- The facelifted version of the seventh-gen Lexus ES has been caught undisguised in China.
- Exterior changes are limited to updated LED headlights and a revised spindle grille pattern.
- Inside, the sedan gets a larger 14-inch display along with a new digital instrument cluster.
Update 11/5: After a recent leak that spilled the beans on Lexus’s plans, the first real-world photos of the refreshed 2026 ES have emerged on Chinese social media, as spotted by the crew over at Lexus Enthusiast. These images give us an early glimpse of the actual car revealing subtle yet noticeable tweaks to both the front and rear ends of the mid-size sedan. Highlights include reworked bumpers, a new full-width horizontal LED strip that connects the rear light clusters, and a fresh headlamp design that brings the ES in line with Lexus’s latest styling language.
As noted in our original piece below, while this particular model is spec’d for the Chinese domestic market, these updates are widely expected to roll out globally, meaning the 2026 model year Lexus ES in other markets should feature the same refinements.
Original article follows below.
Now in its seventh generation, the Lexus ES is starting to feel a bit long in the tooth, having been on the market since mid-2018. While a full replacement doesn’t seem to be on the immediate horizon, Toyota is planning a refresh. We’ve come across what appear to be pages from the facelifted model’s manual that we discovered on Chinese social media, giving us a peek at what to expect for the 2026 model year updates.
Based on earlier teasers and patent filings, many anticipated an extensive redesign for the 2026 Lexus ES in the footsteps of its sister Toyota model, the Camry, including the departure from the spindle grille and the introduction of fully electric versions. However, it seems Lexus is opting for a more conservative facelift, mainly focusing on tech upgrades inside the cabin.
That said, this doesn’t mean the rumors were wrong—Lexus could very well be prepping a separate refresh for the ICE model pictured here, while the electric variant is gearing up for a more significant overhaul, as hinted at in those patent filings.
Mild Exterior Revisions
At first glance, the Lexus sedan shown in the leaked manual could easily be mistaken for the current ES. But a closer look reveals several tweaks, starting with a pair of reworked headlights featuring a Z-shaped LED lighting signature, now positioned on the top and wrapping around the sides, unlike the bottom placement on the existing model. Additionally, while the spindle grille retains its signature shape, the internal pattern is completely revised, borrowing design cues from the updated RX’s more evolved styling.
Elsewhere, the bodywork remains largely familiar. Around the back, things are mostly unchanged aside from a new lighting signature. It’s still unclear if the trim that connects the taillights will evolve into a full-width LED strip. We also expect Lexus to update the model’s badging to align with the rest of the lineup.
Bigger Screen, But Fewer Physical Buttons
Inside, the changes are more noticeable. The most significant update is the much larger infotainment touchscreen dominating the dashboard, which appears nearly identical to the 14-inch display in the newer NX and RX SUVs. The new screen has forced some changes to the center console, including redesigned climate vents and, unfortunately, the removal of physical buttons for climate controls and multimedia functions. It’s still uncertain whether Lexus will retain the analog clock that currently sits next to the 12.3-inch screen in the existing model.
Another upgrade appears to be the digital instrument cluster, likely lifted straight from the larger LS sedan or perhaps the LM minivan. Also worth noting is the presence of a gear shifter, signaling this is an ICE or hybrid version of the ES rather than one of the the rumored EV variants.
More: New Lexus LFR Supercar Breaks Cover In Street-Legal Form
While these drawings from the manual may represent the international-spec ES, it’s reasonable to expect a similar approach for North American models when the 2026 refresh lands, probably sometime next year.
It’ll be interesting to see if Lexus takes a page from the mechanically related 2025 Camry, which axed its non-hybrid four-cylinder and V6 options, now being offered exclusively with a four-cylinder hybrid. As it stands, the 2025 ES comes with three powertrain choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder pushing 203 hp (ES 250), a 3.5-liter V6 cranking out 302 hp (ES 350), and a hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder (ES 300h) delivering a combined 215 hp.
The current, seventh-generation Lexus ES debuted in 2018, with a subtle refresh following in 2021. With another facelift on the way for 2025, the midsize sedan could soldier on for a few more years before Lexus decides to give it a more thorough overhaul. Keep in mind, the ES shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry, both utilizing the TNGA-K platform.
What About The EV Version?
When exactly Lexus will introduce the fully electric version of the ES remains unclear. It’s possible the EV variant has been pushed further down the line or perhaps it will be introduced at the same time with a different name. Either way, when it arrives, it’s likely to feature the more dramatic redesign we expected and could be marketed as an entirely new generation.
Regardless of the timeline, the ES remains a crucial model for Lexus. While many sedans are struggling in today’s SUV-dominated market, the ES continues to hold its ground. In fact, it’s not only Lexus’ best-selling passenger car by a wide margin, but also the brand’s third-best seller overall, with sales up nearly 5% this year through September, totaling 30,284 units.
