. The full-size LS flagship quickly came to define the Lexus ethos, but 37 years later, it's the mid-size ES nameplate that persists. Lexus is going back to having just two sedans, and the LS will not be one of them, as it's bidding farewell with just a 250-unit run of Heritage Edition models for 2026. The compact IS is still around, but it's getting long in the tooth as the third generation has just received its third facelift.In a testament to its increased importance, the ES gets a comprehensive overhaul that reflects the larger role it now must play in the Lexus range. Here, we're focusing on the new electric version of the ES; there's also a hybrid version of the ES, which we review separately. This eighth-generation ES—the EV in particular—represents the most radical change for this model since its inception more than three decades ago. Not only does it offer this new powertrain configuration, but it also grows in size and attempts to capture some of the LS flagship's duties with some upscale new options unique to the electric model.Lexus (Lexus)You may not even recognize this EV as an ES at first. It has a blunt front end with only a vague outline of the spindle grille shape found on many of Lexus's gas-powered vehicles. The roofline tapers gracefully toward the rear, but at 61.4 inches, the car is 4.5 inches taller than before and even slightly taller than the UX, which is billed as an SUV.AdvertisementAdvertisementWith a 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase, the ES now offers stretch-out space in the rear seat. There's even an option on the front-drive version of the EV's Luxury trim for an Executive rear-seat package with a passenger-side ottoman and power adjustability, along with heating and ventilation for both outboard rear seats. Lexus went so far as to include a special drive mode for when the luxe seat setup is in use, one that's meant to avoid the jerkiness from regenerative braking that many who have ridden in the back seat of electric Ubers have experienced.Lexus (Lexus)The ES EV comes in two strengths: a 224-hp front-wheel-drive ES350e and a 338-hp all-wheel-drive ES500e. Neither is particularly quick by EV standards, as we estimate even the dual-motor car will only get to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The power doesn't shove you back in your seat, but that's fine for a non-sporting sedan like the ES. There are five levels of adjustable regenerative breaking, but none offer one-pedal driving like many EV drivers have come to expect. Lexus says that it wants the driver to be in control of braking the vehicle to a stop.Lexus (Lexus)The ES500e especially feels hefty in corners—Lexus estimates a curb weight of nearly 5000 pounds for the loaded version—and the ride is bouncier than we found in the hybrid model, which weighs nearly 1000 pounds less. But the electric ES remains comfort-focused, and it's impressively quiet inside.A 67-kWh battery pack is the only choice for both single- and dual-motor variants, and that isn't much capacity for a car this large and heavy. The range estimates span from 272 miles for the ES500e with larger wheels up to 307 miles for the ES350e with smaller wheels. Those numbers aren't too impressive among today's electric sedans, and neither is the 150-kW maximum DC fast-charging speed. Toyota's EV technology still has a way to go to catch up to the industry leaders in this arena.Lexus (Lexus)The ES EV does offer a surprisingly attractive price point, which helps make up for some of these deficiencies. With the ES350e starting at $48,895, it's priced like a Tesla Model 3 but offers more space inside, a considerably more luxurious interior, and plenty of standard features. The ES350e gets above $60,000 with the Executive package, and the more powerful ES500e costs between $51,895 and $60,295, but even those sums feel like a reasonable deal for the ES given its size, upscale cabin materials, and overall polish.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029
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