The all-new Lexus ES announces pre-sale on March 20: Say goodbye to pure gasoline engines and launch a pure electric version

[PCauto] As the automotive industry enters a deep electrification phase in 2026, Lexus officially announced that the all-new (eighth generation) Lexus ES will begin pre-sale on March 20 this year and is planned for market launch in April.

This generation change is not only a redesign but also the most thorough transformation of its powertrain architecture in the more than thirty-year history of this classic series.

Revolutionary Exterior Design Language of Lexus

The all-new Lexus ES clearly aligns more closely with the brand's electrified family design language. The iconic Spindle Grille, though retained, adopts a semi-closed design for the pure electric version, with lines seamlessly extending from the hood to both sides of the bumper, creating a strong visual impression of low wind resistance.

The side profile maintains its smooth fastback silhouette but incorporates trendy hidden door handles.

It's worth noting that this generation's size has significantly increased, with the car's length extended by 165 mm to reach 5140 mm, while the wheelbase has concurrently grown by 80 mm to 2950 mm.

Stepping into the interior, the new ES's cabin no longer adheres to the conservative layout of the past, instead introducing a digital cockpit concept.

High-end models now feature a dual-screen setup spanning the center console and passenger side, while the addition of an electronic shifter gives the center tunnel a cleaner, more streamlined look.

However, Lexus has not abandoned oriental craftsmanship, for which it is renowned. The interior extensively uses 3D-printed bamboo-texture decorative panels, combined with a special ambient lighting system.

To cater to the special preferences of Chinese consumers, the new car has added leg support functions for the front and right rear seats, which support synchronized adjustments.

Powertrain: the highlight of this generation

The new model will officially bid farewell to the era of pure gasoline engines and fully transition to Hybrid and BEV electric powertrains. The traditional hybrid model ES 300h remains the backbone, expected to feature the fifth-generation 2.5 L hybrid system.

The most anticipated, however, are the debut of the all-electric model ES 350e and the high-performance ES 500e.

Among them, the ES 500e will be equipped with Lexus' core DIRECT4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system, enabling precise and instantaneous power distribution between the front and rear wheels.

While specific battery capacity and range data have not yet been fully disclosed, it is expected that the main version's all-electric driving range will reach approximately 600 kilometers.

Pricing of the All-New ES

As a reference, the starting price of the all-electric ES 350e, which was launched earlier this month in the U.S. market, is set at $48,795, approximately 192,000 MYR.

The all-new generation Lexus ES is no longer just a luxurious commuter car. It retains its focus on comfort while undergoing an aggressive electrification shift that redefines its identity.

For buyers who value brand prestige and are unwilling to compromise on interior quality, the pre-sale starting on March 20 might be a date worth noting. With the addition of the all-electric version, whether the ES series can continue to defend its title as the "sales king" amidst the transformation trend is something we eagerly anticipate.