# 2026 Lexus ES 500e first drive: A classy sedan with a slow charge

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/2026-lexus-es-500e-first-drive-a-classy-sedan-with-a-slow-charge/
- Published: 2026-08-04T15:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-08-04T15:14:17+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2229886/2026-lexus-es-500e-first-drive/
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- Lexus ES gains hybrid and new all-electric variants for 2026
- ES 500e impresses on comfort and driving feel
- Charging tops out at just 150kW, trailing rivals

## Summary

The 2026 Lexus ES has been overhauled to fill the gap left by the discontinued LS flagship, and for the first time offers fully electric variants alongside a hybrid. Reviewer Tim Stevens found the new all-electric ES 500e and ES 350e to be Lexus's most compelling EVs yet, praising their driving manners and upmarket interior, though he flagged the underlying battery and charging technology as a weak point that undercuts the car's otherwise strong appeal.

The lineup now spans a $51,095 ES 350h hybrid (244 horsepower) alongside two electric options: the single-motor ES 350e from $48,895 (221 horsepower, 307-mile range) and the dual-motor ES 500e from $51,895 (338 horsepower, up to 276 miles). Both EVs share a 74.7-kWh battery that is modest for the car's nearly 5,000lb weight, and charging tops out at just 150kW, less than half the rate of rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric. Despite this, the reviewer was impressed by the cabin's materials, design and touchscreen technology, noting the ES 500e is priced close to a dual-motor Tesla Model 3 but offers a far more luxurious interior.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.