2026 Lexus ES.
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One of the cars most people forgot about, the Lexus ES, is getting a redesign for 2026.
Well, at least for the Chinese market. We’ll have to wait and see if the news sedan will actually make it to North America.
So far, from these new teasers, it does appear to be quite new. Much newer than the 2025 Toyota Camry. Which probably saw a new front end and rear lights last year. With of course, a new interior. From what we can see above, this could actually be an all-new design. With a rear-end that looks much sleeker than the current generation.
The Lexus ES usually follows the Camry by about a year, so a new one this month makes sense. However, an all-new design while the Camry only got a heavy refresh would be quite a departure.
Lexus describes the new ES as a global flagship. Which could spell bad news for the good old LS sedan. So far, the only official word from Lexus is: “The new ES refines advanced electrification technologies and pursues further evolution of the hallmark quietness and ride comfort.”. That sure sounds like a standard hybrid powertrain, with a PHEV option. Since Lexus is probably not ready to offer a full EV version of the ES.
Sales have been pretty steady in the US, with over 43,000 of them sold last year. Which is better than 2023 and 2022. That means Lexus will probably send the new version over here.
It’s been a while since we saw a new Lexus sedan. The current ES dates back to 2018, with a “facelift” in 2021.
Yes, this is the new ES for USA.
The new 2026 ES 500 will launch as exclusively full electric or PHEV. About six to nine months after launch there will be a traditional self-charging hybrid added. There is no pure ICE version of this car.
Interestingly, the current ES just got another refresh for China, so the new 26 ES wasn’t expected for China so soon. My hunch will be that it is marketed as a separate car there or a different version while continuing to sell the new old version.
That’s because this is no longer based on the Camry. This looks like it’s based on the Toyota Crown. 😏 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥🔥