Our team at Dal-Motors has been following Lexus’s design for very long now. The 2026 Lexus ES 350 felt us like more than a normal refresh. ES mainly known for its gold standard for comfortable luxury and premium tech. The 2026 Lexus ES’s interior feels like different level of luxury, below article will review it in detail.
2026 Lexus ES Interior Design
The first thing that grabs your eyes’ attention is the cleanliness of the interior design. Lexus has given past models traditional dashboard and made it to only essential buttons. They call it “Clean Tech x Elegance,” and it’s a philosophy that’s immediately apparent.
Your eyes are drawn to the massive 14-inch touchscreen that seems to float in the center of the dash, a monumental upgrade from the old 8-inch or even the optional 12.3-inch displays of the 2025 model. Paired with a crisp 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel, the entire cockpit feels like it was designed by tech gurus, not just car engineers.
Most of the physical buttons are gone, replaced by a capacitive touch bar for core climate functions and a clever feature Lexus calls “Hidden Switches”. These controls are invisible when the car is off but light up when you start it, offering a clean aesthetic while still giving you the tactile confirmation we drivers crave. I feel this is an bold move, because there will be traditional buyers who will still want the old layout.
Additionally, wireless apple play and android auto just feel life saving for maps and infotainment features.
Comparison with past model’s interior:
| Feature | 2026 Lexus ES | Our Take on the Previous ES (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Design Philosophy | A minimalist, driver-focused digital cockpit | A proven, button-rich layout that prioritized ease of use over modern aesthetics |
| Infotainment Screen | A stunning 14-inch touchscreen is now standard | A standard 8-inch screen that felt dated, or an optional 12.3-inch unit |
| Instrument Cluster | A full 12.3-inch digital display | A combination of an LCD screen and an analog-style speedometer |
| User Controls | Capacitive touch bar and innovative “Hidden Switches” | A familiar landscape of physical buttons and knobs |
| Connectivity | Effortless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Required a wired connection, which felt behind the times |
| Rear Comfort | A game-changing luxury package with reclining seats and an ottoman | Excellent standard comfort, but nothing like the new chauffeur-style option |
| Cabin Space | Visibly more spacious, thanks to an extended wheelbase | A roomy and opulent cabin, but it can’t match the new model’s sense of openness |
Yes, i agree that 2026 ES model has gone far away from the past models interior but still remains a premium styled comfortable pick. I like new front seat which provide better support and comfort for longer drives. In the rear its a game changing recliner seats and an ottoman on the passenger side transform 2026 Lexus ES’s interior into next level thing.
The legendary quietness of the ES has also been improved with enhanced door seals and sound-insulating glass, making the cabin a serene oasis. The optional Mark Levinson audio system, a favorite of ours, has been reworked with 17 speakers to create a stunning 3D soundscape that has to be heard to be believed.
