Written by Kimatni Rawlins
The Lexus ES was considered one of two launch fashions accessible when Toyota’s luxurious sub-brand entered the American market in 1989, alongside its full-size LS sibling. The midsize sedan has all the time been dependable, environment friendly, and sporty. Accordingly, the Japanese automaker reimagined the architectural design blueprint for the eighth technology iteration.
Using its sphere of affect, Lexus has made it a precedence to combine Black auto shoppers with its advertising and media actions. For instance, the corporate brilliantly partnered with Marvel Studios and its epic Black Panther movie. I used to be on website at a number of of the purple carpet occasions that featured customized Lexus autos to match the theme of the script. Subsequent up was the Lexus 0 to 60 marketing campaign, which took celebrities like Omar Benson Miller racing to showcase the efficiency capabilities of Japanese equipment.
Then the NX hit the scene to offer consolation and styling in a smaller bundle. For consciousness, the luxurious model dove deeper into city life and tradition. Subsequently, Lexus engaged the crossover with Black entertainers, athletes, social influencers, and thought leaders to precise themselves in one other gentle. Acquainted names and faces corresponding to musical theater performer Myles Frost, actress Nafessa Williams, NBA and WNBA analyst Monica McNutt, vogue curator Milan Rouge, and actress Khaneshia JaNea Smith all took half within the energetic video periods produced by Automotive Rhythms.
Transferring ahead, Lexus simply unveiled its newest innovation within the type of the all-new 2026 ES. I visited the headquarters in Plano, Texas, for the HQ Confidential unveil. The mannequin on show was a 2026 ES 500e trim donned in a vibrant Copper Crest hue. It enters the scene with revamped styling outlined initially by the LF-ZC Idea. The sedan options hybrid and electrical powertrains and incorporates enhanced applied sciences with trendy indulgences. For instance, the ES is the primary Lexus car to undertake the intuitive Lexus Security System+ 4.0 suite of occupant safety.
Its sharp traces and creases sign the beginning of a brand new period for Lexus, which the model refers to as Clear Tech x Class. In comparison with its predecessor, the sedan’s physique is totally refurbished. Smooth L-shaped LEDs substitute the triple-beam headlights, whereas a closed-face, shorter grille indicative of an electrified powertrain relieves the hallmark Lexus Spindle Grille. It provides the entrance fascia a sharper, futuristic edge that will enchantment to ES connoisseurs seeking to improve.
Total, the silhouette of the brand new ES is 6.5” longer and the wheelbase is stretched 3” in comparison with the prior mannequin. The elongated facet profile takes on the Spindle motif and evokes an aerodynamic aura. Additionally, you will discover an fascinating black hockey stick define that runs by each doorways, a singular gentle bar within the again dubbed the Rear L-Signature Lamp, and darkish aero wheels (19s or 21s) wrapped in Michelin Primacy all-season tires.
The ES is engineered with three distinct powertrain choices: a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (FWD, AWD) hybrid system within the ES 350h, and two battery-electric variants (BEV) — the FWD ES 350e and the DIRECT4 AWD ES 500e. The hybrid setup produces 243 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. With the large-capacity battery positioned beneath the ground, the BEV ES 350e delivers 220 horsepower and has an estimated driving vary of 300 miles.
The extra highly effective ES 500e places out 338 horsepower and delivers roughly 250 electrical driving miles. But, I want to see this vary improve within the close to future. The cabin is totally redesigned with premium supplies and considerate particulars all through. Door panels characteristic intricate 3D-printed bamboo layering, soft-touch leather-based with embossed patterns, and customizable ambient lighting. On the middle of the driver-focused cockpit is a 12.3” digital instrument cluster that pairs with the 14” Lexus Interface multimedia system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sound system crafted by Mark Levinson.
For the primary time in North America, the ES will provide an Govt Package deal, which reinforces rear-seat consolation with elevated legroom, power-reclining seats, and premium options corresponding to heating, air flow, and therapeutic massage performance, bringing flagship-level facilities to the midsize luxurious car.
The 2026 Lexus ES enters a brand new electrified period whereas sustaining the core rules of Japanese opulence which have outlined the model for the previous three a long time.
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