2026 Lexus ES Fully Exposed In New Photos

Update 11/14: After a recent leak spilled the beans on Lexus’s plans through the car’s manual, new real-world photos of the refreshed 2026 ES have emerged on Chinese social media. Apparently, the first examples of the facelifted sedan have already started arriving at Chinese dealerships giving us the scoop on what’s likely in store for the North American model. Alongside the new photos, we also learned today that the updated ES will make its world premiere this week at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show.

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This latest batch of leaked images offers a closer look at the redesigned grille with its updated pattern, along with the refreshed interior, now featuring a larger infotainment screen. The display includes a central volume knob, flanked by four buttons and two large rotary knobs on either side, while retaining Lexus’s signature analog clock in the top-left corner. Other notable changes include a redesigned lower center console, which removes most physical buttons, including those for HVAC controls, now integrated into the infotainment system.

Previously, as spotted by the crew at Lexus Enthusiast, another set of images provided an early detailed look at the exterior, revealing subtle yet noticeable updates—at least to the trained eye— to both the front and rear of the mid-size sedan. Key highlights include revised bumpers, a full-width horizontal LED strip connecting the rear light clusters, and updated headlamps that bring the ES in line with Lexus’s latest design language.

As noted in our original article below, while this particular model is configured for the Chinese domestic market, these changes are widely expected to roll out globally. This means the 2026 Lexus ES in other regions will likely feature the same refinements.

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Original article follows

Now in its seventh generation, the Lexus ES is starting to feel a bit long in the tooth, having been on the market since mid-2018. While a full replacement doesn’t seem to be on the immediate horizon, Toyota is planning a refresh. We’ve come across what appear to be pages from the facelifted model’s manual that we discovered on Chinese social media, giving us a peek at what to expect for the 2026 model year updates.

Based on earlier teasers and patent filings, many anticipated an extensive redesign for the 2026 Lexus ES in the footsteps of its sister Toyota model, the Camry, including the departure from the spindle grille and the introduction of fully electric versions. However, it seems Lexus is opting for a more conservative facelift, mainly focusing on tech upgrades inside the cabin.

That said, this doesn’t mean the rumors were wrong—Lexus could very well be prepping a separate refresh for the ICE model pictured here, while the electric variant is gearing up for a more significant overhaul, as hinted at in those patent filings.

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Mild Exterior Revisions

At first glance, the Lexus sedan shown in the leaked manual could easily be mistaken for the current ES. But a closer look reveals several tweaks, starting with a pair of reworked headlights featuring a Z-shaped LED lighting signature, now positioned on the top and wrapping around the sides, unlike the bottom placement on the existing model. Additionally, while the spindle grille retains its signature shape, the internal pattern is completely revised, borrowing design cues from the updated RX’s more evolved styling.

Elsewhere, the bodywork remains largely familiar. Around the back, things are mostly unchanged aside from a new lighting signature. It’s still unclear if the trim that connects the taillights will evolve into a full-width LED strip. We also expect Lexus to update the model’s badging to align with the rest of the lineup.

Bigger Screen, But Fewer Physical Buttons

Inside, the changes are more noticeable. The most significant update is the much larger infotainment touchscreen dominating the dashboard, which looks nearly identical to the 14-inch display found in the newer NX and RX SUVs. This new screen has necessitated some changes to the center console, including redesigned climate vents and, unfortunately, the removal of physical buttons for climate controls and multimedia functions. On the bright side, the display gains two rotary knobs. As seen in recent images, Lexus will retain the analog clock currently positioned next to the 12.3-inch screen in the outgoing model.

Another upgrade appears to be the digital instrument cluster, likely lifted straight from the larger LS sedan or perhaps the LM minivan. Also worth noting is the presence of a gear shifter, signaling this is an ICE or hybrid version of the ES rather than one of the the rumored EV variants.

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While these drawings from the manual may represent the international-spec ES, it’s reasonable to expect a similar approach for North American models when the 2026 refresh lands, probably sometime next year.

It’ll be interesting to see if Lexus takes a page from the mechanically related 2025 Camry, which axed its non-hybrid four-cylinder and V6 options, now being offered exclusively with a four-cylinder hybrid. As it stands, the 2025 ES comes with three powertrain choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder pushing 203 hp (ES 250), a 3.5-liter V6 cranking out 302 hp (ES 350), and a hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder (ES 300h) delivering a combined 215 hp.

The current, seventh-generation Lexus ES debuted in 2018, with a subtle refresh following in 2021. With another facelift on the way for 2025, the midsize sedan could soldier on for a few more years before Lexus decides to give it a more thorough overhaul. Keep in mind, the ES shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry, both utilizing the TNGA-K platform.

What About The EV Version?

When exactly Lexus will introduce the fully electric version of the ES remains unclear. It’s possible the EV variant has been pushed further down the line or perhaps it will be introduced at the same time with a different name. Either way, when it arrives, it’s likely to feature the more dramatic redesign we expected and could be marketed as an entirely new generation.

Regardless of the timeline, the ES remains a crucial model for Lexus. While many sedans are struggling in today’s SUV-dominated market, the ES continues to hold its ground. In fact, it’s not only Lexus’ best-selling passenger car by a wide margin, but also the brand’s third-best seller overall, with sales up nearly 5% this year through September, totaling 30,284 units.

Additional reporting by John Halas

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