Lexus is having one of its most transformative years in decades. With a sweeping push toward electrification, bold new design languages, and a raft of updated models, the Japanese luxury marque is making it clear that its next chapter will look — and drive — very differently from its last. Here’s a rundown of the standout new cars Lexus has announced so far in 2026.
All-New 2026 Lexus ES: A Radical Reinvention
Perhaps no announcement has turned more heads than the eighth-generation Lexus ES, unveiled at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in April 2025. This is not your parents’ ES. Lexus has completely reimagined its long-running midsize luxury sedan, swapping its traditionally understated styling for a futuristic, athletic aesthetic inspired by the brand’s next-generation BEV concept, the LF-ZC. Gone is the familiar spindle grille; in its place is a bold, clean-tech exterior featuring dramatic side cuts and a trunkless profile.
Under the “Clean Tech x Elegance” design concept, the new ES is offered with both hybrid and fully electric powertrains — the first time an all-electric ES has ever been made available. Inside, the transformation continues with a 14-inch touchscreen, Lexus Safety System 4.0+, and an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. For rear passengers, there are power-adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage — and even an ottoman on the passenger side, a feature rarely seen outside full-size flagships. Pricing for the electric version starts at $48,795, and the ES is now on sale, with hybrid variants to follow shortly.
2026 Lexus RZ: More Power, More Range, New F SPORT Variant
The RZ, Lexus’s first purpose-built battery electric vehicle launched in 2023, has received a comprehensive overhaul for 2026. The updated lineup boasts a redesigned battery electric system that delivers increased motor output, an extended driving range, and faster charging times.
Most exciting is the debut of the new RZ 550e F SPORT AWD — the most powerful RZ ever produced. Pumping out 402 horsepower from higher-output front and rear motors, it brings genuine performance credentials to Lexus’s EV range. The full 2026 RZ lineup now spans three power levels: 221 hp (RZ 350e FWD), 308 hp (RZ 450e AWD), and the new 402 hp F SPORT flagship. Adding a sporty twist, the F SPORT model introduces an “M Mode” with virtual manual gear shifting via paddle shifters, complete with a shift guide meter and simulated engine and exhaust sounds — a clever nod to driving enthusiasts making the transition to electric.
2026 Lexus LC 500: Refined Coupe Gets a Fresh Face
The iconic LC 500 grand tourer receives a tasteful refresh for 2026, retaining its dramatic proportions while sharpening its visual presence. Updates include a distinctive new mesh grille, blacked-out rear pillars, and chrome-plated moldings. Ultra-compact triple-projected LED headlamps complete a light signature that Lexus describes as jet afterburner-inspired — a fitting metaphor for one of the most visually striking coupes in its class.
2026 Lexus LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition: A Fond Farewell
In a move both celebratory and bittersweet, Lexus is marking the final U.S. production year of its LS flagship sedan with a special Heritage Edition, priced from $99,280. It’s a tribute to the car that launched the Lexus brand over 35 years ago — a fitting send-off for a model that defined luxury motoring for an entire generation.
The Bigger Picture
Taken together, the 2026 Lexus lineup tells a coherent story: a brand in the midst of a bold reimagining, embracing electrification without abandoning the refinement and comfort that made it great. The new ES, in particular, signals that this design language is just the beginning — Lexus has promised a comprehensive brand reveal at the Japan Mobility Show. The future of Lexus is electric, elegant, and arriving fast.
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