Lexus introduces all-new ES to Middle East, marking new chapter in electrified luxury

Amman, September 2026: Lexus has announced the launch of the all-new ES in the Middle East, introducing the eighth generation of a core model that has been part of the brand since its launch in 1989. Over successive generations, the ES has earned recognition for exceptional quietness, ride comfort and premium quality, creating a relaxed driving experience that allows occupants to travel long distances in comfort. The all-new model builds on these defining qualities while comprehensively advancing electrification, driving performance, design, interior space, safety and technology for a new era of luxury mobility.

Developed under the concept of “Experience Elegant and Electrified Sedan”, the all-new ES seeks to deliver new experiential value while remaining true to the character that has long distinguished the model. Here, elegance extends beyond appearance to encompass stress-free drivability, graceful vehicle movement, generous space and an overall sense of ease for everyone on board. The aim is to enrich not only the destination, but the time spent getting there.

The new ES also marks an important evolution of Lexus Electrified in the Middle East. Customers will have a choice of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) powertrains and, for the first time in the regional ES lineup, a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) with the introduction of the ES 500e. This approach reflects Lexus’ multi-pathway philosophy, providing different electrified solutions in response to varying customer needs and mobility environments while contributing toward carbon neutrality.

Whichever powertrain customers choose, Lexus has sought to preserve the same distinctive sense of ES elegance and refinement. At the same time, each system has been developed to make the most of its individual characteristics, combining the flexible everyday usability of the hybrid powertrain with the smooth, responsive performance enabled by the fully electric ES 500e.

Commenting on the development of the all-new ES, Lexus International Chief Engineer, Kohei Chiashi, said, “During the development of this vehicle, teams from planning, design, engineering and evaluation came together at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, where the vehicle was repeatedly tested, refined and rebuilt through countless iterations. Despite the many challenges we encountered along the way, everyone involved remained united by a common passion to deliver an exceptional product to our customers.”

Chiashi added, “The development of an automobile is a continual process of harmonizing engineering excellence and sensibility, with each elevating the other. The all-new ES, the culmination of this philosophy, also symbolizes the beginning of the next generation of Lexus. We invite everyone to experience the enriching journey offered by this vehicle, thoughtfully designed to bring a sense of harmony and well-being to all on board.”

For hybrid customers, the newly updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder system combines responsive acceleration, excellent fuel efficiency and the quiet operation expected of the ES. An integrated eAxle brings the power control unit and transaxle together in a compact, lightweight configuration while supporting higher battery output, with increased power-unit rigidity helping to reduce vibration and further refine the driving experience. The ES 350h offers enhanced power performance and the availability of all-wheel drive.

The ES 500e provides a fully electric alternative, combining a large-capacity battery positioned beneath the floor with all-wheel drive. Its low battery placement contributes to a lower center of gravity, allowing it to be integrated efficiently within the vehicle architecture.

Driving performance across the new ES lineup has been developed around a clear customer experience: smooth and composed movement, confident control and the ability to enjoy the journey without compromising the relaxed character of the model. From the moment the vehicle pulls away, acceleration is tuned to feel natural and stable, creating a sense of ease rather than abruptness or strain.

This experience is supported by a comprehensively redesigned TNGA GA-K platform developed to accommodate both HEV and BEV powertrains. Increased structural rigidity across key areas of the vehicle provides a more stable foundation for steering, acceleration and deceleration, while helping suppress unwanted vibration. The resulting movement remains faithful to driver input while retaining the comfort and composure central to the Lexus Driving Signature.

For the ES 500e, Lexus’ DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive force control system further enhances confidence and stability. The system continuously manages front-to-rear torque distribution according to driving conditions, using vehicle information – such as wheel speed, acceleration and steering input to provide responsive traction and composed vehicle behavior. Together with the low center of gravity, this helps reduce unnecessary body movement during cornering and lane changes, benefiting both the driver and passengers.

For the first time in an ES, a multi-link rear suspension has also been adopted to support stable vehicle posture and a smoother ride. A variable-ratio steering rack enhances maneuverability at lower speeds while supporting responsiveness through corners and stability at higher speeds. On models equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), responsive damping control further balances precise handling with refined ride comfort.

Rather than pursuing performance solely through numerical targets, the development team considered how the vehicle should feel across individual moments of a journey, from entering the cabin and finding a comfortable driving position to pulling away and traveling at speed. This approach shaped the development theme of a “pleasant time for all seats”, where comfort is intended to mean more than simply minimizing movement or noise, so that every occupant can enjoy the journey itself.

Design plays an equally important role in delivering this experience. Guided by the vehicle’s overall vision of elegance and electrification, the exterior and interior were crafted under the theme “Clean Tech x Elegance”, pairing advanced technology with a simple, refined expression.

Electrification created new configuration requirements, particularly through the placement of the battery beneath the floor. Rather than allowing the resulting increase in vehicle height to create a tall appearance, Lexus carefully balanced the ES’s height with its length and width to preserve the sleek proportions and visual elegance expected of a sedan.

At the front, a low nose contrasts with horizontally oriented fenders to create a wide and dynamic appearance while maintaining the dignified presence of a luxury sedan. The new-generation Lexus Spindle Body is expressed through carefully shaped surfaces that form the familiar spindle impression when viewed from above and as the vehicle moves past.

The new Twin L-Signature Lamp further establishes a distinctive Lexus identity, combining inward-facing daytime running lights with outward-facing turn indicators. At the rear, a light signature integrated with an illuminated LEXUS logo emphasizes the vehicle’s width and creates immediate brand recognition. 

Particular attention was also given to the rear fenders, where boldly sculpted surfaces flow through the rear body to create a wide, planted stance. The cabin tapers toward the rear while retaining generous interior space, balancing visual elegance with aerodynamic performance.

A newly available 21-inch tire option further emphasizes the ES’s confident stance. Seven exterior colors are offered, including the new SOU finish, which combines a clean, solid-like appearance with subtle blue effects.

Inside, Lexus has focused on creating a spacious and calm environment with minimal visual clutter. The new ES is 165 mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has increased by 80 mm, providing greater interior space and enhancing rear-seat comfort. An elevated seating position also improves ease of entry and exit, while lower front and side window lines expand outward visibility and create a more open field of view for the driver.

Slimmer seats and trim components make more effective use of the additional cabin space. The newly developed front-seat construction separates elements that would traditionally form a single upholstered structure, enabling a slimmer profile without sacrificing support. The design provides strong occupant hold while helping reduce fatigue over longer journeys and contributing to a cleaner, more spacious visual impression.

Quietness has likewise been developed not simply around reducing sound levels but around creating a natural and balanced acoustic environment. The sedan’s enclosed, rigid cabin structure provides a foundation for both structural strength and effective noise isolation, while sound-insulating door glass, improved sealing and carefully positioned sound-absorbing, sound-blocking and vibration-damping materials further reduce unwanted road and external noise.

Materials, colors and lighting were also considered together to create a relaxing, lounge-like atmosphere. Occupants can personalize the cabin using 14 preset illumination themes and 50 custom colors, while Dynamic Color patterns transition over time across six themes. Indirect illumination highlights architectural forms and material textures, complemented by carefully positioned direct lighting.

Available interior ornamentation includes Modern Bamboo for a clean, minimalist appearance and Micro Geometric for a more contemporary expression. Surface-illuminated door trim allows light to emerge through the material itself, combining texture and illumination to create warmth and visual depth.

Technology is integrated with the same emphasis on simplicity. A new 14-inch Display Audio system features a flat, clean design with rich graphics for improved visibility and usability. The all-new ES also introduces the world’s first Responsive Hidden Switches, seamlessly integrating physical controls into the steering wheel and instrument panel. Icons remain discreet when not required and illuminate as a hand approaches, while tactile feedback provides the reassurance of a conventional physical switch. This unobtrusive interaction reflects the spirit of Omotenashi, keeping technology quietly in the background until it is needed.

Safety has also advanced through Lexus Safety System+ 4, with enhanced sensor and recognition capabilities designed to support the driver across a wider range of situations. The Pre-Collision System expands assistance in intersection scenarios through broader warning and braking operating ranges, while Radar Cruise Control recognizes changes in surrounding traffic earlier to provide smoother, more natural deceleration and following behavior.

Lane Change Assist has also been refined to support smoother operation across a broader range of driving conditions. Complementing these systems, the Panoramic View Monitor introduces a newly developed 3D View for the first time in a Lexus, allowing drivers to swipe across the display to view the vehicle’s surroundings from different perspectives and more easily check areas that may otherwise be difficult to see.

For customers across the Middle East, the all-new ES brings the qualities that have defined the model for more than three decades into a changing era of luxury mobility. The choice of hybrid electric and battery electric powertrains allows customers to select the solution that best suits their needs while continuing to experience the quietness, comfort and sense of ease expected of an ES.

Ultimately, the all-new ES brings the idea of “Experience Elegant and Electrified Sedan” to life through the moments that occupants experience throughout every journey. From entering the spacious cabin and setting off smoothly to enjoying its calm, composed movement on the road, Lexus has sought to create a “pleasant time for all seats”, an experience designed to make every occupant feel that the time spent traveling is itself something to value.