- The facelifted model of the seventh-gen Lexus ES has been caught undisguised in China.
- Exterior modifications are restricted to up to date LED headlights and a revised spindle grille sample.
- Inside, the sedan will get a bigger 14-inch show together with a brand new digital instrument cluster.
Replace 11/14: After a current leak spilled the beans on Lexus’s plans by way of the automobile’s guide, new real-world pictures of the refreshed 2026 ES have emerged on Chinese language social media. Apparently, the primary examples of the facelifted sedan have already began arriving at Chinese language dealerships giving us the news on what’s possible in retailer for the North American mannequin. Alongside the brand new pictures, we additionally discovered at present that the up to date ES will make its world premiere this week on the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Present.
This newest batch of leaked photographs affords a more in-depth take a look at the redesigned grille with its up to date sample, together with the refreshed inside, now that includes a bigger infotainment display. The show features a central quantity knob, flanked by 4 buttons and two giant rotary knobs on both facet, whereas retaining Lexus’s signature analog clock within the top-left nook. Different notable modifications embrace a redesigned decrease middle console, which removes most bodily buttons, together with these for HVAC controls, now built-in into the infotainment system.
Beforehand, as noticed by the crew at Lexus Enthusiast, one other set of photographs supplied an early detailed take a look at the outside, revealing delicate but noticeable updates—at the least to the educated eye— to each the entrance and rear of the mid-size sedan. Key highlights embrace revised bumpers, a full-width horizontal LED strip connecting the rear mild clusters, and up to date headlamps that carry the ES consistent with Lexus’s newest design language.
As famous in our unique article beneath, whereas this explicit mannequin is configured for the Chinese language home market, these modifications are broadly anticipated to roll out globally. This implies the 2026 Lexus ES in different areas will possible function the identical refinements.
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Now in its seventh technology, the Lexus ES is beginning to really feel a bit lengthy within the tooth, having been available on the market since mid-2018. Whereas a full substitute doesn’t appear to be on the rapid horizon, Toyota is planning a refresh. We’ve come throughout what seem like pages from the facelifted mannequin’s guide that we found on Chinese language social media, giving us a peek at what to anticipate for the 2026 mannequin yr updates.
Primarily based on earlier teasers and patent filings, many anticipated an intensive redesign for the 2026 Lexus ES within the footsteps of its sister Toyota mannequin, the Camry, together with the departure from the spindle grille and the introduction of absolutely electrical variations. Nonetheless, it appears Lexus is choosing a extra conservative facelift, primarily specializing in tech upgrades contained in the cabin.
That mentioned, this doesn’t imply the rumors had been flawed—Lexus may very properly be prepping a separate refresh for the ICE mannequin pictured right here, whereas the electrical variant is gearing up for a extra vital overhaul, as hinted at in these patent filings.
Gentle Exterior Revisions
At first look, the Lexus sedan proven within the leaked guide may simply be mistaken for the present ES. However a more in-depth look reveals a number of tweaks, beginning with a pair of reworked headlights that includes a Z-shaped LED lighting signature, now positioned on the highest and wrapping across the sides, not like the underside placement on the prevailing mannequin. Moreover, whereas the spindle grille retains its signature form, the inner sample is totally revised, borrowing design cues from the up to date RX’s extra advanced styling.
Elsewhere, the bodywork stays largely acquainted. Across the again, issues are principally unchanged except for a brand new lighting signature. It’s nonetheless unclear if the trim that connects the taillights will evolve right into a full-width LED strip. We additionally anticipate Lexus to replace the mannequin’s badging to align with the remainder of the lineup.
Greater Display, However Fewer Bodily Buttons
Inside, the modifications are extra noticeable. Probably the most vital replace is the a lot bigger infotainment touchscreen dominating the dashboard, which seems to be practically equivalent to the 14-inch show discovered within the newer NX and RX SUVs. This new display has necessitated some modifications to the middle console, together with redesigned local weather vents and, sadly, the elimination of bodily buttons for local weather controls and multimedia capabilities. On the brilliant facet, the show beneficial properties two rotary knobs. As seen in current photographs, Lexus will retain the analog clock at the moment positioned subsequent to the 12.3-inch display within the outgoing mannequin.
One other improve seems to be the digital instrument cluster, possible lifted straight from the bigger LS sedan or maybe the LM minivan. Additionally price noting is the presence of a gear shifter, signaling that is an ICE or hybrid model of the ES slightly than one of many the rumored EV variants.
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Whereas these drawings from the guide could signify the international-spec ES, it’s cheap to anticipate an identical method for North American fashions when the 2026 refresh lands, most likely someday subsequent yr.
It’ll be attention-grabbing to see if Lexus takes a web page from the mechanically associated 2025 Camry, which axed its non-hybrid four-cylinder and V6 choices, now being provided solely with a four-cylinder hybrid. Because it stands, the 2025 ES comes with three powertrain decisions: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder pushing 203 hp (ES 250), a 3.5-liter V6 cranking out 302 hp (ES 350), and a hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder (ES 300h) delivering a mixed 215 hp.
The present, seventh-generation Lexus ES debuted in 2018, with a delicate refresh following in 2021. With one other facelift on the way in which for 2025, the midsize sedan may soldier on for just a few extra years earlier than Lexus decides to present it a extra thorough overhaul. Take into accout, the ES shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry, each using the TNGA-Okay platform.
What About The EV Model?
When precisely Lexus will introduce the absolutely electrical model of the ES stays unclear. It’s attainable the EV variant has been pushed additional down the road or maybe it is going to be launched on the similar time with a special identify. Both method, when it arrives, it’s more likely to function the extra dramatic redesign we anticipated and could possibly be marketed as a wholly new technology.
Whatever the timeline, the ES stays a vital mannequin for Lexus. Whereas many sedans are struggling in at present’s SUV-dominated market, the ES continues to carry its floor. Actually, it’s not solely Lexus’ best-selling passenger automobile by a large margin, but in addition the model’s third-best vendor general, with gross sales up practically 5% this yr by way of September, totaling 30,284 items.
Extra reporting by John Halas
