Since its inception in 1989, the ES midsize sedan has been an important model for Lexus. Quiet, comfortable, spacious, and offering good performance, the nameplate has already had seven successful iterations.

However, many things have changed in the world of mobility, and Toyota’s luxury brand doesn’t want to be left behind. At this year’s Auto Shanghai, Lexus launched the eighth-generation ES, giving us a peek at the all-new model.

Riding on the newly developed TNGA GA-K platform, it is bigger and better in any way conceivable. It is 165mm longer (5,140mm), 55mm wider (1,920mm), and up to 115mm taller (1,555-1,560mm) than the outgoing model, with the wheelbase stretched by 80mm (2,950mm). This gives the new one additional usable interior space.

In designing the all-new ES, Lexus employed the “Experience Elegance and Electrified Sedan” concept, as evidenced in the new sedan’s powertrain options. The overall look of the new car takes inspiration from the LF-ZC all-electric concept that the brand previewed at the 2023 Japanese Mobility Show.

The electrified and hybrid versions of the car look almost identical. It has twin L-Signature lamps, a muscular hood, and bumpers with diamond and black accents—the latter hiding the projector LED headlamps.

Only the HEV version has a long slot between the bumper and the hood for cooling purposes. Interestingly, the overall shape and the look of the front clip are still reminiscent of Lexus’s Spindle Grille design.

The sides’ styling is quite busy, with the most distinctive character line starting from the front bumper and slowly fading at the rear-quarter window. A black trim that may be perceived as a faux side vent begins on the front door.

This black accent is terminated at the rear wheel well. For the rims, 18-, 19-, or 21-inch wheels with different designs are available, depending on the variant you are getting.

The rear clip is a sight to behold. New taillamp clusters called the rear L-Signature lamp combine an illuminated Lexus logo with a single lightbar with taillight and stoplight functions. Other lighting elements like the rear fog light, the turn signals, and the reversing lights can be found lower in the bumper’s L-shaped air dams.

The interior’s overall design theme is clean and simple, yet loaded with tech. A new tiller ditches the brand’s L emblem for the spelled-out Lexus badge on the horn pad. Behind it is a 12.3-inch hexagonal digital instrument cluster.

The ES also has what Lexus calls Responsive Hidden Switches. This tech fuses touch-sensitive and tactile controls for a cleaner look and easier operation. Depending on the variant, the sizes of the infotainment system differ—from a huge single screen in the middle to a twin-display setup that almost spans the dash’s entire width.

The vehicle doesn’t have an opening sunroof, but it features a very clever glass roof. This panel offers variable shading, thanks to a new dark-tint dimming function. There are four available interior color schemes, including an ultra-bright white shade and Aotake, which takes inspiration from the natural tones of bamboo.

A new feature called the Sensory Concierge allows users to relax by tinkering with the illumination, music, multimedia video, climate control, and relaxation systems for the ultimate driving experience.

Four drivetrain options are available. The hybrids come with either a 2.0- or 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines producing 194hp, 198hp, or 244hp. BEV variants come with a single- or twin-motor setup, making 221hp or 334hp.

The hybrids are paired with E-CVTs, while the BEVs come with what Lexus calls eAxles. Driving ranges for the electric versions are 685km for the front-wheel drive, and 610km for the all-wheel drive.

For all-wheel-drive models, the new ES uses Lexus’s Direct4 system that intelligently adjusts torque distribution on all four wheels, depending on the road and driving conditions. Combined with a new suspension system featuring variable dampers and a dynamic rear steering system, the result is optimum driving comfort and performance.

One of the most important additions to the new ES is the Lexus Safety System+. Various improvements were made to ensure that the suite of advanced driver-assist systems performs better, delivering the most comfortable and safest drive every time.

The new ES will be launched in different markets—ours included, hopefully—by the middle of 2026. So, is your bank account ready for Lexus’s new midsize sedan?