- The next-generation Lexus ES arrives as an EV and a hybrid.
- The U.S.-market EV targets 300 miles of EPA-rated range.
- Like Toyota's other new electric cars, it also will come from the factory with a Tesla-style charging port.
The 2026 Lexus ES is here, and it's a big deal. The Japanese brand's long-running luxury sedan is going electric.
Lexus unveiled the new ES at the Shanghai auto show last month, and on Wednesday it shared a bit more about the U.S.-bound version specifically.
It will come in hybrid and electric forms, and there will be two versions of the EV: the front-wheel-drive ES 350e and the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive ES 500e. The big news is that the former targets an Environmental Protection Agency-rated range of 300 miles, which is fairly competitive. The more energy-hungry AWD car aims for 250 miles of range.
The Lexus ES has a Tesla NACS charging port
Photo by: Lexus
The 350e will put out 220 horsepower, while the 500e claims 338 horses.
After first hitting the American market with a pair of middling EVs, the Toyota bZ4x and Lexus RZ, the world's biggest automaker is rolling out a slew of more serious electric efforts. Those two crossovers were always hammered for their poor range and generally so-so value. Now they've both been overhauled for the 2026 model year. Both brands are coming out with new models as well, like the Toyota bZ Woodland and C-HR.
The 2026 Lexus ES is part of Toyota's growing EV offensive in the United States.
Photo by: Lexus
Importantly, the ES will also come from the factory with the Tesla-style charging port that practically the entire auto industry is transitioning to. That port, called the North American Charging Standard or SAE J3400, should allow for adapter-free charging at thousands of Tesla Supercharger stalls. Both Tesla's plug and stations used to be proprietary; now it is opening access to a growing number of outside brands.
Lexus says the ES will be able to charge up from 10%-80% in 30 minutes when hooked up to a sufficiently powerful DC fast charger, which is solid but not exceptional. The ES goes on sale next year.
Got a story to share about the EV world? Contact the author: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
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