Lexus ES returns as all-new electric and hybrid exec saloon

The all-new Lexus ES has been revealed as the brand’s next electric model at the Shanghai motor show.

Replacing the previous hybrid-only model, the ES will be sold in pure-electric and hybrid variants, with the EV version directly challenging the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE and Audi A6 e-tron in the executive saloon segment.

The eighth-generation Lexus ES is bigger in every dimension – 16.5cm longer, 5cm wider and 10cm taller than before, with an extra 8cm in the wheelbase. While the overall shape is similar, the design has been radically overhauled with a more minimalist look to aid airflow for efficiency. There’s a clean new take on the spindle grille, double L-shaped front lights and deep angular feature lines in the doors. At the rear, the L-shaped light motif is repeated and a full-width lightbar incorporates an illuminated Lexus script. The ES remains a saloon but now uses a ‘trunkless’ design that creates a fastback silhouette.

Inside, Lexus says it has simplified the design and user interface. That includes the introduction of “Hidden Tech” switches secreted behind the material of the dashboard and only illuminated when the car is powered up. We haven’t seen these in action, but they sound similar to the haptic-feedback controls on the Nissan Ariya and Kia EV9, offering a halfway house between proper buttons and touchscreen controls.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen running a new Lexus operation system sits above these controls, complemented by a low-set digital instrument display.

Significant emphasis has been placed on rear passenger comfort, with the option of reclining rear seats and ‘ottoman’ style leg support behind the front passenger. The front seats have also been redesigned for improved comfort and noise insulation has been improved with new seals and glass.

The biggest change for the latest Lexus ES, however, is the introduction of pure-electric powertrains alongside the 199bhp petrol/electric hybrid.

The ES 350e will use a single 221bhp motor to power the front wheels, while the ES 500e will add a motor to the rear axle for 338bhp and incorporate Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel-drive management system. Lexus hasn’t shared any performance information or details of the battery or range but to compete with rivals, we’d expect a range of at least 350 miles. That could mean a different battery from the 77kWh unit which offers around 300 miles in the Lexus RZ SUV.

UK specification and pricing for the new Lexus ES will be confirmed closer to its launch in spring 2026, but we’d expect the hybrid’s price to creep up from the current £44,000 starting point, and for the EV to be in excess of £55,000.