Lexus ES Goes Electric with Surprising Price Advantage Over Hybrid

Daily Car

06/03/2026

Lexus has officially unveiled the redesigned 2026 ES sedan, featuring both hybrid and all-electric powertrains. In a surprising move, the entry-level electric model, the ES 350e, is priced lower than its hybrid counterpart, making it one of the more accessible luxury electric sedans on the market.

Key Takeaways

The new electric Lexus ES lineup starts below $50,000.
The base electric ES 350e is more affordable than the ES 350h hybrid.
The redesigned ES boasts a longer wheelbase, a new platform, and a more aggressive exterior design.

Electric Powertrain Options and Pricing

The all-new MY26 Lexus ES is available with a choice of electric and hybrid power, with the electric variants kicking off at an attractive price point. The front-wheel-drive ES 350e Premium trim starts at $48,795, offering 220 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds. A higher Luxury trim for the 350e is available for $57,195.

For those seeking more performance, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive ES 500e is also offered. This model starts at $51,795 in Premium trim and reaches $60,195 for the Luxury trim. The ES 500e delivers a more robust 338 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in a quicker 5.4 seconds.

Range and Hybrid Alternative

Range is a key consideration for EV buyers, and the ES offers varying figures. The ES 350e is estimated to provide around 300 miles of range, while the more powerful ES 500e has a slightly shorter range of approximately 250 miles.

For buyers concerned about range anxiety, the hybrid ES 350h remains an option. This model combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with electric power for a total of 243 horsepower. The ES 350h Premium starts at $50,995 for the front-drive version and $52,395 for the all-wheel-drive variant. Higher Premium+ trims are also available for the hybrid.

Redesigned Aesthetics and Interior

The latest generation of the Lexus ES features a significant redesign. It is over six inches longer than its predecessor and rides on a new platform, presenting a sharper, more modern exterior. Inside, the cabin is updated with a prominent 14-inch touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, and new ambient lighting. The interior design aims for a more lounge-like feel, incorporating elements like bamboo-inspired trim.

Production of the new ES models for the US market will shift from Kentucky to Japan, marking a change in manufacturing origin for the sedan.

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