The luxury sedan market in India is about to witness a major shift as Lexus prepares to introduce the completely redesigned eighth-generation Lexus ES. Globally unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2025, the new ES is expected to arrive in India in the second half of 2026. Because the ES sedan accounts for over half of all Lexus sales in India, this launch is one of the most highly anticipated events for luxury car buyers in the country. The biggest headline for this new generation is that, for the first time ever, the Lexus ES will be available as a fully electric vehicle alongside its popular self-charging hybrid versions.

What is New Under the Hood?

The upcoming Lexus ES brings a major change to how the car is powered. Following a global shift towards sustainable mobility, Lexus has introduced an all-electric powertrain for the first time in the ES lineup. The brand has trademarked two electric variants globally: the front-wheel-drive ES 350e and the more powerful, all-wheel-drive ES 500e. The electric models promise an impressive driving range that will compete directly with luxury electric vehicles currently in the Indian market.

For buyers who prefer the flexibility of a traditional engine, Lexus continues to offer its highly refined self-charging hybrid technology. The new generation will feature the ES 300h and the more powerful ES 350h. These models use a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with electric motors, ensuring the silent, fuel-efficient, and smooth driving experience that Indian Lexus owners have come to love.

Check out more: Audi Q5 

Exterior Design and Interior Upgrades

If you are familiar with the current Lexus ES, you will immediately notice the bold design changes in the 2026 model. Lexus has removed the massive front spindle grille that defined the previous generation. Instead, the new ES features a much cleaner, sharper front profile that looks futuristic and highly aerodynamic. The signature boomerang-shaped daytime running lights remain, but they are now paired with a closed-off front end on the electric versions. Moving to the rear, the car now features a modern connected LED light bar with an illuminated Lexus logo right in the center, giving it a very premium nighttime presence.

Inside the cabin, Lexus has embraced a minimalist and tech-forward approach. The dashboard is now dominated by a massive 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, reducing the number of physical buttons and creating a clean, sophisticated look. The driver gets a new 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Lexus has also improved passenger comfort by offering features like an electrochromatic panoramic glass roof, a premium Mark Levinson surround sound system, and soft-touch leatherette materials throughout the cabin.

Why the Lexus ES Matters in India

The Lexus ES is not just another car for the Japanese luxury brand; it is their flagship product in India. Currently, the ES is assembled locally in India, which has helped Lexus price it competitively against German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6. Recently, Lexus even announced price cuts across its Indian lineup to pass on GST benefits to buyers, bringing the starting price of the current ES 300h down to around ₹62.65 lakh.

Furthermore, Lexus recently introduced an industry-first 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for its new cars in India, proving their confidence in the vehicle’s reliability. The 2026 update is expected to build on this strong foundation of trust and low maintenance costs while adding the much-needed modern technology and electric performance that today’s luxury buyers demand.

Expected Price and Launch Timeline

While Lexus India has not announced the exact launch date, industry experts expect the new-generation ES to hit Indian showrooms by the second half of 2026. Given the extensive design updates, new technology, and the addition of electric powertrains, the 2026 Lexus ES is expected to carry a noticeable premium over the current model. Prices are estimated to start between ₹70 lakh and ₹80 lakh, depending on whether the buyer chooses the hybrid or the fully electric variant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)