While the Lexus ES has been a staple in the luxury sedan market since 2018, Lexus is signaling that its current generation still has life. Following a prior refresh in 2021, the Japanese automaker has unveiled another update for the ES, this time debuting in China. This revised model was presented at the Auto Guangzhou show, sharing the stage with the new LX700h. The ES holds significant importance in the Chinese market, boasting over a million units sold to date. This recent facelift sparks interest and speculation about what changes might make their way to the Lexus Es 2026 models for the US market.
The exterior of the updated ES showcases notable changes despite being classified as a facelift. The signature Lexus spindle grille has been redesigned with a new pattern, drawing inspiration from the newer RX models, giving a fresh face to the sedan. The matrix LED headlights further refine the front appearance, featuring a sharp dual “L” shaped design motif, enhancing the vehicle’s modern aesthetic. Keeping pace with current automotive design trends, Lexus has incorporated a light bar at the rear of the ES. The iconic “L” graphic is now seamlessly integrated into the updated taillights, providing a cohesive and contemporary rear design.
Moving inside the cabin of the China-spec revised ES, a significant upgrade is immediately noticeable: a large 14.0-inch touchscreen. This new infotainment display unfortunately integrates the climate controls, resulting in the removal of some physical buttons from the center console. Accompanying the streamlined console is a redesigned gear lever, intended to align with the preferences of younger Chinese customers, suggesting a focus on modern, minimalist interfaces. Interior customization options include a Snowy Night White theme and a two-tone Tanzanite Snow Night option, alongside a Silver Lance Moon Ridge trim, offering a range of sophisticated and contemporary cabin aesthetics for the Lexus ES 2026 and beyond.
The crucial question for the North American market is whether these updates will translate to the US-bound ES models. With the Mercedes E-Class competitor already in its 2025 model year in the United States, it’s plausible that this second facelift could be introduced for the Lexus ES 2026 model year. Lexus’s decision to further refine the current generation ES suggests that a complete generational overhaul is still some time away, indicating that the current platform will likely persist for a few more years. When the next-generation ES does eventually arrive, it is anticipated to borrow heavily from design and technological advancements seen in the latest Toyota Camry, pointing towards a potential convergence of features and platforms within the Toyota and Lexus families.
Looking ahead, the automotive industry spotlight turns to the upcoming 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. This event could potentially serve as the venue for Lexus to unveil the 2026 ES specifications for the US market, providing a clearer picture of the features and design elements that North American consumers can expect. For those interested in the evolution of the Lexus ES, keeping an eye on announcements from the Los Angeles Auto Show will be key to understanding the future direction of this popular luxury sedan.
