[ĐÁNH GIÁ XE] Driving the Lexus ES 2026: Smooth as usual, but the electric version is the "star"

For many years, the Lexus ES has been a luxury sedan for customers who prioritize smoothness, durability and comfort over driving pleasure.

This is a car that rarely creates heated debates like the BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, the recently launched eighth generation shows that Lexus wants to change that.

After a journey of practical experience with the ES 350h AWD, ES 350e and ES 500e AWD versions, it can be confirmed that the Lexus ES 2026 is not simply an upgrade. This is the biggest transformation of this sedan since its appearance.

The new design is enough to make people turn their heads

One of the most surprising things about the new generation ES is its ability to attract attention on the road. Something that rarely happened with previous ES generations.

During the test drive, the Lexus sedan frequently received glances from surrounding traffic participants. The new sharper and bolder design helps the car stand out significantly more.

The car’s body has large embossed lines stretching from head to tail. The bonnet is intricately shaped with many layers of embossed surfaces. This type of design can create mixed opinions, but it’s hard to deny that Lexus has succeeded in making the ES no longer blend in with the crowd like before.

The rear of the car is the most harmonious area with a slender taillight cluster spanning the entire width of the car body. The rear trunk is wider and storage space is also improved.

Besides, ES 2026 has a significantly increased size. The overall length reaches 5,141 mm while the wheelbase is 2,949 mm, providing a clear advantage in interior space.

The interior is spacious, comfortable but not perfect

As soon as you enter the cockpit, the Lexus ES 2026 creates sympathy thanks to the seats with a moderate body-hugging design, good thigh support and wide visibility.

The seat massage feature works effectively, helping to significantly reduce fatigue on long journeys. Finishing quality continues to be Lexus’ traditional strong point when the assembled details feel solid and neat.

The high-end versions are equipped with natural bamboo panels combined with an integrated decorative lighting system, bringing a different luxurious feeling compared to many competitors using imitation wood materials.

The 14-inch central touch screen has a fast response speed, intuitive interface and is easy to get used to. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system continues to be one of the car’s biggest highlights.

Rear seat space is where the ES maximizes its advantages. Spacious legroom helps passengers over 1.8 m tall still feel comfortable. On high-end versions, the rear seats are also equipped with heating, cooling, massage functions and business-style footrests.

However, not everything is perfect. Some buttons on the steering wheel feel inadequate to the class of a luxury sedan. Although the air conditioning control cluster still maintains physical keys, it is designed as a solid strip, making users have to observe carefully before operating.

ES 350h: Still the most practical choice

Lexus believes that about 80% of customers will choose the hybrid version and that is completely reasonable.

This version is equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine combined with an electric motor for a total capacity of 244 horsepower. This transmission comes with a CVT gearbox and the option of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

In urban and highway conditions, the ES 350h brings a feeling of smoothness, stability and relaxation. The suspension system handles road surface fluctuations well while the soundproofing ability is still among the best in the segment.

The commendable point lies in the braking system. Unlike many other hybrid models, which often feel like switching between regenerative and mechanical braking, the ES 350h offers a very natural response.

Fuel economy is also a big advantage when the car reaches a consumption of about 5.1 liters/100 km and can travel more than 960 km after each refueling.

However, driving feel is not the strength of this car model. The steering wheel is quite light and the ability to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in about 7.1-7.3 seconds is just enough.

ES 500e: The version that makes the Lexus ES even more interesting

The most surprising thing after a day of constantly switching between versions, the car that left the most emotions was the ES 500e AWD.

This pure electric version is equipped with two electric motors with a total capacity of 338 horsepower. The ability to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds is not a very outstanding number compared to many electric cars today but is enough to make a clear difference compared to the hybrid version.

Right from the first accelerator pedal, the ES 500e shows significantly more flexibility and power. Torque appears instantly to help the car react quickly in overtaking or lane merging situations on the highway.

Most notable is the ability to operate almost silently. After experiencing the ES 500e, returning to the ES 350h makes the sound of the 2.5L engine become much clearer despite the fact that the hybrid version is still in the group of cars with good soundproofing.

Meanwhile, the ES 350e with a capacity of 221 horsepower plays a role in balancing price and usage needs. However, it is the ES 500e that best demonstrates Lexus’ efforts to bring more emotion to the sedan line once famous for its safety and practicality.

General assessment

The 2026 Lexus ES retains the core values that have made this car line successful, including comfort, spaciousness, high finishing quality and reasonable cost of use. However, the addition of pure electric versions has brought a completely new look to the Japanese luxury sedan.

The ES 350h continues to be a reasonable choice for the majority thanks to its fuel economy and outstanding operating range. But if I had to choose a version that leaves the most impression after actual experience, the ES 500e AWD is the standout name. This is a rare time when the Lexus ES is not simply a comfortable luxury sedan for daily use but also brings a feeling of excitement behind the wheel.

TH (Otoxemay)