Lexus introduced the fully redesigned eighth-generation ES sedan, making a bold statement in the luxury sedan market. First revealed at Auto Shanghai 2025, the new ES will be launched in global markets starting mid-2026. Beyond simple design changes and powertrain improvements, the new ES focuses on a multi-powertrain electrification strategy, offering hybrid and fully electric variants.
With this new ES, Lexus aims to elevate its identity in the luxury sedan market. While the previous ES established itself as a symbol of premium mid-size sedans, the eighth-generation model signals Lexus’s ambition to move beyond that status. With advanced technology, spacious interiors, and a strong electrified lineup, the new ES is set to compete with established models in the U.S. market, including the Genesis G80, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The new ES’s design takes inspiration from the next-generation electric concept car LF-ZC and incorporates Lexus’s new design language. The front end has been reshaped with sharp lines, slim full LED headlights, and straight character lines, blending the ES’s signature elegance with a sporty feel. The vehicle is 5,140 mm (203 inches) long and 1,920 mm (76 inches) wide. It has grown in size compared to its predecessor, offering a more spacious interior that surpasses its competitors.
The interior sets a new standard for Lexus’ premium offerings. A 27-inch 4K wide display is complemented by the world’s first responsive hidden switch system, which minimizes physical buttons while ensuring intuitive control. Additionally, the sensory concierge system adjusts lighting, fragrance, and climate settings based on personal preferences, redefining the in-car experience to mirror the luxury of a high-end hotel.
Built on the TNGA GA-K platform, the hybrid model combines a 2.0L or 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with an electric motor, delivering approximately 201 horsepower. The fully electric model features an e-axle system and a large 100 kWh battery, providing 342 horsepower and a driving range of up to 685 km (426 miles) under the CLTC standard. Notably, it supports 800V fast charging, which can charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, even at temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F).
Optimized Electronic Control Suspension Enhances High-Speed Stability
This full redesign of the ES signifies more than just a generational change. By reinforcing structural rigidity and optimizing the electronic control suspension, Lexus has improved high-speed stability and low-speed ride comfort, with noise levels reportedly enhanced compared to previous models. The driver-centric handling feedback aims to create a feeling of unity between the driver and the vehicle, embodying the essential value of a luxury sedan.
The dual electrification lineup reflects Lexus’s strategy of pursuing eco-friendly technology and driving enjoyment. As the electrification ratio rapidly increases in the luxury sedan market, particularly in Europe and North America, Lexus responds swiftly and broadly compared to its competitors. This strategy is expected to influence the brand’s positioning in the future positively.
The new ES, which will compete directly with models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, has the potential to reshape the luxury sedan market. With strengths in electrification technology, emotional appeal, interior space, and brand trust, Lexus’s eighth-generation ES is poised to set a new benchmark in the premium market.
