WORLD PREMIERE: LEXUS PULLS THE COVERS OFF THE ALL-NEW ES IN SHANGHAI
In a whirlwind of flashing lights and high expectations, Lexus has officially unveiled the all-new, eighth-generation ES at the bustling Shanghai Auto Show. Designed under the philosophy of Experience Elegance and Electrified Sedan, the new ES isn’t here to break lap records - it’s here to redefine what a refined, modern sedan can be. This isn’t just a visual refresh. It’s a clean-sheet rethink, blending Lexus’s unmistakable sense of grace with a push toward a more electric, more connected future. Drawing inspiration from the bold LF-ZC concept, the new ES debuts a fresh design language that’ll roll out across future Lexus models. It’s sharper, sleeker, and unmistakably upmarket - a long, flowing silhouette with proportions that whisper "dynamic" even when it's standing still. Under the skin, it rides on a thoroughly enhanced version of the TNGA GA-K platform, purpose-built to support both HEV and BEV powertrains. That means whether you're embracing hybrid life or going full battery-electric, there's an ES for you, it seems. And yes - Lexus didn’t just chase emissions here. They’ve dialled in the dynamics too. Buyers can expect elevated ride comfort, quieter cruising, and a chassis that brings the driver closer to the road without sacrificing Lexus’s trademark smoothness. Inside, Lexus takes subtle innovation to an artform. The new ES introduces Responsive Hidden Switches - the world’s first - that hide in plain sight, blending tactile feedback with minimalistic design. They’re like secret handshakes between you and the cabin. And then there’s Sensory Concierge. Think of it as your in-car butler with a sixth sense. From the ambient lighting and climate to gentle wafts of cabin fragrance, it creates a fully immersive experience tailored to your mood. Even the rear seats have been upgraded, reinforcing the ES’s reputation as the go-to Lexus for those who like being driven as much as they like driving.
Tech lovers can rejoice, too: the ES gets Lexus’s next-gen multimedia system, ensuring you're always connected. It’s intuitive, responsive, and feels like a natural extension of your digital life. On the safety front, Lexus Safety System+ has been beefed up again. This isn’t just about emergency braking and lane-keeping anymore - it’s active protection that helps prevent trouble before you even sense it. Kohei Chiashi, Lexus International’s Chief Engineer, summed it up perfectly: “The sedan has always delivered natural rigidity and balance - it’s the heart of elegant motoring. The new ES evolves those fundamentals and adds future-focused tech and electric power. It’s the start of a new era for the Lexus sedan.” Developed at the cutting-edge Toyota Technical Centre in Shimoyama, this ES is the result of deep collaboration across disciplines - from design to engineering. Nothing was left untouched. And the result? A Lexus sedan that’s more than just a car - it’s a rolling showcase of what the brand will be tomorrow. Luckily, Lexus is one of the brands that’s still doing well in South Africa, there haven’t been any reports of dealerships closing, like with some other well-known brands. I guess it also helps that sister brand Toyota has one of the biggest dealership footprints in the country, along with a fiercely loyal client base. Will the all-new ES make its way to SA? It may, there are still prospective buyers out there who want a great-looking, tech-packed sedan who don’t like the usual German offerings.
Take a look at the YouTube video that's a little different from the usual ones. This comes from Blembi, and it doesn't do all the usual high praise that you see with new car reveals. Instead, he takes viewers through everything that's not cool on the new Lexus ES. Interesting stuff: The 2026 Lexus ES is a huge disappointment | Bembli
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