2026 Lexus ES Range Detailed: Pricing, Specifications, and Full Features Confirmed

Arriving in local showrooms in the middle of 2026, the luxury model marks a monumental shift for the nameplate, introducing its first-ever pure battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variants alongside an extensively overhauled hybrid option.

Pure electric variants will spearhead the local launch, while the traditional ES300h hybrid line-up will follow later in the year.

Local Pricing and Architecture

The eighth-generation ES rides on a thoroughly optimized version of Toyota's TNGA-K platform. Structural updates have significantly increased chassis rigidity, which—when paired with a newly adopted multi-link rear suspension arrangement and upgraded acoustic dampening—promises a heavily refined and ultra-serene cabin experience.

Lexus has introduced an aggressive pricing strategy for the electric variants, positioning the entry-level front-wheel-drive EV just $2,000 above the baseline hybrid model:

Drivetrains, Batteries, and Performance

The new ES significantly expands its footprint, growing 170mm longer (now stretching over five meters at 5145mm), 55mm wider, and extending its wheelbase by 80mm to maximize second-row passenger legroom.

ES300h (Hybrid)

Powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor, routing a combined 144kW to the front wheels via an e-CVT. It claims an exceptionally efficient fuel economy rating of 4.5L/100km while complying with strict Euro 6E-bis emissions standards. It features two-piston front brake calipers with 328mm ventilated discs.

ES350e Sports Luxury (RWD EV)

Utilizes a single front-mounted electric motor developing 165kW of power and 269Nm of torque. Drawing from a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack, it achieves a claimed WLTP driving range of 510km with an energy consumption baseline of 16.4kWh/100km.

ES500e Sports Luxury (AWD EV)

The first-ever all-wheel-drive ES offered to Australian buyers. It adds an 88kW/170Nm electric motor to the rear axle, raising total system output to a potent 252kW. It completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.5 seconds and yields a claimed WLTP driving range of 465km. Power is dynamically distributed via Lexus' DIRECT4 AWD management system.

The flagship ES500e also introduces Interactive Manual Drive, a performance software feature that uses tactile steering wheel paddle shifters, synthetic cabin sounds, and a digital tachometer to convincingly simulate the eight-speed gear shifts of an internal combustion engine.

Charging Specifications: Both battery-electric models support a rapid 22kW maximum AC charging threshold and up to 150kW via a DC fast charger, allowing fast top-ups on the go. EV variants are fitted with larger 340mm front and 338mm rear brake rotors to manage the extra weight.

Advanced Interior Technology and Safety

The 2026 ES is the global debut vehicle for Lexus' cutting-edge Arene software platform, boosting on-board processing metrics and facilitating advanced over-the-air (OTA) updates. The cabin layout is anchored by a new 14-inch infotainment touchscreen housing cloud-based navigation, customizable widgets, integrated Spotify, and touch-sensitive climate controls. Drivers also gain an asymmetric 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offering six selectable layouts, including a full-screen navigation map view.

A standard Embedded Drive Recorder hooks directly into the vehicle's high-definition exterior cameras to act as a built-in dashcam, supporting manual, loop, and incident-triggered loop recordings selectable directly via the main touchscreen.

Next-Generation Safety Suite

Standard active safety technologies have been upgraded to include Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Intersection Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and a re-engineered Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system capable of detecting fast-moving bicycles.

Crucially, the ES introduces a brand-first Emergency Driving Stop System. If a driver fails to provide inputs over a set period while Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centring are engaged, the system initiates audible and visual warnings. If the driver remains unresponsive, the vehicle will automatically bring itself to a safe, gradual halt, activate the hazard lights, unlock all side doors, and use the integrated SOS emergency call function to patch through to first responders.

2026 Lexus ES300h Luxury Standard Features:

• 19-inch alloy wheels (with tyre repair kit)
• Automatic LED headlights with auto-leveling and Auto High Beam
• Panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade
• Power-operated boot lid and rain-sensing wipers
• 14-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch digital driver's display and a 10-speaker sound system
• Embedded Drive Recorder (Dashcam) and 5 x USB-C ports
• NuLux synthetic leather-look seat upholstery (Black, White, or Brown)
• 8-way power-adjustable heated front seats (with 2-way driver lumbar support)
• Heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescopic column adjustment
• Dual-zone climate control and single-colour ambient lighting

Enhancement Pack (Optional on ES300h Luxury) Adds:

• Ventilated front seats with driver's seat memory
• Perforated NuLux synthetic seat upholstery
• 2-way front passenger seat power lumbar adjustment
• Head-up display (HUD) and a wireless phone charging pad
• Digital key functionality with an NFC card
• 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system with illuminated grilles
• 360-degree surround-view camera and Semi-autonomous automatic parking
• Multi-colour ambient interior lighting
• Digital centre rear-view mirror and NanoeX cabin air ionization

Sports Luxury Tier (Standard on ES350e and ES500e) Adds:

• Massive 21-inch alloy wheels (unique design on ES500e)
• Adaptive Variable Suspension with "Pitch and Bounce Control"
• High-grade LED headlights with cornering and multi-weather functionality
• Adaptive High Beam matrix system
• Acoustic front and rear side glass for enhanced soundproofing
• Premium Semi-aniline leather-accented upholstery
• 10-way power driver's seat (4-way lumbar) with an adjustable calf length cushion
• Radiant leg heaters for front occupants and dual wireless phone charging pads
• Soft-close doors and integrated rear-side window sunshades
• "Surface emission" ambient cabin lighting panels
• Active Sound Control electronics

Every variant in the 2026 Lexus ES family comes backed by a comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre factory warranty. Ownership includes a complimentary five-year subscription to the premium Lexus Connected+ application ecosystem (enabling smartphone-controlled locks, tracking, and cabin pre-conditioning), while core emergency safety features remain free for the lifetime of the vehicle's 5G network compatibility.