New-Generation Lexus ES India Launch Confirmed For March 20

Nearly a year since its global debut, the new-generation Lexus ES is all set to make its way to the Indian market. Lexus India has confirmed that the new-gen ES is slated for launch on March 20, 2026. The eighth-generation of the offering arrives with a complete overhaul, sporting an all-new and sharper styling, and a more upmarket interior. It’ll be interesting to see if the new ES will arrive with just the hybrid powertrain or will get an electric version too.

The 2026 Lexus ES is built on the TNGA-K platform, which makes it compatible with an electric-only powertrain, apart from the hybrid motor under the bonnet. The new ES is more sharply styled, borrowing cues from the LF-ZC concept. The sedan gets angular LED DRLs, with the projector lens headlamps mounted lower. The traditional grille has been skipped with air intakes in the bumper. The profile remains sharp with a strong beltline, while the roofline slopes into the rear, giving the model a coupe-like silhouette. At the rear, a thin strip connects the taillights on the ES and the overall look remains futuristic on the luxury sedan.

In terms of proportions, the new Lexus ES has grown longer by 165 mm over its predecessor with the wheelbase stretching by 80 mm. This makes for more room in the cabin, especially at the rear. The interior offers a minimal approach, bringing a clutter-free look. The dashboard sports the freestanding 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument console rests behind the steering wheel. International versions get a dual-tone black and tan cabin, and we expect the same in India as well. Another highlight are the ‘hidden’ switches beneath the touchscreen, which light up when the car is turned on.

On the feature front, the upcoming Lexus ES will pack a host of creature comforts, including a sunroof, leather upholstery, a Mark Levinson sound system, and more. On the safety front, expect to see multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and the Lexus Safety System+, bringing advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, driver monitor system, blindspot monitor, lane departure warning, and more.

The new-generation Lexus ES is available in two variants overseas. The ES 300h draws power from the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid engine that develops 198 bhp. There is also a more powerful ES 350h on sale with 244 bhp available from the same strong-hybrid engine. Both engines are paired with an e-CVT unit that sends power to the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the FWD or AWD version. India is likely to get the FWD version, to keep costs in check. That said, the new ES electric is also available in two trims with the ES 350e producing 221 bhp from a single motor, while the the more powerful ES 500e packs 338 bhp with a dual-motor setup.

The Lexus ES will arrive later this month, and you can expect prices to be around the ₹70 lakh mark. Notably, the outgoing Lexus ES 300h is priced between ₹62.65 lakh and ₹68.23 lakh (ex-showroom). The upcoming sedan will be taking on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, both of which are now sold in the long wheelbase guise in India. Expect the new-generation Lexus ES to continue being a locally assembled offering.