The 2026 Lexus ES marks the sedan's first battery-electric variants alongside a ground-up infotainment overhaul — and for the first time, every US model ships with a built-in dashcam and standard 5G connectivity. The electric ES 350e starts at $48,895 before any tax credits, with EPA-estimated range of 307 miles on 19-inch wheels. Deliveries of the BEV models are expected to begin in April 2026, per the Lexus USA Newsroom.
A screen that works more like a phone
The centerpiece is a 14-inch touchscreen with a widget-based home screen — users can rearrange shortcuts and pin frequently used controls to a quick-access corner menu, borrowing the logic of a smartphone home screen. Lexus has taken criticism for convoluted menu structures in past models, and the new layout is a direct response to that.
Navigation turn-by-turn cues now display on the digital instrument cluster, reducing the need to glance at the center screen while driving. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, and — notably — a native Spotify integration that doesn't require routing through a phone app.
The updated Lexus Voice Assistant responds faster and can jump directly to specific menu sections. Drivers can choose between a male or female voice.
The 2026 Lexus ES features a 14-inch touchscreen with a customizable widget layout and a redesigned Lexus Voice Assistant with selectable male or female voices.
EV specs, charging, and pricing
The electric lineup uses NACS (the Tesla-developed connector now becoming the US standard), with a CCS1 adapter included. DC fast charging takes approximately 28 minutes from 10 to 80 percent, per ElectricCarsReport. Onboard AC charging runs at 11 kW.
The ES 350e delivers 221 hp in front-wheel-drive configuration and 307 miles of EPA-estimated range. Step up to the ES 500e AWD and you get 338 hp / 252 kW and 276 miles EPA-estimated. Both electric variants include EV Charge Management — a system that lets owners set charging schedules, cap the battery's charge level, and view charging stops along a route based on remaining range.
Pricing breaks down as follows: - ES 350e Premium (BEV, FWD): $48,895 - ES 350h (plug-in hybrid): from $51,095 - ES 500e (BEV, AWD): from $51,895
The ES 350e and ES 500e may qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit under IRA Section 30D, though final eligibility depends on battery sourcing and North American assembly requirements — Lexus has not officially confirmed qualification.
Standard 5G and a dashcam on every trim
All 2026 ES models sold in the US include AT&T; 5G connectivity, enabling over-the-air software updates and remote climate and charging control via the Lexus app. The Drive Recorder dashcam is also standard across every trim — it loops up to 90 one-minute video clips and logs vehicle speed and location alongside the footage. Clips can be reviewed on the infotainment display or exported via USB.
The hybrid ES 350h, rated at 247 hp, arrives in June 2026. Competitors in this price band include the Genesis G80 and BMW 5 Series sedan.
