The 2026 Lexus ES 500e first drive shows a classy sedan that feels slow to charge, yet drives well and is priced right.

Lexus entered the US market in 1989 with the LS, a staid yet iconic sedan, and now the ES offers hybrid and all‑electric options. The ES 350e starts at $48,895, and the ES 500e begins at $51,895, delivering up to 276 miles of range.

Both models share a 74.7‑kWh battery, which is modest for a luxury sedan, and the 150 kilowatts charger limits fast‑charging speed compared with rivals. The ES 500e in Luxury trim weighs nearly 5,000 pounds, about 1,000 pounds more than the hybrid, resulting in a range of 276 miles for the dual‑motor version.

Inside, the Premium trim offers an opulent interior with subtle textures and a 14‑inch touchscreen, while the sound system is basic unless upgraded to the Mark Levinson 17‑speaker setup. The UI requires two sub‑menus to change drive mode, but the smooth, quiet ride and refined handling make the ES a compelling, if not class‑leading, EV. The car feels heavy on bumps but remains calm and quiet, delivering a stress‑free experience.