Luxury, performance and electric power come together in the all-new 2026 Lexus ES500e Premium, a sedan that impressed me from the moment it arrived. Finished in attractive Iridium paint with a black NuLuxe interior, the ES500e has the elegant styling expected from Lexus while introducing the latest generation of electric technology.
What surprised me most was the price. After spending several days behind the wheel, I expected the window sticker to be considerably higher. Even equipped with nearly every available option, including a special wheel package and premium paint, the test vehicle carried a bottom-line price of $54,710. For a luxury all-wheel-drive electric sedan with this level of refinement, I found that to be a reasonable value.
The ES500e is powered by a 74.7-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack producing a combined 338 horsepower. Performance is impressive, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The power delivery is smooth, quiet and immediate, making passing and merging effortless.
The estimated driving range is 272 miles on a full charge. Using a standard home charging system, a full recharge takes about seven hours. The vehicle is also compatible with Tesla Superchargers and other high-speed charging stations, allowing charging times of approximately 28 minutes when connected to the proper fast-charging equipment.
Inside, Lexus continues its reputation for craftsmanship. Heated and ventilated NuLuxe front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support, a heated steering wheel and an innovative radiant knee heater make the cabin exceptionally comfortable in every season.
Technology is equally impressive. A 12.3-inch multimedia display is easy to read and operate, while the 10-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system delivers excellent sound quality. A wireless phone charger, four USB ports and numerous connectivity features make the ES500e well suited for today’s families and professionals.
One feature I particularly appreciated was the acoustic front and side window glass, which significantly reduces outside road noise. The result is one of the quietest passenger compartments I have experienced. Additional conveniences include a power trunk with a kick sensor, a power moonroof and a smart entry system that recognizes the driver and unlocks the vehicle automatically upon approach.
Safety is enhanced with Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and an array of advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to make everyday driving safer and less stressful.
Driving an electric vehicle through Colorado also provided a reminder of both its strengths and limitations. Around town, where traffic frequently stops and starts, regenerative braking continually recharges the battery, helping extend driving range. I also noticed the battery regained charge while descending mountain grades.
The opposite is true when climbing steep mountain highways. Driving up Floyd Hill and other Front Range grades while running the air conditioning and entertainment system caused the available range to decrease much more rapidly. That’s simply the reality of today’s electric vehicles. Fortunately, Colorado continues adding fast-charging stations, making longer trips more practical than they were only a few years ago.
With gasoline prices remaining elevated, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly attractive for many drivers. For commuters traveling 50 miles or less each day, charging overnight at home can virtually eliminate visits to the gas station while providing all the comfort and luxury expected in a premium sedan.
The 2026 Lexus ES500e Premium is my favorite electric vehicle I have tested to date. It combines handsome styling, outstanding comfort, impressive performance and excellent technology in a package that drew compliments wherever I drove it. For buyers seeking a refined luxury electric sedan for everyday driving, Lexus has produced a winner.