Lexus Redesigns ES Sedan with Dual-Display Interior and Electric Powertrain Options

Lexus has completely redesigned its ES midsize sedan with a ground-up overhaul that replaces traditional analog controls with a streamlined dual-display layout and introduces hybrid and all-electric powertrain options. The interior technology represents a significant departure from previous generations, featuring a 14-inch center touchscreen with infotainment software engineered to eliminate processing lag.

Interior Technology Transformation

The redesigned cabin prioritizes digital displays and responsiveness. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard across all trim levels, offering drivers instant customization through horizontal steering wheel controls. The system allows users to cycle between display options, including traditional double-dial layouts, without navigating complex menu structures.

The central infotainment hub sits prominently on the dashboard as a 14-inch touchscreen running Lexus's latest software architecture. This system closely parallels Toyota's newest infotainment suite found in vehicles like the RAV4, delivering smartphone-level responsiveness. A critical improvement involves eliminating the infotainment lag that plagued earlier Lexus and Toyota models. The new software features a customizable home screen, allowing drivers to pin and rearrange preferred widgets before startup—a capability absent from previous generations.

User Interface and Control Design

The cabin incorporates several ergonomic refinements. A quick-access menu located in the top-right corner provides instant control over display modes, screen brightness, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring, and safety toggles. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems settings can now be toggled directly from this submenu without navigating multilayered settings.

Physical controls remain integrated into the design. Sleek switches below the main display offer tactile feedback while blending seamlessly into the trim when powered down. The center console features a compact electronic shifter nub for gear selection, maintaining a clean cabin aesthetic.

Powertrain and Performance Options

Beyond interior upgrades, the redesigned ES introduces significant powertrain choices. The ES 350e EV variant offers front-wheel-drive electric propulsion alongside traditional hybrid options, expanding the model's appeal to drivers seeking alternative fuel technologies. These powertrain updates complement Lexus's emphasis on quiet, smooth highway cruising—characteristics that have defined the ES nameplate for years.