The Australian luxury electric vehicle market is about to experience a major shift. Lexus has officially announced the pricing and specifications for the highly anticipated 2026 Lexus ES, marking the first time the brand’s long-running luxury sedan will be offered with a fully electric powertrain. Arriving in Australian showrooms in the middle of 2026, the battery-electric ES350e and ES500e variants will spearhead the launch, introducing a new era of silent, emission-free luxury.
With a larger footprint, advanced technology, and aggressive pricing that undercuts key European rivals, the new electric ES is positioned to challenge the traditional luxury sedan hierarchy. It represents a significant step in the brand’s electrification strategy, offering a compelling alternative to established electric sedans and SUVs alike. Lexus already offers the highly regarded RZ electric SUV in Australia, but the ES marks the brand’s first fully electric sedan.
2026 Lexus ES Electric Pricing and Variants
The new-generation Lexus ES line-up represents a significant shake-up, with the battery-electric models joining a new hybrid powertrain that will follow later in the year. The electric variants are exclusively offered in the high-specification Sports Luxury trim, bringing a wealth of standard equipment.
The front-wheel-drive ES350e Sports Luxury opens the electric range at $77,000 before on-road costs. This positions it highly competitively within the premium segment, undercutting the Polestar 4 and the BMW i4. For those seeking maximum performance, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive ES500e Sports Luxury is priced at $84,000 before on-roads.
| Model | Powertrain | Price (before ORCs) |
|---|---|---|
| ES350e Sports Luxury | Single Motor FWD | $77,000 |
| ES500e Sports Luxury | Dual Motor AWD | $84,000 |
Performance, Battery and Range
Both electric variants are powered by a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted beneath the floor. The ES350e utilises a single front-mounted electric motor producing 165kW and 269Nm of torque. This configuration delivers a claimed WLTP driving range of 510km and energy consumption of 16.4kWh/100km, allowing it to accelerate from 0–100km/h in a respectable 8.0 seconds.
The flagship ES500e adds an 88kW rear motor, creating a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that generates a combined 252kW. This makes it the most powerful production ES ever built. The extra traction and power slash the 0–100km/h sprint to just 5.5 seconds. The trade-off for this performance is a slightly reduced WLTP range of 465km.
When it comes to charging, both models support 150kW DC fast charging, which Lexus claims can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 28 minutes. For home or destination charging, a standard 22kW three-phase AC onboard charger can complete a full charge in around four and a half hours.
Unique to the ES500e is the introduction of Interactive Manual Drive. This system uses steering wheel-mounted paddles, simulated engine sounds, a virtual tachometer, and eight artificial gears to mimic the driving engagement of a combustion-powered vehicle, adding a layer of involvement rarely seen in the electric luxury segment.
A Larger Footprint and Elevated Interior
The eighth-generation ES is substantially larger than its predecessor. Built on a heavily updated version of the TNGA-K platform, it has grown by 170mm in length, 55mm in width, and features an 80mm longer wheelbase. These expanded dimensions push the ES out of the mid-size category and into the realm of large luxury sedans, translating directly into significantly improved rear-seat legroom and overall cabin space. The cargo boot measures a generous 517 litres.
Inside, the cabin has been completely redesigned with a focus on minimalist luxury and advanced technology. The traditional array of physical buttons has been largely replaced by a 14-inch touchscreen running the new Arene operating system, which supports over-the-air updates, customisable widgets, and an integrated dashcam.
The Sports Luxury specification ensures an exceptionally high level of standard equipment. Features include 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, high-definition adaptive LED headlights, semi-aniline leather-accented upholstery, radiant heating for front occupants, soft-close doors, and dual wireless phone chargers. The cabin environment is further enhanced by multi-colour ambient lighting and acoustic glass to ensure the signature Lexus serenity is maintained.
Safety and Availability
Lexus has equipped the new ES with its fourth-generation Safety System+ suite. This includes autonomous emergency braking with intersection assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, and blind-spot monitoring. A notable addition is the emergency driving stop system, which can safely bring the vehicle to a halt and alert emergency services if the driver becomes unresponsive. The ES also comes with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and five capped-price services at $625 each.
The 2026 Lexus ES350e and ES500e will arrive in Australian showrooms in the middle of 2026, ahead of the hybrid variants. With its compelling mix of space, luxury, and aggressive pricing, the first electric ES is poised to be a strong contender for buyers transitioning to premium electric motoring. If you are considering making the switch, you can rent an EV on evee today to experience electric driving for yourself before committing to a purchase.
