2026 Lexus ES.
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The Lexus ES usually follows the Toyota Camry by about a year, since the 2 cars are closely related.
While we saw a heavy refresh of the Camry last year with an all-new interior and new face, it seems that won’t happen to the ES any time soon. The images above show the “refresh” ES for the Chinese market. And it looks a lot like the current model. All changes seem pretty minor. The old type Lexus grille is still there while most new Lexus models have already moved on to something less obnoxious.
The rear lights have been modified as well, just a little bit.
Inside it seems only the screen and vent area under it have been redesigned.
It seems like Lexus might slowly be giving up on sedans. The current Lexus IS is a 2020 facelift of the generation that came out in 2013. The current generation of the big LS sedan came out in 2017. And we first saw the current ES in 2018. I guess they are waiting until the new EV platform is ready since the first models will wear the Lexus badge, with a sedan scheduled.
No matter what they currently say, Toyota and Lexus are spending fortunes on EVs.
I just wonder how long they can keep the current ES alive with such minimal changes. Sales have already come down to about 30,000 units last year. Down from over 39,000 the previous year. I’m not really sure what a new screen, headlights, and almost new grille will do…
“We saw a heavy refresh of the Camry last year…” I’m confused. At the time, you said the revised Camry was a major disappointment and that hardly anything had changed.
Honestly I think this is all they really need, it puts in the new infotainment system. I’m guessing the 3.0 safety system won’t be put in but that should not be a huge miss. The ES sells half as much at the NX, Lexus SUV division has seen more growth in sales. To me the design fits better than when they refreshed the IS.
If you have a close look at the new 5 series, E class and A6, all new models, build quality is far less, lots of hard plastics, etc, etc. The new 5 series is a step backwards…two steps. Top models weighs 2500kg….. .
Lexus continously improve their models, not only the IS, but also the Lc, Ls, Rx, and ES and doesn’t change models every 4 or 5 years….. . I think that’s an Usp for a Lexus car.
The current IS is probably the best D segment executive saloon money can buy……same for ES and LS imo.