All-new Lexus ES debuts at Shanghai Motor Show – Hybrid & BEV powertrains
Lexus has pulled the wraps off the latest generation of its ES sedan at the Shanghai Motor Show, introducing significant updates that reflect the brand’s push toward broader electrification and a fresh design language.
The new Lexus ES, entering its eighth generation, is offered with both hybrid and fully electric powertrains, positioning it as a key model in Lexus’s transition toward carbon neutrality. Set for a phased global rollout beginning mid-2026, the new Lexus ES also previews elements of Lexus’s future brand direction, with a major rebranding effort scheduled for later this year.
The Lexus ES’s redesign leans heavily on cues from Lexus’s LF-ZC concept, favoring a minimalist aesthetic with cleaner lines and a more coupe-like silhouette. A reimagined spindle grille, new Twin L-Signature lighting, and a broader stance aim to modernize the sedan’s look without straying too far from its established identity.
| ES 300h Hybrid | ES 350h Hybrid | ES 350e (BEV) | ES 500e (BEV) |
Vehicle Weight (kg) | 1,785–1,840 | 1,820–1,935 | 2,105–2,185 | 2,205–2,285 |
Tire Size | 235/60R18, 235/55R19 | 235/55R19 | 235/55R19, 235/45R21 | 235/55R19, 235/45R21 |
Engine | 2.0L inline 4-cyl (NA) | 2.5L inline 4-cyl (NA) | – | – |
Transaxle | eCVT | eCVT | eAxle | eAxle (front / rear) |
System Output | 145 kW / 197 PS | 148 kW / 201 PS | 165 kW / 224 PS | 252 kW / 343 PS |
0–100 km/h Acceleration | 9.4 s | 8.3–8.5 s | 8.9 s | 5.9 s |
Cruising Range | – | – | Approx. 685 km | Approx. 610 km |
Charging Time (150 kW, 10–80%) | – | – | 30–60 mins (temp dependent) | 30–60 mins (temp dependent) |
Underneath, the ES rides on an updated TNGA GA-K platform, which supports both hybrid and battery-electric variants. Hybrid models include the ES 300h with a 2.0-liter engine and the ES 350h featuring a revised 2.5-liter unit with optional all-wheel drive. On the BEV side, the ES 350e offers an estimated range of around 685 kilometers, while the AWD ES 500e incorporates the brand’s new DIRECT4 torque vectoring system.
Inside, Lexus has overhauled the cabin with a focus on technology and user experience. Innovations include “Responsive Hidden Switches” that blend physical controls with digital aesthetics, and a “Sensory Concierge” system that syncs lighting, fragrance, and climate to match passenger moods. Lexus also claims improvements in interior space, comfort, and ride quality, aided by a more rigid platform and new suspension components, including Dynamic Rear Steering.
The ES also comes equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System+, offering expanded crash prevention capabilities and new features such as 3D surround-view monitoring and upgraded adaptive cruise control.
Speaking at the launch, Lexus International Chief Engineer Kohei Chiashi said the new ES was designed to “redefine the sedan” by combining traditional strengths like comfort and quietness with a more engaging and emotionally resonant driving experience.
The updated Lexus ES forms part of a broader product offensive from Lexus, which aims to roll out three new BEVs by early 2026 as the brand accelerates its transition to electrification.
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