By Steven Symes 
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, used the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Expedition (yes, the name really is that ridiculously long) to reveal the 2026 ES sedan and oh boy, it’s a weird one. Instead of getting a progression in design like we have over the last few generations where the car transformed from a rebadged Camry with leather interior into something far better, this one showcases what’s unfortunately a new Lexus design language.
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We know the big spindle grilles were controversial, especially among people who would never buy a Lexus or couldn’t afford one. But this design language is simultaneously boring and hideous, which we didn’t think was possible until now.
It’s like the Lexus designers thought of how they could make the new ES look about as attractive as a subway car while also giving it a vague Tesla vibe. That’s especially true with the Spartan interior. At least they still left physical buttons in it, so Elon’s influence on the industry hasn’t washed all practicality out of new vehicles.
We guess this is what future Lexus electrified models are going to look like. Heaven help us all.
Design aside, the big deal with the 2026 Lexus ES is it’s the first model line from the brand to be offered as a multi-platform vehicle. No, you can’t get it in pure ICE (internal combustion engine) format, but you can choose between a hybrid or a battery electric (EV).
At least you can get all-wheel drive on the ES 350h or 350e. Otherwise, the sedan comes with front-wheel drive. Not that we’re thinking of getting one of these, for obvious reasons, but AWD is the obvious choice if you can swing it.
Still, this minimalist design wave started by Tesla has infected too much of the auto industry. We like clean surfaces, but the new Lexus ES looks more like a set piece from a weird scif-fi movie than something we’d want to spend what’s obviously going to be ridiculous money to own.
Images via Lexus