The new Lexus ES will launch in India on March 20, 2026, bringing the eighth-generation version of the luxury sedan to the country less than a year after its global reveal. Like the outgoing model, it will sit in the midsize sedan segment and take on rivals such as the BMW 3 Series LWB, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
While the ES has traditionally been one of Lexus’ more understated models, the new generation introduces a noticeably different design direction along with updates to the cabin and electrified powertrain options.
Exterior Design
The front end is where the biggest change is visible. Instead of the large spindle grille seen on the outgoing ES, the new model uses a smaller lower air intake, while the upper section of the bumper carries a cleaner, more sculpted look.
The illumination set-up also joins the revolution, with the ES now featuring Z-shaped DRLs and indicators. The main headlamp units sit below this in the bumper and are partially abstracted by vertical gloss black trim pieces. Lexus has tried to give this design a modern spin, but some of us might still reminisce about the older grille, which looked equally classy and imposing.
When you take a gander at the ES from the side, something very distinctive pops out. Highlighted in a gloss black trim is a crease with sharp edges and cuts. It also gets a new alloy wheel design. Adding to the list of things that are new, is the rear of the car. It features a very Tesla like LED light bar which encapsulates the “LEXUS” lettering being illuminated.
But Are There Any Changes To The Dimensions?
One of the most asked questions in India. Everyone wants a bigger, longer and a more noticeable car on the road. Well to the aforementioned folks, you will be glad to know that the new ES is 165 MM longer, 55 MM wider, and 110-115 MM taller than the current model. The wheelbase has also been elongated by 80 MM.
Interior
If you’re a member of the ‘Tactile Buttons or Bust’ club like me, brace yourself: the designers have officially declared war on the physical switch. It now gets a “cleaner” design that folds a bunch of your in-car functions into the 14-inch infotainment display, which also supports OTA updates. I suppose the designers have clearly been spending a lot of time on their ipads.
A small crumb thrown to us “physical button” enthusiasts are the tactile buttons on the steering wheel. Truly a rare moment of ergonomic sanity when it comes to most of the cars these days. It is a three-spoke unit and flaunts the “LEXUS” lettering instead of the traditional “L” logo.
The spec sheet is predictably loaded: you get a crisp 12.3-inch digital cluster, a Mark Levinson setup for the audiophiles, and an electrochromic glass roof that pulls off a neat transparency trick. For those in the back, there are reclining seats and a ‘Boss mode’ for that executive feel. Lexus also went to town on the silence, doubling down on NVH with beefier door seals and acoustic glass up front to keep the world outside where it belongs.
What Powers The New Lexus ES ?
While the rest of the world gets to choose between a hybrid and a full-blown EV, India will likely stick to the hybrid. It kind of makes sense ? given the current ES is already a hybrid-only affair here. Globally, the new lineup is pretty diverse, offering a 197 HP 2.0-litre and a 201 HP 2.5-litre in the 300h trim, while the beefier 350h pushes that 2.5-litre unit to 247 HP. Whichever one lands on our shores, expect the usual e-CVT driving feel and the option for either Front-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive.
If you’re looking at the EV side of the global menu, the options split into two distinct flavors. First up is the 350e, a front-wheel-drive setup with 224 HP that’s clearly built for the long haul, claiming a massive 685 KM range. But if you want some actual ‘shove’ in your luxury sedan, the dual-motor 550e is the one to watch. It cranks out 343 HP with All-Wheel Drive, dropping the 0-100 KM/H sprint from a leisurely 8.9 seconds down to a much more respectable 5.9. You trade a bit of range for that speed, but 610 KM is still plenty for most of us
