2026 Lexus ES Goes Electric to Take on a Bigger Role

Wouter Smit · 2026-05-27

The Lexus sedan lineup has shrunk, so this new electric ES attempts to take over the departing LS's flagship duties while maintaining a surprisingly low price point. ### What Happened to the Lexus LS? For years, the Lexus LS was the brand's crown jewel. It was the full-size luxury sedan that competed with the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But times have changed. Sales of large sedans have dropped, and Lexus decided to discontinue the LS in the U.S. market. That leaves a big hole at the top of their lineup. Now, the ES steps up. But it's not the same ES you remember. This one is fully electric. And it's trying to do something the LS never could: attract buyers who want luxury without the gas station visits. ### The Electric Shift: Why It Matters Electric vehicles are becoming more mainstream every year. But Lexus has been cautious. Their first dedicated EV, the RZ, was a compact SUV. Now they're bringing the tech to a sedan. That's a smart move. Here's why this matters for buyers: - Lower running costs: Electricity is cheaper than gas, especially with U.S. average prices around $0.14 per kWh. - Less maintenance: No oil changes, no timing belts, no exhaust repairs. - Instant torque: Electric motors deliver power immediately, making the ES feel quicker than its gas-powered predecessor. - Tax incentives: Federal EV tax credits can save you up to $7,500, depending on the model. ### How the ES Fits Into Lexus's New Strategy Lexus isn't just replacing the LS with another big sedan. They're rethinking what a flagship car should be. The new ES is smaller than the LS, but it's packed with technology and luxury features. Think of it as a more accessible flagship. It's not trying to be the biggest or the most expensive. Instead, it focuses on efficiency, style, and value. That's a fresh approach for a brand known for conservative design. ### Pricing That Surprises One of the most interesting things about the 2026 ES is its price. Lexus has kept it surprisingly low. We're talking starting around $45,000 to $50,000. That's significantly less than the LS, which started near $80,000. For that money, you get: - A fully electric powertrain with an estimated 300 miles of range. - Lexus's latest infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen. - Standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. - A quiet cabin with premium materials. ### What About Charging? Charging infrastructure in the U.S. is growing fast. The ES will support DC fast charging, so you can add 100 miles of range in about 15 minutes at a 350 kW station. At home, a Level 2 charger will fill the battery overnight. If you live in a city or suburb, this is plenty. Road trips are possible too, thanks to networks like Electrify America and Tesla's Superchargers (which are opening to other brands soon). ### The Competition The 2026 ES won't have the luxury sedan market to itself. Here are the main rivals: - Tesla Model S: More range and performance, but higher price and less traditional luxury. - BMW i4: Sportier handling, but smaller interior. - Mercedes-Benz EQE: Similar size and price, but less brand cachet in the U.S. - Lucid Air: More expensive but offers incredible range. ### Final Thoughts The 2026 Lexus ES is a bold move. It's not just an electric version of an old car. It's a new kind of flagship for a changing world. If you're looking for a luxury EV that doesn't break the bank, this one deserves your attention. Lexus has a reputation for reliability and comfort. Now they're adding zero-emission driving to the mix. That's a combination that could win over a lot of buyers.