Lexus ES 2026: What Saudi Buyers Can Expect from the Next Update

Saudi Arabia: The all-new eighth-generation Lexus ES represents something bigger than a typical model refresh. Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2025, this is the first Lexus sedan transformed as a multi-platform car, offering both hybrid and full battery electric powertrains. This is certainly a big change, and for Saudi buyers, it truly means a lot of promise. The current ES lineup in the Kingdom starts at SAR 193,315 for the ES 250, but the 2026 model comes with a completely redesigned platform, expanded dimensions, and battery electric variants that were not part of it before. 

This considerable revamp is not just a minor or incremental improvement. The 2026 ES is 165 mm longer, 55 mm wider, and 110-115 mm taller and highlights luxury brands' major shift toward electrification across their core lineup. While there is no official announcement of its arrival in Saudi Arabia, we expect it to debut in the first half of this year after major markets like China and Europe. 

Sedans in an SUV-Dominated Landscape

It is widely known that the Saudi car market, both premium and lower-end, is dominated by SUVs even after the incomparable ownership costs. New car buyers are fascinated with SUVs, and sedans are left behind. Against this backdrop, the arrival of the 2026 ES occupies uncomfortable territory in Saudi Arabia. It's a mid-size luxury sedan in a market that overwhelmingly prefers SUVs. But the ES buyer is different, typically older, more conservative with money, and focused on comfort over image. The problem is that the buyers' profiles are increasingly shrinking. Younger buyers want something sportier. Older buyers with bigger budgets go straight to the LS or LX. But that does not mean the car has no future; it is rather far from it. It is a futuristic car that finds buyers from all profiles; it's just that its traditional segment looks somewhat on the lower side.  

Here's what changes with the 2026 model: its all-new battery electric variants. Saudi Arabia is slowly building EV infrastructure, and government incentives for electric vehicles are expected to expand. The ES 350e (FWD) and ES 500e (AWD) give buyers an electric option in the traditional sedan body. Whether that's enough to reverse the segment's decline remains unclear.

A Complete Redesign

Like we have already alluded to, this 2026 update is not a mid-cycle update. The 2026 ES is a ground-up redesign built on a new TNGA GA-K platform developed specifically to accommodate both hybrid and battery electric powertrains. The wheelbase stretches by 80 mm, translating to visibly more rear legroom. For Saudi buyers who employ drivers or frequently carry family, that extra space is tangible value.

Now the exterior is Lexus' LF-ZC concept inspired, and you no longer see the aggressive spindle grille on the BEV model. It is now replaced by body sculpting that suggests the grille's shape without the actual opening. The hybrid models retain a slim upper grille for cooling. The new Twin L-Signature Lamps create a distinctive front lighting signature. At the rear, a full-width L-signature lamp integrates with the illuminated Lexus logo.

For Saudi buyers, the look matters because resale value often correlates with design appeal. The current ES's styling aged quickly. The 2026 design is now certainly cleaner and simpler and should hold visual appeal longer.

Hybrid and Electric Powertrain 

Variant	Type	Power Output	Drive	0-100 km/h	Range (BEV)
ES 300h	2.0L Hybrid	197 hp	FWD	9.4s	N/A
ES 350h	2.5L Hybrid	201-247 hp	FWD/AWD	7.8-8.5s	N/A
ES 350e	BEV	224 hp	FWD	8.9s	685 km
ES 500e	BEV (DIRECT 4)	343 hp	AWD	5.9s	610 km

Hybrid Models

The ES 300h comes with a new 2.0-litre inline-4 hybrid system, paired with an E-CVT, promising 197 hp with a clear focus on efficiency. The ES 350h offers the updated 2.5-litre hybrid with a newly integrated eAxle, available in FWD and AWD, with power ranging from 201 to 247 hp depending on configuration.

For Saudi buyers: hybrid models make sense for city driving, as Riyadh's and Jeddah's stop-and-go patterns favour hybrid efficiency. But fuel prices remain subsidised, which makes them less attractive.

Battery Electric Models

The ES 350e offers an estimated 685 km range with 224 hp, while the ES 500e adds DIRECT4 intelligent AWD, continuously adjusting torque distribution from 100:0 to 0:100. Power jumps to 343 hp, and 0-100 km/h drops to 5.9 seconds, but the range drops to nearly 610 km. Both use NACS ports capable of DC fast charging. Under ideal conditions, 10-80% charging takes around 30 minutes at 150 kW.

For Saudi Arabian buyers, this presents challenges simply because we know public charging infrastructure remains limited outside major cities. Most buyers would need home charging capability, and unlike markets with zero-emission incentives, Saudi buyers face the full BEV premium without subsidies.

Tech Upgrades Interior

Just like the exterior, there are some major changes inside with a completely redesigned cabin. The seating position is higher, improving ease of entry and visibility. For the first time, an Executive Package is available, including:

• Reclining rear seats with passenger-side ottoman
• Rear outboard massaging seats
• Rear seat heating and ventilation
• Full-forward folding front passenger seat

This premium sedan directly attracts chauffeur-driven buyers, a rather large segment in KSA. The Executive Package transforms the ES into a genuine rear-seat luxury experience. There is a panoramic roof with adjustable dimming that uses low-E glass with 99% UV reduction, critical in Saudi Arabia's harsh sun. The new Lexus Interface system features a 14-inch touchscreen, with native navigation integrated into the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. You get standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For your entertainment and music, the Mark Levinson Surround Sound System offers optimised 3D audio. The door trim gets innovative 3D-printed bamboo-layering ornamentation paired with thematic ambient illumination.

Safety

Interestingly, the 2026 ES is the first Lexus model equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, with updated hardware and enhanced detection capabilities. The redesigned platform's structural rigidity has been significantly increased, reducing body vibrations and improving steering precision.

Key chassis upgrades mean a multi-link rear suspension for the first time in the ES, MacPherson strut front suspension, and dynamic rear steering that turns rear wheels up to 4 degrees. The BEV models' lower centre of gravity from underfloor battery placement should provide noticeably improved handling stability.

What Saudi Buyers Should Actually Expect

1. The Sedan is a complete Redesign, Not a facelift.

The 2026 ES is ground-up new, and buyers waiting get significantly more cars than what's currently available. This matters for long-term ownership value.

2. BEV Options Come with Infrastructure Challenges

Range anxiety is real, and the ES 350e's 685 km range sounds excellent, but that's the CLTC cycle, which tends to be optimistic. Real-world range in Saudi Arabia's heat, with air conditioning running constantly, will be lower. And BEV pricing will be significantly higher than hybrid models, with no government incentives to offset the premium.

4. The Executive Package Targets Chauffeur-Driven Buyers

Saudi Arabia has a meaningful chauffeur-driven luxury sedan market. The ES with Executive Package slots neatly into that niche, competing with long-wheelbase German sedans at a lower price point.

5. Technology Improves, But Still Not Class-Leading

The updated tech represents genuine improvements. But Lexus remains conservative even after the diverse Lexus Model lineup in KSA. Mercedes and BMW offer more advanced systems. The ES's tech is competent and reliable, not cutting-edge. For buyers, focus on proven reliability over the latest features; that's acceptable.

It will be worth noting what the prices of these new upgraded sedans will be. A lot depends on that, but it is no surprise that they will be expensive. The current ES pricing runs from SAR 193,315 to SAR 273,470. The 2026 model's expanded content will push prices higher. Whether Saudi buyers accept BEV pricing for a sedan rather than allocating that budget to a luxury SUV remains the biggest question.

Also keep in mind the service aspect of your ownership. Presently, Lexus service centres in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam maintain strong reputations. But the 2026 ES introduces complexity, and the hybrid models use established technology with proven reliability. BEV models are new for Lexus in Saudi Arabia. 

Conclusion

The all-new 2026 Lexus ES undoubtedly appears to have grown up from its predecessor; that certainly is a huge step up by the brand. It now showcases Lexus' most ambitious sedan update in years, and it is now promising a lot to its loyal admirers. Both in terms of tech and powertrain, and more importantly, bigger space and more comfort. You get to choose between hybrid or pure EV variants. If you are curious enough about the new ES, and also planning an upgrade and this Japanese luxury brand is of your taste, then it is worth the wait to get your hands on this high-end elegant sedan within the next few months. 

Also Read: Renault Koleos: Is This SUV Overlooked in the Saudi Market?