It is a bigger change than you might think at first. For the first time since the ES put Lexus on the map in 1989, the sedan is going all-electric.
The 2026 ES 350e and 500e are a new chapter for the nameplate, but Lexus has no intention of throwing out what made the car popular to begin with. They have simply taken the tried-and-true formula of the ES – its refinement, room and comfort – and made it an EV. You could call it a natural evolution rather than a reinvention.
Take the interior for instance. Much like the hybrid, the electric version has a more imposing footprint. A longer wheelbase and extra height mean there is plenty of room inside.
If you opt for the Executive Package, rear seat comfort is front and center; with a reclining seat on the passenger side, an ottoman and both heat and ventilation for those in the outboard positions, it is as close to a first-class flight as you will get in a car. It is a good reminder that the ES has always been about being comfortable.
The powertrains are something else entirely.
You won’t find quickness in the front-wheel-drive ES 350e. Its single motor puts out 224 hp for acceleration that is smooth and predictable, befitting the car’s character. The ES 500e is where it gets more engaging. Dual motors and 338 horsepower give you all-wheel drive and a bit more confidence behind the wheel, though it is no performance sedan.
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As for range, it is competitive with other luxury EVs and more than enough for your day-to-day. Expect up to 307 miles from the 350e (if you have the smaller wheels) or about 272 miles in the 500e with the largest wheels.
There are a couple of misses, though. Charging isn’t as rapid as some of the latest EVs can manage, capping out at 150 kW DC fast charging. And in this day and age, the lack of a one-pedal driving mode is an odd thing to leave off.
On the road the ES EV is what it should be: composed, quiet and unbothered. The suspension does an excellent job of keeping you at ease without any pretence of sportiness.
Then there is the matter of price. At $50,090, the 350e is hard to argue with. It undercuts much of the competition and is in the same ballpark as a well-optioned Tesla Model 3.
In the end, the 2026 ES 350e and 500e aren’t here to make a statement about EV tech or performance. They offer a calm, passenger-first experience that is true to form. For many, that is precisely the point.
The post 2026 Lexus ES 350e and 500e Review: A New Electric Era for the ES appeared first on The Torque Report.
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