2026 Lexus ES: Missing features, quirks and... a gearbox in an EV? (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

Lexus ES 2026 has finally received a fully electric powertrain. For better or for worse. The eight generation of the premium sedan is also available as a "self-charging" hybrid, but there is no PHEV variant. Does a luxury sedan with a traction battery hidden under the floor still possess the traditional soul of the brand?

Here is what I will look into and show you in this review:

The Paradox of Size: Why did this model have to grow so drastically, and what does that mean for everyday city maneuvering?

Hidden Switches: Where did the designers hide the dashboard buttons, and is it actually a practical solution?

The Big Mystery Under the Bonnet: What did the clever minds at Toyota decide to put in the space where EVs usually have a front boot?

A Gearbox that... Isn't There: How does the manual mode with paddle shifters, a simulated tachometer, and a rev limiter work in an electric car?

Real-World Battery Capabilities: How much of the official range claims are left in reality, and how does the car perform at fast chargers?

Engineering Pitfalls: What went wrong with the emergency door-opening system, and why might the configurator for this model leave you deeply puzzled?

Is the new Lexus ES a better choice than its German premium competitors? Let’s find out!

↔ 2026 Lexus ES dimensions:
✔ length: 5140 mm
✔ width: 1920 mm
✔ height: 1560 mm
✔ wheelbase: 2950 mm
✔ boot/trunk: 517 L

???? Lexus ES 300h starting price: 61 000 euro

???? Lexus ES 500e AWD price as tested: 70 000 euro

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???? Also watch:
Audi A6 Sportback e-tron https://youtu.be/0dLJUrMhaYI
BMW i5 https://youtu.be/f17SlY_ddmo
Lexus ES https://youtu.be/vsLn1tF43J8
Mercedes-Benz EQE https://youtu.be/OmAUixzU1-0
Toyota Camry https://youtu.be/nx9nL-ivY-4

#MarekDrivesENG #Lexus #LexusES #ES500e #Sedan #CarReview #EV #Motoring2026

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????Transparency note: ????
Marek Drives reviews are independent and based on personal experience with cars provided by car manufacturers for media to review. No carmaker has any influence on what is being said in the review, nor are they given a preview. No carmaker pays me to do these reviews. My sponsors are you - the viewers, Channel Members, and occasional non-carmaker entities, whose sponsorship is always clearly marked.

Chapters:
0:00 intro
0:20 EV or Hybrid?
1:00 dimensions
2:05 design
3:25 charging port
3:47 frunk
3:54 boot
5:06 rear seat
5:55 cockpit
10:35 soundproofing
11:13 fake engine sound
11:53 recuperation
12:10 driving impressions
12:45 range
13:20 charging
13:50 performance
14:08 driving impressions cont.
15:05 pricing
15:45 conclusion